Avishka steers Sri Lanka ‘A’ to win over Bangladesh ‘A’

Sri Lanka ‘A’ opener Avishka Fernando who made 133 celebrating his century (Pic. courtesy SLC)

Opener Avishka Fernando stroked a superb knock of 133 as Sri Lanka ‘A’ recorded 48 runs victory over Bangladesh ‘A’ in their ACC men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup tournament cricket fixture played at SSC grounds yesterday.

Bangladesh ‘A’ chasing a target of 350 fought back strongly but finally they had to be satisfied with 301 all out in 48.3 overs. Opener Tanzid Hasen (51), skipper Mohammed Saif Hasen (53), Saumya Sakar (43) and Rakibul Hasen (40) made useful contributions but that was not enough as they were all out with 9 balls to spare. Promod Madushan the paceman 3 for 50 in 6.3 overs while leg spinner Dushan Hemantha 3 for 54 in his ten over spell and off spinner Sahan Arachchige 2 for 62 in his 10 over spell helped restrict Bangladesh ‘A’ side.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ led by Dunith Wellalage made a superb batting display in their opening game to pile up massive 349 for 8 wickets in 50 overs while Avishka Fernando was leading the way with a brilliant knock of 133 in 124 balls with 13 fours and 3 sixes during 42 over innings and he set up 51 runs open stand with Lasith Croosepulle who scored 31 in 28 balls with 6 fours and six. Minod Bhanuka with Avishka Fernando added a remarkable 125 runs second wicket stand while Bhanuka was out scoring 57 in 55 balls with 4 fours and 3 sixes. Pasindu Sooriyabandara the inform batter was hurry to get 43 in 32 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes unfortunately missed his well deserved half century as Thansim Hasen took a catch off Raskibu Hasan. Skipper Dunith Wellalage came to bat at number 7 scored a brisk knock of 31 in just 19 balls struck 3 fours and a six also added valuable 62 runs sixth wicket stand with Ashen Bandara who scored 35 in 25 balls with 4 fours which guided to pass the 300 mark and finally Sri Lanka A’ made a challenging total of 349 for 8 wickets in 50 overs. Ripon Mondol and experienced Saumya Sarkar took three wickets each for Bangladesh ‘A’.

Meanwhile at CCC grounds Afghanistan ‘A’ beat Oman ‘A by 72 runs in their game .

Sri Lanka ‘A’ will meet Afghanistan ‘A’ on 15 (Saturday) at CCC grounds while Today (14) India A’ will meet UAE ‘A’ at SSC grounds and Pakistan ‘A’ Vs Nepal game is at CCC grounds. Eight teams via for the Asian Cup in this Emerging tournament conducted by Asian Cricket Council together with Sri Lanka Cricket.

Chief scores

* At SSC grounds: Sri Lanka’A’ beat Bangladesh ‘A’ by 48 runs

Sri Lanka ‘A’ 349 for 8 wickets in 50 overs (Avishka Fernando 133, Lasith Croospulle 31, Minod Bhanuka 57, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 43, Ashen Bandara 45, Dunith Wellalage 31, Ripon Mondoi 3/71, Saumya Sarker 3/52)

Bangladesh ‘A’ 301 all out in 48.3 0vers (Mohameed Naim Sheikh 22, Thansid Hazen 51, Zakir Hasen 26, Mohameed Saif Hasen 53, Mamudul Hasen Joy 11, Saumya Saker 42, Mehadi Hasan 31, Rakibul Hasen 40, Ripon Mondol 16*, Promod Madushan 3/50, Sahan Arachchige 2/62, Dushan Hemantha 3/54).

* At CCC grounds: Afghanistan ‘A’ beat Oman ‘A’ by 72 runs

Afghanistan ‘A’ 267 for 8 wickets in 49 overs (Zubaid Akbari 79, Riaz Hasen 27, Noor Ali Zadran 35, Sahidullah 45, Bahir Shah 11, Ikram Alikil 34*, Sharafuddin Ashruf 24, Kaleemullah 2/41, Akib Illyaz 2/50)

Oman ‘A’ 195 all out in 40.3 overs (Aqib Illyas 39, Ayan Khan 47, Shubo Pal 10, Shoaib Khan 47, Fayyaz Butt 19*, Mohammed Ibrahim 3/22, Zia- Ur – Rehman 3/37, Izharulhaq Naved 2/42).