238/8 (49.2)
CR : 4.82
235/10 (49.5)
CR : 4.72
Sri Lanka U19 won by 2 wickets 🏆
Player of the Match
Chamika Heenatigala
2/3351(57)
Over 50
Sri Lanka U19 238/8
Chamika Heenatigala51(57)
Rasith Nimsara6(5)
Abdul Aziz0-75(9.2)
SL U19 won by 2 wickets
6:22 PM IST, 4:52 PM Local Time: WHAT A GAME WE HAVE JUST WITNESSED! Full marks for the Afghanistan Under-19 unit for showing character in the defence of 235 runs. They were sensational as a fielding unit, along with terrific spells from Nooristani Omarzai, Wahidullah Zadran, and Roohullah Arab. However, all those efforts went in vain as Chamika Heenatigala held his nerves and took the side home with an electric yet unbeaten half-century. With that, Sri Lanka U19 have qualified for the playoffs, while Afghanistan U19 have been knocked out of the race.
For Sri Lanka, Dimantha Mahavithana and Viran Chamuditha laid the perfect foundation with an opening stand of 55 runs, but it came to an end in the final over of the first powerplay courtesy of Omarzai. Soon, Zadran joined hands with a quick wicket in the form of Kithma Withanapathirana. Then, Chamuditha shared a valuable stand of 64 runs with Kavija Gamage. But when things were looking rock solid for the Lankans, Omarzai broke another stand. The opener scored a fifty, but Uzairullah Niazai removed him.
After that turmoil in the middle phase, Chamika Heenatigala came out to the middle. He first revived the innings with a small partnership of 38 runs with Vimath Dinsara. But Omarzai again broke a stand in favour of Afghanistan. Moreover, Roohullah Arab and Salam Ahmadzai provided a couple of breakthroughs.
In the final overs, a brilliant piece of fieldwork by Ahmadzai brought the Lankan on their knees, but Chimaka Heenatigala held his nerves and finished off the game by hitting a six and a four.
Stay tuned for the post-match presentation!
For Sri Lanka, Dimantha Mahavithana and Viran Chamuditha laid the perfect foundation with an opening stand of 55 runs, but it came to an end in the final over of the first powerplay courtesy of Omarzai. Soon, Zadran joined hands with a quick wicket in the form of Kithma Withanapathirana. Then, Chamuditha shared a valuable stand of 64 runs with Kavija Gamage. But when things were looking rock solid for the Lankans, Omarzai broke another stand. The opener scored a fifty, but Uzairullah Niazai removed him.
After that turmoil in the middle phase, Chamika Heenatigala came out to the middle. He first revived the innings with a small partnership of 38 runs with Vimath Dinsara. But Omarzai again broke a stand in favour of Afghanistan. Moreover, Roohullah Arab and Salam Ahmadzai provided a couple of breakthroughs.
In the final overs, a brilliant piece of fieldwork by Ahmadzai brought the Lankan on their knees, but Chimaka Heenatigala held his nerves and finished off the game by hitting a six and a four.
Stay tuned for the post-match presentation!
Time for post-match presentations...
Player of the Match: Chamika Heenatigala
Chamika Heenatigala (POTM): "I am very happy with my performance and our side winning the match. It was a good pitch to bat on. The Afghan team also played really well. They put a good score in the first innings. Our batters also did a job in the second innings. I am so happy to have just finished the game."
Mehboob Khan (Afghanistan U19 Captain): "The plan was to put a strong total; we failed to do so, and that cost us the game. Sri Lanka U19 played really well. We failed on a couple of chances on the field, they were crucial. Absolutely, players have learnt a lot from this tournament."
Vimath Dinsara (Sri Lanka U19 Captain): "The pressure was there during the last overs but very happy that the team pulled out a tight game. I think my wicket and another wicket of one of our batters turned the tables and things became tight from there. Really happy with the way our bowlers bowled today."
That's it from our end. Sri Lanka U19 have qualified for the semifinals, so have Bangladesh U19 from Group B. However, there is still one spot left in Group A. Which team will join India U19 from that group: Pakistan U19 or UAE U19? We will know about that tomorrow. See you there and then.
Till then, this is Arjun Bhalla signing off on behalf of Mohammad Anab and Danish Elahi.
Till then, this is Arjun Bhalla signing off on behalf of Mohammad Anab and Danish Elahi.