Sri Lanka escape Afghan noose
Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan by 33 runs but not before a major scare as
they were forced into defending a total of 184 in their Under-19 Cricket
World Cup match in Bangladesh yesterday. Winning the toss and deciding
to bat first, the Sri Lankans were kept in constant check apart from
some resistance put up by skipper Charith Asalanka who top scored with
71 that had eight fours and one six.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out inside 50 overs for a total of
184. Sammu Ashan was a failure with the bat as he struggled to make just
three runs off 23 before he was ruled out leg-before.In pursuit of the
target Afghanistan were cruising along comfortably at 66 for 2, but
Charith Asalanka taking matters into his hand plucked two quick wickets
with his off-spinners to turn the tide and keep the proceedings in
check. Afghanistan could not recover from the setbacks and were finally
dismissed for 151 inside 45 overs.Off spinner Kamindu Mendis ensured the
impressive stuff dished out by his captain was well received as he
grabbed three scalps while accounting for the late order batsmen.
Scores:
Sri Lanka U-19 184 in 48.1 overs (Kaveen Bandara 20, Avishka
Fernando 30, Kamindu Mendis13, Charith Asalanka 71, Hasaranga de Silva
20, Damitha Silva 14)
Afghanistan U-19 151 in 44.5 overs (Karim Janat 40, W Shafaq
47, Charith Asalanka 2 for 18, Kamindu Mendis 3 for 36, Damitha Silva 2
for 33) |