Australia Under 19s have fallen to a three-wicket defeat in their three-day match against Sri Lanka Under 19s in Colombo which concluded on Saturday.
After securing a 2-1 triumph in the three Youth ODI matches, the hosts bounced back to claim victory in the red-ball fixture.
Australia won the toss and batted first, scoring 9-269 before declaring in its first innings.
Opener Corey Hunter (71) and captain/wicket-keeper Baxter Holt (60) led the way with the bat for the visitors.
In reply, Sri Lanka managed 8-309 declared to establish a first-innings lead.
Off-spinner Jarrod Freeman claimed 3-82 from 32 overs, while quick Zak Evans picked up 2-57.
Freeman was the mainstay with the bat in the second innings for the Australians, as they were dismissed for 151 on the final day.
The Tasmanian top-scored with 52, while fellow spinner Tanveer Sangha chipped in with 25.
Sri Lanka completed the run chase in the 20th over of their second innings, but not without a fight from the Australians.
Evans picked up 6-44 from 10 overs, as the hosts reached their target with just three wickets remaining.
Australia Under 19s Squad: Iain Carlisle (NSW), Oliver Davies (NSW), Zak Evans (VIC), Sam Fanning (NSW), Jarrod Freeman (TAS), Lachlan Hearne (NSW), Baxter Holt (NSW), Corey Hunter (QLD), Josh Kann (QLD), Liam Marshall (NSW), Keegan Oates (TAS), Tanveer Sangha (NSW), Will Sutherland (VIC), Matthew Willans (QLD). Coach: Ryan Harris. Assistant Coach: Wade Townsend.
Series Fixtures
One-Day Matches
3 January: Sri Lanka Under 19s (6-262) def by Australia Under 19s (3-263) at P Sara Oval, Colombo
5 January: Sri Lanka Under 19s (9-297) def by Australia Under 19s (5-304) at P Sara Oval, Colombo
7 January: Sri Lanka Under 19s (8-256) def Australia Under 19s (192) at P Sara Oval, Colombo
Three-Day Match
10-12 January: Sri Lanka Under 19s v Australia Under 19s at SSC Ground, Colombo
