Pope's hair-raising spell secures win

The Australia Under-19s have wrapped up their Youth ODI series against Sri Lanka in style with a narrow 23-run victory in the final match in Hobart to earn a 4-1 series result.

Australia set the Sri Lanka U19s 245 to win at Kingston's Twin Ovals in Hobart, and a searing spell of leg-spin bowling by the flame-haired Lloyd Pope ended the tourists hopes of victory.

Pope claimed three wickets in six balls across two overs to rip the heart out of the Sri Lankan middle order and put the Aussies on course for victory. 

Will Sutherland also claimed three vital scalps in quick succession - removing Sri Lanka's top three batters in a seven-ball span across two overs. 

Sri Lanka openers Nipun Sumanasinghe (21) and Vishva Chathuranga (31) took their side past 50 without loss, before a triple-strike from Sutherland returned the ascendancy to the hosts.

Jehan Daniel (75) forged partnerships with skipper Kamindu Mendis (25) and wicketkeeper Krishan Sanjula (36), before off-spinner and U19 captain Param Uppal dismissed Daniel to staill Sri Lanka’s chase and open the door for Pope's intervention.

Earlier, the hosts had got off to flying start thanks to a brisk half-century from Max Bryant, with 48 of his 67 runs coming in boundaries. 

First-drop Jason Sangha continued his good work, underlining his potential with a half-century of his own. 

The NSW Blues rookie departed for 59 but Matthew Spoors closed out the innings with an unbeaten 65 to help Australia reach 244 after their 50 overs.

Brief cameos from Sutherland (20) and Uppal (22 not out) took the Australians past 240, while Hareen Buddila was the pick of Sri Lanka’s bowlers with 1-27 from 10 overs, while fellow left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama picked up 2-47.

Uppal and Jack Edwards were named joint player of the series, with Daniel's 75 earning him player of today's match.