Sri Lanka Under-17s fought back strongly to level their three-match youth ODI series 1-1, defeating Bangladesh Under-17s by six wickets in the second match at the Bir Shreshtha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram on Tuesday.

Despite a resilient half-century from Bangladesh opener Sk Jarif Siyam, the young Tigers were bowled out for just 194, a target the visitors chased down comfortably with 25 balls to spare.

Sri Lanka enjoyed a flying start in their pursuit of 195, putting on 31 runs in just 19 balls for the first wicket before Jarif struck to provide Bangladesh with a breakthrough. The visitors, however, regained control through a commanding 80-run stand for the second wicket.

Opener Arosha Sithumina, who anchored the innings, scored a crucial 50 off 63 balls before being bowled by Bangladesh captain Md. Rakibul Hossan. Though the scoring rate slowed slightly afterward, Sri Lanka remained firmly on track for victory.

Bangladesh attempted to claw their way back when Jarif bowled Jason Fernando (24 off 41) and Rakibul struck again in the very next over to leave Sri Lanka at 156 for 4. But Hirun Matheesha and Sanul Weeraratne held their nerve as Sri Lanka crossed the target without further damage.

Earlier, Bangladesh opted to bat first and made a promising start through Md Naiem and Jarif. Naiem departed for 15 off 19, but Jarif found support from wicketkeeper Adrito Ghosh as the pair added 55 runs. Adrito, who scored a century in the previous match, managed 19 this time before falling at 74 for 2.

Jarif continued confidently, stitching a 37-run stand with Akhash Roi before reaching a well-made half-century. He top-scored for Bangladesh with 52 off 65 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. His dismissal at 111 for 3 triggered a collapse, as the middle order failed to capitalise.

Captain Rakibul contributed 17, Junayed Hossain added 20, while wicketkeeper Sourav Karmakar fell for a duck. Bangladesh eventually folded for 194, unable to bat out the full quota of overs.

Sri Lanka’s bowling was led by Minuga Nethsara and Himaru Deshan, who picked up three wickets each. Manitha Rajapaksa chipped in with two.

The decisive third and final youth ODI, scheduled to take place on 11 December at the same ground, will now serve as the series decider, with both teams locked at 1-1 after two contrasting encounters.