Chamari Athapaththu leads Sri Lanka to a clean sweep in their group. Semi-Finals will be engaging. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor).
Chamari Athapaththu led Sri Lanka on a run spree and into the Asia Cup semi- finals as the host nation swept aside Thailand in their final game of the group stages in Dambulla.
Thailand had the consolation of winning the toss and electing to bat. Their good fortunes ended there as Sri Lanka romped to a 10 -wicket victory in a canter chasing a mediocre 94 for victory.
The Thai batters floundered miserably against a full strength Sri Lanka bowling attack who kept them on a tight leash. And, at 6 for 53 off 14.1 overs, the writing was on the wall as to where the result was heading.
All of Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the seven Thai wickets to fall as they laboured to 93 for 7 in their allotment.
Sri Lanka’s openers,7 18- year- old batting sensation Vishmi Gunaratne 39 off 34 balls with one six and 4 fours and skipper Chamari Athapaththu 49 off 35 balls with 4 sixers and 2 fours, went after the target in express mode as they raced to victory in 11.1 overs.
The win propelled Sri Lanka to the top of their group with a better net run rate than their highly fancied counterparts in Group A, India.
The Indians also completed a clean sweep in their group setting up a highly anticipated final between the two.
Pakistan and Bangladesh stand between an India- Sri Lanka final and both are never expected to be underestimated despite the earlier results.
Chamari Athapaththu’s 49 not out and one wicket earned her the Player-of-the-match.
The tempo now steps up for the crucial stage.
