Sri Lanka Under 23 entered the final of the Asian Cricket Council Emerging Teams Cup with a facile eight wickets win over Bangladesh in the first semi-final played at Chittagong yesterday. Sri Lanka’s win was carved out by batsmen Sadeera Samarawickrama (88 not out of 100 balls, 10 fours) and Charith Asalanka (83 not out off 121 balls, 9 fours, 1 six) and fast bowler Asitha Fernando (4/33).
Fernando ran through the Bangladesh U23 batting to dismiss them for 179 in 49.3 overs and in Sri Lanka’s run chase Samarawickrama and Asalanka carried them home with an unbroken third wicket stand of 165 after the first two wickets had fallen for 15.
In the final on April 3 Sri Lanka will meet Pakistan who beat Afghanistan in the second semi-final.
Scores: Bangladesh-U23 179 in 49.3 overs (Saif Hasan 32, Nasir Hossain 38, Mohammad Saifudeen 41, Abul Hasan 23, Asitha Fernando 4/33)
Sri Lanka-U23 180-2 in 38.5 overs (Sadeera Samarawickrama 88 n.o., Charith Asalanka 83 n.o.)