Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh in U-19 Asia Cup thriller

By M. Shamil Amit

Sri Lanka snatched a dramatic seven-run win over Bangladesh in their ACC Under-19 Men’s Asia Cup Cricket Tournament Group ‘B’ fixture played in Dubai, UAE yesterday.

Sri Lanka electing to bat first compiled 228 in 49.2 overs and then produced a fine performance on the field to dismiss their opponents for 221 in 49.3 overs.

Sri Lanka’s innings was built around a magnificent century from Vimath Dinsara, who played the sheet anchor role with a top score of 106 from 132 balls inclusive of 10 boundaries. 

Dinsara held the innings together despite the fall of wickets from the other end and was last man out in the second ball of the 50th over.           

Lakvin Abeysinghe (21), Viran Chamuditha (20) and Vihas Thewmika (22) all made good starts but failed to convert them into big scores. 

In reply, Bangladesh Under-19 were cruising along at one stage as they reached a commanding 98 for three in the 23rd over and 172 for four in the 40th over.

However, Sri Lanka Under-19 bounced back in the last 10 overs of the game through some excellent fielding as they inflicted two vital run outs to add pressure on their opponents.         

Sri Lanka Under-19 remained unbeaten with three successive victories while Bangladesh Under-19 secured second spot in Group ‘B’.    

The two semi-finals are scheduled to be played on December 6 and the final on December 8.

Chief scores: 

Sri Lanka Under-19: 228 in 49.2 overs (Vimath Dinsara 106, Lakvin Abeysinghe 21, Viran Chamuditha 20, Vihas Thewmika 22, Al Fahad

4/50, Rizan Hossan 3/40)

Bangladesh Under-19: 221 in 49.3 overs (Zawad Abrar 24, Kalam Siddiki 95, Debasish Deba 31, Farid Hasan 24 n.o, Vihas Thewmika 3/37).