United Arab Emirates (UAE) pulled off an upset win over Sri Lanka in the 7th match of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2023, played today (11th December) at Dubai.
Having asked to bat first, Sri Lanka got off to a shaky start as they lost one of the opening batters Hirun Kapurubandara for just 1 run in the 3rd over of the innings.
The Skipper Sineth Jayawardene rescued Sri Lanka with a vital knock (49) with the help of Pulindu Perera (24) and Rusanda Gamage (26) at the top of the order.
However, Sri Lanka witnessed a batting collapse in the middle order as they lost 5 quick wickets for just 56 runs to be slumped to 168 for 7.
The middle order batter Dinura Kalupahana and tail-ender Vishwa Lahiru managed to revive the innings, adding a crucial 51-run stand for the 8th wicket as Sri Lanka posted 220/9 in the allotted 50 overs.
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Kalupahana top scored for Sri Lanka with an unbeaten knock of 56 runs off 87 balls with 2 fours, while Jayawardene made a useful 49 runs off 65 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes.
Sri Lanka started off brilliantly with the ball, dismissing UAE’s opening pair inside the powerplay. Both wickets were snared by the seamer Garuka Sanketh.
However, UAE No. 3 batter Tanish Suri played a match-defining knock under pressure to put his side on course for a historic run-chase. The Sri Lankan bowlers kept things tight, picking up wickets at regular intervals and managed to drag the game till the final few overs, but the UAE tail-enders held their nerves to put their side over the line at the end.
Sri Lanka will play their third and final game in the Group Stage of the tournament against UAE on the 13th December at the same venue.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka – 220/9 (50) Dinura Kalupahana 56*, Sineth Jayawardene 49, Rusanda Gamage 26, Pulindu Perera 24, Vishwa Lahiru 23*, Aayan Khan 2/38, Omid Rehman 2/48
UAE – 224/8 (48.2) Tanish Suri 75, Aayan Khan 33, Maroof Merchant 20, Garuka Sanketh 3/35
Result – UAE won by 2 wickets
 pulled off an upset win over Sri Lanka in the 7th match of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2023, played today (11th December) at Dubai.){kind=link}