The 2nd T20 match of Sri Lanka Emerging Team’s tour of Japan was held earlier today (11th May) with Sri Lanka Emerging securing a 68-run win at Sano International Cricket Stadium in Japan.
Sri Lanka Emerging playing XI – Sakuna Liyanage, Sithara Hapuhinna (WK), Dunith Jayatunga, Sahil Dias, Shehan Fernando, Imthiyas Slaza, Ranmith Jayasena, Dellon Peiris (C), Lakshan Gamage, Danal Hemananda, Harshana Wickramasinghe
Japan playing XI – Wataru Miyauchi (WK), Shogo Kimura, Kendel Kadowaki Fleming (C), Lachlan Lake, Tsuyoshi Takada, Souta Wada, Ibrahim Takahashi, Reo Sakurano, Muneeb Siddique, Piyush Kumbhare, Kento Ota-Dobell
All-round Dellon Peiris leads SL Emerging to victory
After opting to bowl first, Japan struck with the very first ball to dismiss Sri Lanka Emerging’s opener Sithara Hapuhinna after a big mix up with his partner, Dunith Jayatunga. Jayatunga’s stay at the crease didn’t last long either as he was caught by Shogo Kimura off Reo Sakurano with only 4 runs on the board.
Thereafter, Shehan Fernando and Sahil Dias added 46 runs for the 3rd wicket which was the highest partnership in the Sri Lanka Emerging innings. Fernando top scored with a 30-run knock while Dias made 22 but both of them fell within 6 deliveries of each other, putting Sri Lanka Emerging under some stress.
Sri Lanka Emerging managed to post 125 for 8 in their 20 overs with useful contributions from their lower-middle order batters led by Imthiyas Slaza who scored a 24-ball 27, including 3 fours. On the other hand, right-arm seam bowler Reo Sakurano was outstanding with the ball for Japan with figures of 4/25 in 4 overs. Apart from that, Piyush Kumbhare took a couple while Ibrahim Takahashi bagged one wicket.
Sri Lanka Emerging Squad announced for the Japan Tour 2023
Chasing 126 to win, wasn’t an easy task for Japan as they crumbled for just 57 runs inside the first 16 overs. Souta Wada (11) and Wataru Miyauchi (10) were the only two batters to reach double-digit scores.
In the bowling department, Slaza was impressive with his off spin, picking up 3/5 in 3 overs while Lakshan Gamage, Harshana Wickramasinghe and skipper Dellon Peiris scalped two apiece. In the end, Sri Lanka Emerging won by a comprehensive margin of 68 runs and Imthiyas Slaza was adjudged as the Player of the Match for his all-round performances.
The 3rd T20 match between Japan and Sri Lanka Emerging will be played day after tomorrow (13th May) at the same venue. Sri Lanka Emerging Team lead the 5-match series 2-0.
Photos – Sri Lanka Emerging Team tour of Japan 2023 – Preview
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka Emerging 125/8 (20) Shehan Fernando 30, Imthiyas Slaza 27, Sahil Dias 22, Lakshan Gamage 13, Reo Sakurano 4/25, Piyush Kumbhare 2/22, Ibrahim Takahashi 1/22
Japan 57 (16) Souta Wada 11, Wataru Miyauchi 10, Imthiyas Slaza 3/5, Lakshan Gamage 2/6, Harshana Wickramasinghe 2/9, Dellon Peiris 2/11
Result: Sri Lanka Emerging won by 68 runs.
REPLAY – Sri Lanka Emerging Tour of Japan 2023 – 2nd T20
 with Sri Lanka Emerging securing a 68-run win at Sano International Cricket Stadium in Japan.){kind=link}