Sri Lanka Emerging XI demolished Bangladesh Emerging XI convincingly by 8 wickets in the semi-finals of the Emerging Asia Cup 2017 which was worked off today at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong.
The hosts won the toss and opted to bat first. The top four wickets went pretty quickly and the Lankans were controlling things from the word go. Right -arm seamer Asitha Fernando was wiry with his first spell as he completed a terrific hat-trick with the wickets of Afif Hossain, Mominul Haque and Nazmul Hossain Shanto.
The hosts batting was dismantled by the Lankan bowlers who were backed up with excellent fielding. Saif Hassan, Nasir Hussain and Mohammad Saifuddin gave slight hope for the Bangladeshis as they managed to contribute with valuable cameos.
The chief destroyer Asitha Fernando starred with the ball as he claimed 4 scalps for 32 runs in his 10 overs and was ably supported by the rest of the bowlers as they proved to be economical with the ball. The Bangladeshis were bundled out for 179 in 49.3 overs.
Chasing a modest target, Sri Lanka lost 2 quick wickets as openers Ron Chandragupta and Shehan Jayasuriya were both dismissed cheaply. Both In-form batsmen, Sadeera Samarawickrama along with Charith Asalanka got together and built an unbroken 165-run partnership for the 3rd wicket to secure the win.
Samarawickrama stroked a 100-ball 88 while Asalanka slammed 83 off 121 deliveries as the Lankans reached the victory target in the 39th over.
The islanders booked their place in the Emerging teams Asia Cup finals against Pakistan to be held on the 3rd of April at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong
Brief scores
Bangladesh Emerging XI – 179 (49.3) Mohammed Saifuddin 41, Saif Hassan 32, Nasir Hossain 38, Asitha Fernando 4/33, Amila Aponso 1/10, Angelo Perera 1/13, Wanindu Hasaranga 1/36, Lahiru Samarakoon 1/36.
Sri Lanka Emerging XI – 182/2 (38.5) Sadeera Samarawickrama 88*, Charith Asalanka 83*, Hayeem Hasan 1/28.
