Kushal stands out in tame draw

Kushal Janith Perera made merry on the third day at the Khulna Divisional Stadium as the second Youth Test between Bangladesh Under-19 and Sri Lanka Under-19 ended in a stalemate. Sri Lanka U-19 looked edgy at 95 for 5 in their second innings after securing a slender 23-run lead, but Perera's fluent century propped them up. Imesh Udayanga provided solid support with a composed fifty as the two put on 165 for the sixth wicket.

Resuming on 229 for 7, Bangladesh U-19 lost Noor Hossain early, soon after he reached his fifty. Mohammad Azim did not last long, and was caught off Vimanga Perera. Taibur Rehman continued strongly but having stroked eight fours during his 226-ball stay became Perera's second victim as the innings came to an end.

Kamrul Islam wreaked havoc right from the outset of Sri Lanka U-19's second essay. He struck with the fourth ball off the innings, removing the dangerous Dinesh Chandimal, and followed it up with the wickets of Udara Jayasundera and Banuka Rajapaksha to leave the visitors nervy at 41 for 3. Kushal however, continued undeterred, even as Sri Lanka U-19 lost first-innings hero Angelo Perera and Vimanga.

It was a gutsy performance from Kushal who brought up his hundred during the crucial stand with Udayanga. There were 12 boundaries in his stroke-filled innings, while Udyanaga managed eight fours during his 127-ball stay.