Waugh leads Aus U19s to series win

A composed half-century from Austrin Waugh has helped Australia Under-19s take an unassaible 3-1 series lead in the fourth youth one-day international against Sri Lanka in Hobart.

Waugh, the son of former Test captain Stephen, struck a measured 60 off 125 balls to dig Australia out of early trouble and reach the victory target of 163 with four wickets to spare at Kingston’s Twin Ovals.

The right-hander grabbed his shirt on reaching 50, later explaining the gesture was to show his pride in representing his country.

Waugh, who came to the crease at 3-2, patiently compiled his runs and was eventually out with Australia 23 runs shy of victory. 

He found valuable allies in Matthew Spoors (32) and Jonathan Merlo (43 not out), with the latter getting Australia home with 26 balls to spare to seal the five-game ODI series. 

Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Kamindu Mendis won the toss and elected to bat but the visitors soon found themselves in trouble.

Opening bowlers Zak Evans (4-30) and Ryan Hadley both made an early breakthrough, before leg-spinner Spoors and Iain Carlisle picked up a wicket each following in their footsteps.

Sri Lanka were reduced to 4-39, with key quartet Vishva Chathuranga, Lasith Croospulle, vice-captain Haditha Boyagoda and skipper Mendis all back in the shed.

From there though, Jehan Daniel (36) and Krishan Sanjula (29) led the revival, as the visitors inched past 100 at a rate of three runs per over without any further loss.

But Sanjula, Ayana Siriwardena and Daniel fell in quick succession, before some lower-order resistance from Rashmika Dilshan (25 off 50 balls) and Nipun Ransika (28 off 29) ensured the hosts batted through their overs to set a competitive total.

Evans’ effort was his third four-wicket haul for the series, which concludes with the fifth and final 50-over clash at the same venue on Sunday.