Sri Lanka Emerging XI take 2-0 series lead over Japan

The Sri Lanka Emerging XI took a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20 series against the Japan national team with a comfortable 68-run win in the second T20 played at the Sano International ground in Japan today.

Sri Lanka Emerging XI invited to take first lease of the wicket got off to an inauspicious start when they lost their openers with just four runs on the board before Shehan Fernando, who made a top score of 30, and Sahil Dias, who chipped in with 22, helped them recover with a 46-run stand for the third wicket.

The breaking of that partnership however triggered a mini-collapse, with Sri Lanka Emerging XI suffering a minor collapse before closing out the innings on 125 for 8 in their 20 overs.

Japan, in pursuit of the 126-run target, were never in the run chase as they struggled and were in a bad position on 23 for 5 in the eighth over.

Imthiyaz Slaza who did the early damage was supported by Lakshan Gamage, Harshana Wickramasinghe and skipper Dellon Peiris who together combined to bundle the home team for a paltry score of 57 runs.

Result:

At Sano International - Sri Lanka Emerging XI won by 68 runs

Sri Lanka Emerging XI 125 for 8 in 20 overs (Shehan Fernando 30, Imthiyaz Slaza 27, Sahil Dias 22: Reo Sakurano 4 for 25, Piush Kumbare 2 for 22)

Japan 57 in 16 overs (Imthiyaz Slaza 3 for 4, Lakshan Gamage 2 for 7, Harshana Wickramasinghe 2 for 9, Dellon Peiris 2 for 11). MSAc