Canada's fifth appearance in the Under-19 World Cup has got of to an inauspicious start as they crashed to a 199 run defeat to a strong Sri Lankan side today at the Sylhet District Stadium.

Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and chose to bat first, with Kaveen Bandara and Avishka Fernando putting on 44 for the opening wicket before the latter was run out in the 10th over. Kamindu Mendis was bowled for a duck in the same over.

There was no more of a breakthrough for the Canadians though as Bandara and Asalanka put on 109 for the third wicket, the partnership ending when Asalanka was out for 76, the top score of the Sri Lankan innings. Bandara was out soon afterwards for 61.

Two more decent partnerships - 92 for the fifth wicket and 52 for the sixth - enabled Sri Lanka to reach 315-6 from their 20 overs. Shammu Ashan finished the innings unbeaten on 74.

Canada struggled in their reply, with Arslan Khan's unbeaten 42 the only innings of note. Four of Sri Lanka's bowlers took two wickets each as they bowled Canada out for just 119.

The two sides will next be in action on Saturday, with Sri Lanka playing Afghanistan and Canada playing Pakistan.