Brilliant Kamindu escorts Sri Lanka to the Final

An unbeaten knock of 91 runs by Kamindu Mendis helped Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 4 wickets in the semi-final and reach the final of the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup today at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.

Photos : India vs Pakistan | ACC Emerging Asia Cup 2018 | Semi Final

The Bangladesh Emerging team lost 3 wickets within the first 11 overs for just 41 runs after being put in to bat by the Sri Lankan skipper Sammu Ashan. Speedster Chamika Karunaratne was superb with the new ball as he claimed 2 wickets in his first spell of 5 overs giving away just 18 runs.

Bangladesh, after the loss of their skipper national cap Nurul Hasan, were brought back to the game courtesy a 65-run 4th wicket stand between opener Mizanur Rahman and Mosaddek Hossain.

Ambidextrous spinner, Sri Lanka’s golden boy, Kamindu Mendis then broke the threatening partnership in just his 2nd over dismissing the dangerous Mosaddek for 39 runs, interestingly included just 1 boundary.

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Mizanur Rahman on the other end, on his way to a vital half-century, added 52 valuable runs for the 5th wicket with Yasir Ali. Following Mizanur’s run-out Ali took the lead and increased the visitor’s score by 42 runs together with Afif Hossain helping Bangladesh reach 200.

The final 4 wickets fell for just 37 runs as Chamika Karunaratne and Asitha Fernando wrapped up the Bangladeshi inning sharing the last 4 wickets equally. Karunaratne ended with impressive figures of 4 for 31.

The Lankan run-chase didn’t begin well as opener Hasitha Boyagoda lasted only 2 deliveries.  Sandun Weerakkody on the other end scored 47 runs before he got out when Sri Lanka’s score was on 59 in the 11th over. The left hander stroked 6 boundaries and a six in his 37-ball inning.

Avishka Fernando (7) and Captain Sammu Ashan (18) couldn’t contribute much and Sri Lanka were left in a spot of bother at the end of the 20th over on 87/4.

The spinning all-rounders duo of Kamindu Mendis and Shehan Jayasuriya then together added 66 runs taking Sri Lanka closer towards victory. The partnership was broken in a very unfortunate way as Shehan Jayasuriya (39) was given out for obstructing the fielder.

Photos : Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – ACC Emerging Asia Cup 2018

Veteran Asela Gunaratne then helped Mendis take the Lankans further towards the required target with handy 38-ball 24. Kamindu Mendis on the other end continuing his merry way of stroking the ball guided Sri Lanka to a convincing win with Chamika Karunaratne unbeaten on 9 at the other end.

Kamindu Mendis finished on 91 facing 88 deliveries, stroking 9 beautiful boundaries.

Sri Lanka will now meet India who easily beat Pakistan in the other semi final today at CCC grounds. The final is scheduled to happen on the 15th Saturday at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.