India managed to overcome Australia by 62 runs, whereas, Pakistan beat hosts Sri Lanka by 46 runs to enter the finals of the 6th Lawyers Cricket World Cup 2017. The two semi-finals were concluded today at Bloomfield and Colts grounds respectively.
The hosts Sri Lanka came into the semi-final stage being the runners up in the group A, while Pakistan topped the group B in the tournament. India came in to the semi-finals after topping the group A, while Australia were the runner’s up of the group B in the tournament.
Sri Lanka A vs Pakistan
Been asked to bat first in a 33 over game, Pakistani right-hander Kashif Sohail made a superb 98 off 76 deliveries he stroked 15 fours and 2 sixes. Right-hander Irshad Naveed was the game changer in the death overs with a brisk 51 not out off 24 balls that included 6 sixes and a boundary to steer the Pakistanis to a formidable 241/7 in their 33 overs. Seamer Praneeth Jayasinghe was the pick of the bowlers as he grabbed 3 wickets for the hosts. Chasing a stiff target the hosts got off to a steady start as they were 74/2 when rain halted play after the 12th over. Play resumed as the target was revised for Sri Lanka and they were asked to chase down 166 in 20 overs.
Despite a steady start, Sri Lanka crumbled under pressure losing wickets at regular intervals and they lost their way in the run chase. The innings came to a close as the score board read 119/9 at the end of 20 overs sending Pakistan through to this year’s finals.
Brief scores
Pakistan – 241/7 in 33 overs – Kashif Sohail 98, Irshad Naveed 51*, Ahmed Jamal 27, Praneeth Jayasinghe 3/35, Deshan Wimalarathne 2/27.
Sri Lanka – 119/9 in 20 overs – Yohan Jinasena 32, Ershan Ariyarathnam 28, Mohammed Abdullah 3/23, Zia Ulsaboor 2/13.
Result – Pakistan won by 46 runs – D/L method (Pakistan advance to the finals)
India vs Australia A
The 1st semi-final was reduced to 30 overs due to wet grounds conditions. Being asked to bat first Indian batsmen came out all-guns blazing as they posted a mammoth 255/4 in 30 overs. Right-hander Suraj Sampath was the star with the bat as he scored a 96 ball 130 that included 18 boundaries and a six and he was ably supported by right -hander Nazir Ali with a solid 67 off 53. Ali and Sampath put up a 150 partnership for the 2nd wicket to steer the Indians to a commanding position. Chasing 256 to win, Australia were 52/4 in 9 overs as rain interrupted the game. Play resumed after a short delay as the target was revised to 189 to chased down in 17 overs. The lawmen from down under had a tall order as they had to go at a rapid pace whilst having already lost four of their top order batsmen. The Aussies faltered under pressure as they kept losing wickets from the restart and they eventually folded for 126 losing all their wickets in 15.1 overs handing a comfortable win to the Indians.
Asuthosh Tiwary was the star with the ball bagging six Australian wickets as he carried his team to this year’s finals against arch rivals Pakistan.
Brief scores
India – 255/5 in 30 overs – Suraj Sampath 130, Nazir Ali 67, Tim Wheller 2/44.
Australia – 126 all out in 15.1 overs – Craig Rowell 24, Carl Prince 21, Asuthosh Thiwari 6/27, Jegadeesha 2/26.
Result – India won by 62 runs – D/L method (India progress to the final)
Finals to be played on the 20th at the SSC grounds
