Sri Lanka ‘A’ into semi finals

Sri Lanka ‘A’ led by Nuwanidu Fernando joined Afghanistan ‘A’ from Group ‘A’ in the semi-finals of the ongoing ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup after a dominant 19-run win over Bangladesh A at the Oman Cricket Academy ground on Tuesday night.

In the final league game of the group ‘A ‘ Bangladesh, chasing 162 to win, were restricted to 142 for 7 wickets in 20 overs while leg spinner Dushan Hemantha was the pick of the bowlers claiming 3 for 23.

The victory also sealed Sri Lanka’s top spot in the group and they will now play the second-placed team of Group B in the semi-finals on Friday.

Abu Hider’s lone fighting unbeaten knock of 38 that included three sixes was not enough as Bangladesh needed 23 off the last over and they could only manage 142/7 and final over was bowled by paceman Eshan Malinga given away only three runs to seal the victory.

Dushan Hemantha was named Player of the Match.

Earlier, Sri Lanka’ s Pavan Rathnayake’s hit 26-ball 42 and Sahan Arachchige scored 30 to set up a competitive total after openers Yashoda Lanka (23) and Lahiru Udara (35) smashed 40 in the first 5 overs. Skipper Nuwanidu Fernando scored a 20-ball 19 to helped the team score 161/7.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ will meet Pakistan A in the semi finals. Afghanistan A will play the winner of Group B.The semi finals will be played on October 25 followed by final on 27.

Chief scores:

Sri Lanka A 161/7 in 20 overs (Yashoda Lanka 23, Lahiru Udara 35, Sahan Arachchige 30, Pavan Rathnayake 42, Ripon Mondol 2/36, Rejaur Rahman Raja 2/35)

Bangladesh A 142/7 in 20 overs (Said Hassan 29 reth hurt, Parvez Hossain Emon 24, Abu Hider 38 not out; Dushan Hemantha 3/23, Ramesh Mendis 1/19, Nimesh Vimukthi 1/30, Eshan Malinga 1/22, Nipun Ransika 1/26)

 Source:Daily News