Uppal ton powers Aus U19s to 160-run win

A brilliant century from co-captain Param Uppal has guided Australia Under 19s to a 160-run victory in the first youth one-day international at Hobart’s Kingston Twin Ovals.

In the first of five one-day matches, Uppal scored 111 off just 119 deliveries to help Australia to an imposing 9-265 from their 50 overs.

Fast-bowler Zak Evans then led a comprehensive bowling performance from the hosts, snaring 4-22 from 10 overs in a hostile spell to see Sri Lanka bundled out for 105 in just 33.2 overs.

It hands the home side a 1-0 one-day series lead after the preceding three-day match at the same venue finished in a draw on Monday. 

Earlier, entertaining cameos from debutant Max Bryant (34 off 25) and Jack Edwards (45 off 40) got Australia off to a flying start, before Uppal paired with fellow co-captain Jason Sangha.

Sangha, skipper for this match, scored 31 before Sri Lanka worked their way back into the game through the middle overs.

Vice-captain Hasitha Boyagoda (2-35 off 10) and speedster Nipun Ransika (3-60 off 10) did best for the visitors.

Sri Lanka’s openers raced away to 0-19 off two overs, but from there it was all Australia.

Evans ripped through the opposition, claiming his second four-wicket haul for the series.

Fellow Victorian quick Will Sutherland also chimed in with two wickets, with leg-spinner Lloyd Pope claiming 3-21 - including Ransika to a sensational catch from Sangha - off 9.4 overs.

Nipun Sumanasinghe was Sri Lanka’s top scorer with 29 runs off 52 deliveries.

The series continues on Saturday at the same venue, with play scheduled to commence at 9.30am