Sri Lanka’s Under-19 side showcased the artistry of spin on Thursday, dismantling West Indies Under-19s in the third Youth One-Day International at Coolidge Cricket Ground.
Left-arm duo Vigneshwaran Akash and Chamika Heenatigala combined for a devastating eight-wicket haul that engineered the Caribbean side’s dramatic collapse and powered Sri Lanka to a commanding eight-wicket triumph.
The visitors now lead the best-of-seven series 2-1.
From recovery to ruin
After being rocked early at 10 for two, the West Indies appeared to regain footing through a gritty 63-run stand between captain Joshua Dorne (29) and Earsinho Fontaine (51 off 66 balls). Fontaine’s fluent half-century lifted spirits, but his dismissal marked the beginning of a freefall.
Heenatigala first bowled Dorne, then removed Fontaine just after he reached his milestone. From a position of relative comfort at 73 for two, the home side crumbled spectacularly, losing their last eight wickets for only 65 runs to be bowled out for 138 in 39.2 overs.
Only Fontaine, Dorne, and Tyriek Bryan (24) managed double figures.
Sri Lanka’s spinners shine
Akash finished with 4 for 19, his control and sharp turn leaving batters groping, while Heenatigala claimed 4 for 33, slicing through the middle order with precision. Together, they accounted for the backbone of the West Indies batting, ensuring the contest was effectively over by the halfway stage.
Chasing a modest target, Sri Lanka lost openers Pulisha Thilakaratne (21) and Senuja Wekunagoda (7) to pacer R’Jai Gittens (2-30), but there was no further drama.
Viran Chamuditha anchored the pursuit with a stylish unbeaten 64 off 70 balls, laced with 10 boundaries. He found an able partner in Kavija Gamaje (28 not out), and together they shared an unbroken 90-run stand for the third wicket, sealing victory in just 22 overs.
Series advantage
The emphatic performance underscored Sri Lanka’s growing dominance in the series, while leaving the West Indies with plenty of questions about their ability to withstand sustained spin pressure. With four matches left, the young Caribbean side must find both resilience and tactical answers if they hope to claw their way back.
