A century to opener Sam Fanning has guided Australia Under 19s to victory in the first of three Youth ODIs against Sri Lanka Under 19s in Colombo overnight.
Fanning smashed 108 off just 94 deliveries, as the tourists chased down Sri Lanka’s total of 6-262 with seven wickets to spare in the 48th over.
The hosts won the toss, electing to bat and losing just two wickets in the first 45 overs of their innings.
Openers Kamil Mishra (123) and Navod Paranavithana (45) started strongly for Sri Lanka, with captain Nipun Dananjaya (47) also among the runs.
For Australia, Tasmania rookie Jarrod Freeman claimed 1-44 from his 10 overs of off-spin, while Josh Kann (2-27) and Melbourne Renegades quick Zak Evans (2-53) claimed wickets late in the innings.
In reply, Fanning and fellow opener Corey Hunter (47 off 63) got Australia off to a flying start, putting on 114 runs for the first wicket.
First-drop Keegan Oates (29) also spent time at the crease, combining with Fanning for a 60-run stand.
Ollie Davies (50 not out) and captain Will Sutherland (25 not out), who made his BBL debut for the Melbourne Renegades this summer, combined for an unbroken 68-run partnership to seal the game.
The Australian team featured six players making their international under-19 debut – Sam Fanning, Corey Hunter, Keegan Oates, Josh Kann, Tanveer Sangha and Matt Willans.
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 v Australia Under 19s at P Sara Oval, Colombo
7 January: Sri Lanka Under 19s v Australia Under 19s at P Sara Oval, Colombo
Three-Day Match
10-12 January: Sri Lanka Under 19s v Australia Under 19s at SSC Ground, Colombo