Sri Lanka ‘A’ registered a comfortable win over Afghanistan ‘A’ in the third match of the Tri-Nation ‘A’ One Day Series played today (13th June) at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka ‘A’ skipper Sahan Arachchige elected to bowl first and made four changes to the side that featured in their previous outing. Top-order batter Vishen Halambage, middle-order batter Ahan Wickramasinghe and seamers Chamika Gunasekara and Kugathas Mathulan were brought into the playing XI, replacing Nuwanidu Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Ravindu Fernando and Garuka Sanketh.
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Afghanistan ‘A’ made a steady start but were unable to capitalize on promising positions as Sri Lanka ‘A’ bowlers kept chipping away with regular wickets. Hassan Eisakhil top-scored with 46 runs while Bahir Shah added 44, helping Afghanistan ‘A’ post 245 runs on the board.
The Sri Lankan bowling attack shared the workload effectively, with speedster Chamika Gunasekara emerging as the standout performer. He claimed 3 wickets for 32 runs in an impressive spell. Wrist-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and fellow seamer Kugathas Mathulan also made valuable contributions, picking up two wickets apiece.
Rain had several interruptions during the hosts’ run-chase, resulting in a revised target of 231 runs for Sri Lanka ‘A’ from 42 overs under the DLS method.
The hosts responded in emphatic fashion, producing a dominant batting display to reach the target with ease. The chase was spearheaded by an outstanding unbeaten century from Avishka Fernando, who showcased his class at the top of the order.
Fernando smashed an unbeaten 108 runs off just 79 deliveries, striking 14 fours and three sixes in a breathtaking innings that put Sri Lanka ‘A’ firmly in control of the chase.
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Niroshan Dickwella provided the early momentum with a blistering knock of 49 runs off only 19 balls. He hammered nine fours and a six at a remarkable strike rate of 257.89, giving the innings the perfect launch.
Sadeera Samarawickrama then joined Fernando in the middle and ensured there were no further hiccups. The experienced batter remained unbeaten on 60 runs from 70 deliveries, striking six boundaries as he anchored the chase alongside Fernando.
Brief Scores
Afghanistan ‘A’ – 245 (49.4) Hassan Eisakhil 46, Bahir Shah 44, Chamika Gunasekara 3/32, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 2/37, Kugathas Mathulan 2/42
Sri Lanka ‘A’ – 231/2 (28.1) Avishka Fernando 108*, Sadeera Samarawickrama 60*, Niroshan Dickwella 49, Farmanullah Safi 2/40
Result – Sri Lanka ‘A’ won by 8 wickets (DLS Method)
 at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.){kind=link}