Sharujan steers Sri Lanka to second win

Sharujan Shanmuganathan, the wicket-keeper and batsman, smashed a brilliant knock of 102 as the Sri Lanka Under-19 team recorded a comfortable 131-run win over Afghanistan Under-19s in their Asia Cup group fixture played at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

The 18-year-old left-hander was undoubtedly the match hero, anchoring the innings as a number three batter. His century helped Sri Lanka set a challenging total of 243 for 7 after choosing to bat first. In reply, Afghanistan managed to score only 112 in just 28.2 overs, paving the way for Sri Lanka to reach the semi-finals.

Sri Lanka’s opening pair, Dulnith Sigera and Pulindu Perera, struggled initially, with Sigera being dismissed for a duck in the first over by paceman Ghazanfar. However, Sharujan Shanmuganathan and Pulindu Perera formed a solid partnership, adding 100 runs for the second wicket, lifting Sri Lanka to a strong position after the first half of the innings (25 overs).

Pulindu Perera scored 53 runs off 80 balls with 5 fours, before being dismissed by opponent skipper Mahboob Khan. Sharujan began his innings slowly, stating that he wanted to stay at the crease as long as possible to build the innings. His plan was well executed, and he reached his century in the final over with a boundary off Nooristani Omarzai. Sharujan struck 7 fours during his 132-ball innings before being bowled by Omarzai with a yorker in the 49.4 over. Sri Lanka added 74 runs in the last ten overs, with Sharujan leading the charge, well-supported by Lakvin Abeysinghe (16), Kavija Gamage (14), and skipper Vihas Thewmika, who scored an unbeaten 13 off 16 balls.

Ghazanfar was Afghanistan’s standout bowler, taking 3 for 35.

Afghanistan’s top order struggled in their chase, finding themselves at 54 for 5 after 16 overs. Newton Ranjithkumar, the paceman, and Viran Chamuditha, the leg-spinner, made key breakthroughs that put pressure on the Afghan side. Hamza Khan scored 32 off 61 balls with 3 fours, and Nazifullah Amiri hit 33 runs off 34 balls, with 4 fours and a six, in a brief effort to repair the innings. However, Sri Lankan spinners Vihas Thewmika (2 for 10) and Praveen Maneesha (3 for 16) bowled exceptionally well, quickly taking wickets as Afghanistan were all out for 112 in 28.2 overs.

Praveen Maneesha was the pick of the bowlers, achieving his second three-wicket haul (3 for 16) following the match against Nepal, while Thewmika and Ranjithkumar each took two wickets, providing excellent support to restrict Afghanistan’s innings.

Centurion Sharujan Shanmuganathan performed excellently as a wicketkeeper, taking three catches and effecting one stumping. He was awarded Player of the Match, marking his second consecutive award after the first game against Nepal.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will meet in their last group match tomorrow in Dubai.

Chief scores

Sri Lanka under 19’s: 243 for 7 wickets in 50 overs (Pulindu Perera 53, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 102, Vimath Dinsara 26, Lakvin Abeysinghe 16, Kavija Gamage 14, Vihas Thewmika 13*, AM Ghazanfar 3/35)

Afghanistan under 19’s: 112 all out in 28.2 overs (Mahboob Khan 12, Faisal Shinozada 14, Hamza Khan 32, Nazifullah Amiri 33, Newton Ranjithkumar 2/28, Viran Chamuditha 2/14, Praveen Maneesha 3/16, Vihas Thewmika 2/10)

 Source:Daily News