Sri Lanka U17 Beat Pakistan U17 by 99 Runs in Multan Series Opener as Gunaratne Scores 77

Pakistan’s under-17s were outplayed in every department at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Thursday, going down by 99 runs to Sri Lanka U17 in the first one-day match of the five-match series.

Gunaratne anchors the innings

Pakistan captain Azan Ahmed chose to field first, a decision that backfired as the visitors worked their way to 239 for six from their 50 overs. Opener Methuka Gunaratne set the tone with a composed 77 from 92 balls. He shared an 88-run opening stand with Yenula Hewawitharana, who made 36, and then added 67 for the second wicket with Reshon Solomons, whose 42 kept the scoreboard moving through the middle overs. Mohammad Ihsaan was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers with three for 43, while Fahad Iqbal claimed two for 49.

Chase never gets going

Chasing 240, Pakistan’s batting folded under scoreboard pressure. The hosts were bowled out for 140 in 39 overs, with only three batters reaching 25. Mohammad Saim top-scored with a 47-ball 30, Hamid Raza made 28 and opener Daud Tauqeer Rana 26, but no partnership lasted long enough to trouble the Sri Lankan attack. Sandaru Malshan did the main damage, taking three wickets for just 16 runs, and Thisanga Perera picked up two for 19. Gunaratne was named player of the match. The second game of the series is at the same venue on Saturday, and Pakistan will need a far sharper batting display to level things up.