Quantcast

Sutherland smashes ton in Aussie U19 win

Will Sutherland hit a brilliant century to help guide the Australian U19 team to an ODI series triumph over Sri Lanka

Will Sutherland scored an 83-ball century for Australia's under-19 team to hold on to beat Sri Lanka by seven runs and claim an unassailable 2-0 lead in their one-day series in Colombo.

Sutherland, who made his Big Bash debut earlier this summer for the Melbourne Renegades, hit five sixes in his 115 from just 91 balls, as he powered from 50 to 100 in just 27 deliveries.

The century was the 19-year-old's first in Australian colours, with the son of former Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland playing as a batsman only in the series due to back problems.

Image Id: 13387C3F1CFA4DACB134881FDBEB4FF1 Image Caption: Sutherland celebrates his century // Cricket Network

He was eventually run out off the last ball of the innings, while exciting Tasmanian product Keegan Oates hit 95 and captain Oliver Davies struck 52 in Australia's 5-304.

Quicks Iain Carlile and Liam Marshall took 4-60 and 2-37 respectively, as Sri Lanka threatened to chase down the target but ended at 9-297.

"I've always wanted to (score a century) coming through the national pathway," Sutherland said.

"It was great to tick that off in my last year of under-19s and to get some experience in subcontinent conditions.

"It's been a really good opportunity for me to (play as a batsman only and) iron out a few things in my batting, technique-wise.

"Working with the Renegades, Andrew McDonald and Lachie (Stevens) have been really good as well.

Sutherland contributed 25 not out during the opening game of the series as Australia successfully chased down Sri Lanka’s total of 6-262 with seven wickets to spare in the 48th over.

His knock was overshadowed by a century to opener Sam Fanning, who smashed 108 off just 94 deliveries to setup the victory.