Sri Lanka Emerging XI bounced back in style as they beat Afghanistan Emerging XI by 35 runs in their Emerging teams Asia-Cup encounter which worked off today at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
Sri Lanka Emerging XI skipper Angelo Perera won the toss and opted to bat first on a flat surface in Chittagong. Sri Lanka lost their opener Sadeera Samarawickrama early in their innings for 15 runs. Left-hander Shehan Jayasuriya and Ron Chandraguptha scored valuable cameos to steer the Lankans toward the century mark. Jayasuriya made a brisk 42 off 34 balls, while Chandraguptha stroked 32 useful runs.
Middle order batting sensation Charith Asalanka and skipper Angelo Perera were the two batsmen who stood between the Afghan bowlers as they put up a mammoth 183 runs for the fourth wicket. In-form stroke maker Charith Asalanka went on to make a blistering 96 ball 105 that included 8 boundaries and 2 massive sixes.
Skipper Angelo Perera missed out on his century as he managed to guide the islanders with a solid 84 off 86 deliveries. Perera smashed 4 boundaries and a six on his way to 84.
Stylish left-hander Kithruwan Vithanage made a quick-fire 21 to put the finishing touches to the innings as Sri Lanka Emerging XI posted 320 in their 50 overs.
Naveen-Ul-Haq and Fazal Niazai were the successful bowlers for the counterparts as they grabbed two wickets apiece.
Chasing a victory target of 321, Afghanistan lost their opener Usman Ghani for just 4 runs as right arm seamer Asitha Fernando picked up the first wicket in his first over. Shahidullah Kamal and Ishan Janat added 99 runs for the second wicket as Charith Asalanka removed Shahidullah Kamal for a classy 53. Amila Aponso grabbed the all-important scalp of Ihsanullah Janat for 53.
Afghanistan batting line up fell-apart after the early progress as they continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Hard-hitting left-hander Najibullah Zadran was spectacular lower down with his 50 ball 87. Hefought hard as he struck 8 maximums and 5 boundaries for Afghanistan which eventually went in vain.
Left-arm spinner Amila Aponso was the pick of the bowlers for the Islanders as he grabbed 3 wickets for 40 runs of his 10 overs.
Seamers Asitha Fernando and Chamika Karunaratne were expensive with the ball, but they got useful wickets at crucial stages in the game to give the Lankans a 35-run win, as the Afghan Emerging XI folded for 285.
Brief scores
Sri Lanka Emerging XI – 320/6 (50) Charith Asalanka 105, Angelo Perera 84, Shehan Jayasuriya 42, Ron Chandraguptha 32, Kithuruwan Vithanage 21*, Naveen Ul-Haq 2/66.
Afghanistan Emerging XI – 285/10 (47.1) Najibullah Zadran 87, Shahidullah Kamal 53, Ihsanullah Janat 53, Amila Aponso 3/40, Asitha Fernando 2/52, Chamika Karunaratne 2/65.
Result – Sri Lanka Emerging XI won by 35 runs.
