Sri Lanka ‘A’ secured a comfortable victory over Afghanistan ‘A’ to book their place in the final of the Tri-Nation ‘A’ One Day Series, where they will face India ‘A’ on 21st June at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.
After being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka ‘A’ posted an imposing total of 322 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs.
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Opener Avishka Fernando led the charge with a superb 110 off 97 deliveries, striking 13 boundaries and a six. Wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella provided strong support with an aggressive 66 off 54 balls, which included 12 fours.
The pair laid a solid foundation with a 133-run opening partnership, putting Sri Lanka firmly in control of the contest.
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For Afghanistan ‘A’, Faridoon Dawoodzai was the standout bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 60 runs.
Chasing 323, Afghanistan ‘A’ struggled to keep up with the required rate and were eventually bowled out for 219.
Making his debut for Sri Lanka ‘A’, left-arm seamer Dulaj Samuditha produced a memorable performance, taking 5 wickets for just 25 runs in a match-winning spell.
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Fast bowler Kugathas Mathulan also impressed, picking up 3 wickets for 28 runs to help dismantle the Afghanistan batting lineup.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ will now turn their attention to the final, where they will take on India ‘A’ in what promises to be an exciting contest at Dambulla.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka ‘A’ – 322/8 (50) Avishka Fernando 110, Niroshan Dickwella 66, Nuwanidu Fernando 45, Ravindu Fernando 25, Faridoon Dawoodzai 4/60
Afghanistan ‘A’ – 219 (42.5) Hassan Eisakhil 74, Dulaj Samuditha 5/25, Kugathas Mathulan 3/28
Result – Sri Lanka ‘A’ won by 103 runs
