Sri Lanka A produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Afghanistan A by eight wickets via the DLS method in the third match of the Tri-Nation A Series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Saturday. The victory gave the hosts their first win of the tournament and provided a significant boost to their chances of reaching the final.
After winning the toss and electing to field, Sri Lanka A restricted Afghanistan A to 245 all out in 49.4 overs. Afghanistan made a promising start through Hassan Eisakhil and Bahir Shah, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept chipping away with timely wickets. The innings never truly gained the momentum required for a score beyond 250 as the Sri Lankan attack maintained pressure throughout the middle overs.
Chasing a revised DLS target of 231 in 41 overs following a rain interruption, Sri Lanka A’s batters launched a devastating assault. Former national opener Avishka Fernando led the charge with a magnificent unbeaten 108 from just 79 deliveries, striking boundaries all around the ground and ensuring the chase never drifted away from the home side.
Avishka found strong support from Sadeera Samarawickrama, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 60. The pair added a match-winning partnership that completely dismantled Afghanistan A’s bowling attack. Sri Lanka A raced to 231 for 2 in only 28.1 overs, sealing victory with 77 balls to spare in what became a one-sided finish.
The result places Sri Lanka A firmly back in contention in the Tri-Nation Series after suffering a narrow defeat to India A in their opening match. More importantly, the performance showcased the quality and depth within Sri Lanka’s emerging talent pool, with several players making strong claims for higher honours.
Chief Scores
Afghanistan A 245 all out in 49.4 overs
Hassan Eisakhil 46, Bahir Shah 44, Khalid Taniwal 22
Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Chamika Gunasekara and the Sri Lanka A attack shared the wickets.
Sri Lanka A 231/2 in 28.1 overs (DLS target 231 in 41 overs)
Avishka Fernando 108 not out, Sadeera Samarawickrama 60 not out, Niroshan Dickwella 49
Farmanullah Safi 2 wickets.
Result: Sri Lanka A won by 8 wickets (DLS Method)
Player of the Match: Avishka Fernando (108* off 79 balls)
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