Afghanistan ‘A’ registered a thrilling three-wicket win over Sri Lanka ‘A’ in their opening match of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 T20 Cricket Tournament played today (15th November) in Doha, Qatar.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ skipper Dunith Wellalage won the toss and elected to bat first, guiding his team to a competitive total of 170/9 in their 20 overs. The innings received a major boost from No. 7 batter Milan Rathnayake, who produced an explosive cameo of 41 off just 19 deliveries, hammering 4 fours and 3 sixes at a blistering strike rate of 215.79.
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Earlier in the innings, Nuwanidu Fernando (39) and Wellalage (33) played crucial supporting roles to stabilize the Sri Lankan effort. For Afghanistan ‘A’, Bilal Sami stood out with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for 45, while AM Ghazanfar delivered an impressive spell of 3 for 32.
Defending 171, Sri Lanka ‘A’ showed great spirit with the ball, taking the contest deep into the final over. However, Afghanistan ‘A’ managed to cross the line with one ball to spare, finishing the chase with three wickets in hand.
The hero of the chase was No. 3 batter Sediqullah Atal, whose dynamic innings of 54 off 27 balls, featuring 3 fours and 5 sixes, provided the momentum Afghanistan needed. His clean hitting shifted the pressure back onto the Sri Lankans at a crucial stage.
For Sri Lanka ‘A’, wrist-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth delivered a standout performance, picking up 3 wickets for 28 in his four overs and keeping his side in the contest.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ will look to bounce back when they meet Hong Kong in their second match of the tournament on 17th November.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka ‘A’ – 170/9 (20) Milan Rathnayake 41, Nuwanidu Fernando 39, Dunith Wellalage 33, Vishen Halambage 28, Bilal Sami 4/45, AM Ghazanfar 3/32
Afghanistan ‘A’ – 171/7 (19.5) Sediqullah Atal 54, Imran Mir 34, Darwish Rasooli 32, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 3/28
Result – Afghanistan ‘A’ won by 3 wickets
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