Ireland's Under 19 cricketers threw away a great chance of capturing a Full member scalp when they lost to Sri Lanka in Brisbane in their final warm-up game ahead of the World Cup.
A fine bowling display, especially by the spinners, had reduced Sri Lanka to 138-8, before a crucial late order rally saw them post 188. The Irish conceded 32 extras - the top score in the Sri Lankan innings - with the bat Waduge (29), Fernando (27), Madushanka (27*), and De Mel (23) were the main contributors.
Skipper George Dockrell was excellent as he took 2 for 18 in his 10 overs, while Andy McBrine claimed 2 for 28 and Tyrone Kane 2 for 29. Peter Chase, Graeme McCarter and Adam Coughlan were the other wicket takers.
In reply Ireland lost Scott Campbell (0) early on but Ryan Hunter and Jason van der Merwe both batted with great purpose to take Ireland to a comfortable 67 for 1 before the wheels fell off in spectacular fashion.
The dismissal of Van Der Merwe for 28 saw the Irish middle order disintegrate, and despite Hunter's 55 from 99 balls (6 fours), the only other player to make an impression was Barry McCarthy who was left stranded on 19 as Ireland finished 50 runs short.
Tharandu Kaushal proved the destroyer-in-chief as he took 6 for 20 to put Ireland in a spin.
At Brisbane Sri Lanka U19's 188 all out (Waduge 29, Fernando 27, Madushanka 27*, De Mel 23, G Dockrell 2-18, A McBrine 2-28, T Kane 2-29) beat ireland U19's 138 (R Hunter 55, J van der Merwe 28. T Kaushal 6-20).