Freddie McCann’s majestic ton helped England U19 register a 30-run win over Sri Lanka U19 in the high-scoring second Youth ODI played yesterday (1^st July) at County Ground in Hove. With this win, the hosts managed to level the three-match series, 1-1.

Batting first, the hosts posted a mammoth total on the board – 360/7 thanks to a majestic ton scored by the opening batter Freddie McCann. He smashed 174 runs off 139 balls with 22 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 125.17.

No. 3 batter Noah Thain also contributed with a valuable half-century (66). Sri Lanka U19 skipper Dinura Kalupahana was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors as he grabbed 5 wickets for 81 runs – his best bowling figures in Youth ODIs.

Chasing a mammoth target, Sri Lankan batting unit showed great fighting spirit as they came close to the target but fell just 30 runs short at the end.

The opening batter Pulindu Perera (64) and No. 3 batter Gayana Weerasinghe (57) were the two standout batters for the visitors as they stroked fine half-centuries, setting the ton at the top. The duo added 110-run partnership for the second wicket.

Luc Benkenstein was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts as he grabbed 4 wickets for 77 runs. With the series is locked at 1-1, the third and final Youth ODI which will be played on the 3^rd July at the same venue will decide the series winner.