Sri Lanka ‘A’ registered a gritty and hard-fought win over Bangladesh ‘A’ in their third group-stage match of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 T20 Cricket Tournament, played yesterday (19th November) in Doha, Qatar. The crucial victory secured their place in the semi-finals of the competition.
Bangladesh ‘A’ skipper Akbar Ali won the toss and opted to bowl first. Sri Lanka ‘A’ made a tactical change to their playing XI, bringing in Pramod Madushan in place of Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, who departed to Pakistan to join the national squad for the T20I Tri-Series.
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Batting first, Sri Lanka ‘A’ posted a competitive total of 159 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Middle-order batter Sahan Arachchige played a standout knock, top-scoring with a fluent and aggressive 69 off 49 balls, including 5 boundaries and 3 sixes.
Skipper Dunith Wellalage added valuable late-innings impetus with a brisk 23 off 14 deliveries, striking 2 fours and a six. For Bangladesh ‘A’, Abu Hider and Ripon Mondol impressed with the ball, picking up two wickets apiece.
In response, Bangladesh ‘A’ fought hard but fell just short, finishing on 153 for 6, handing Sri Lanka ‘A’ a narrow 6-run win. Wellalage delivered a game-changing spell with the ball, claiming 3 for 19 in his 4 overs to lead the islanders’ defence with authority and composure.
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With this crucial victory, Sri Lanka ‘A’ march into the semi-finals, where they will face Pakistan ‘A’ on 21st November. On the same day, India ‘A’ will take on Bangladesh ‘A’ in the other semi-final.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka ‘A’ – 159/7 (20) Sahan Arachchige 69, Dunith Wellalage 23, Abu Hider 2/37, Ripon Mondol 2/41
Bangladesh ‘A’ – 153/6 (20) Habibur Rahman 27, Dunith Wellalage 3/19
Result – Sri Lanka ‘A’ won by 6 runs
 in Doha, Qatar. The crucial victory secured their place in the semi-finals of the competition. ){kind=link}