Sri Lanka registered a thrilling victory over Afghanistan in their second match of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025, played at the ICC Academy Grounds in Dubai, to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament.
Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a competitive total of 235 runs. Opening batter Osman Sadat top scored with a well-compiled 52 off 87 balls, which included a four and a six.
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Sri Lanka’s bowlers delivered disciplined performances, with Dulnith Sigera and Sethmika Senevirathne leading the attack by claiming three wickets each to restrict Afghanistan to a manageable total.
In reply, Sri Lanka were made to work hard in a tense run-chase that went down to the final over. Opener Viran Chamuditha played a crucial role at the top of the order, scoring 62 runs off 83 balls with three fours and two sixes. Middle-order batter Chamika Heenatigala also played a vital role, holding his nerve to remain unbeaten on 51 off 57 balls, striking three fours and a six.
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Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Sri Lanka kept their composure and crossed the finish line in the last over of the match with just two wickets in hand to seal a hard-fought win.
With this victory, Sri Lanka registered back-to-back wins to move to the top of the Group B points table. They will next face Bangladesh on 17 December at the ICC Academy Grounds in Dubai.
Brief Scores
Afghanistan U19 – 235 (49.5) Osman Sadat 52, Dulnith Sigera 3/33, Sethmika Senevirathne 3/49, Chamika Heenatigala 2/33, Rasith Nimsara 2/42
Sri Lanka U19 – 238/8 (49.2) Viran Chamuditha 62, Chamika Heenatigala 51*, Kavija Gamage 34, Dimantha Mahavithana 27, Dulnith Sigera 22, Nooristani Omarzai 3/52
Result – Sri Lanka U19 won by 2 wickets
