Australia Under 19s have claimed an unassailable 2-0 series lead in their three-match Youth ODI Series against Sri Lanka Under 19s in Colombo, winning by seven runs on Saturday.
A strong batting performance saw the Australians post 5-304, with the hosts finishing at 9-297 to fall just short in their reply.
Victoria and Melbourne Renegades all-rounder Will Sutherland led the charge for Australia with a century, smashing 115 off 91 deliveries.
He found strong support from first-drop Keegan Oates (95 off 100) and skipper Ollie Davies (52 off 48).
Oates and Sutherland combined for a 112-run partnership, before Sutherland hit the accelerator at the back of the innings in a 75-run partnership with Lachie Hearne (17*).
Sutherland brought up his half century off 56 deliveries, with his next 65 runs coming off just 35 balls.
The 19-year-old said it was pleasing to bring up his first century for Australia.
“Absolutely – it’s something I’ve always wanted to do coming through the national pathway,” Sutherland said.
“It was great to tick that off in my last year of under 19s and to get some experience in subcontinent conditions.
“It was a great win. We were looking a bit at the pump at the start of our bowling innings, but pulled it together nicely. Josh Kann, Jarrod Freeman and Iain Carlisle all bowled really well at the death, so it was great to win the series.”
Swing bowler Iain Carlisle claimed 4-60 off his nine overs, with Liam Marshall (2-37) and Tasmania rookie Jarrod Freeman (2-53) also picking up multiple wickets.
The match marked the international under-19 debut of Lachie Hearne and Liam Marshall.
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 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
