Sri Lanka pull off thrilling 2-wicket win over Afghanistan

Chamika Heenatigala compiled a fighting half-century to help Sri Lanka pull off a thrilling two-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the U-19s Asia Cup in Dubai on Monday.

Replying to Afghanistan’s 235, Sri Lanka made 238 for eight in 49.2 overs. Fittingly enough, Heenatigala hammered Abdul Aziz for a six and a four to finish the contest in glorious style.

After a bright start, the Lankans wobbled in the middle and almost made a hash of the chase. Dimantha Mahavithana (27) and Viran Chamuditha scored 55 in 9.3 overs, but Afghanistan struck the first blow through Nooristani Omarzai. Kithma Withanapathirana (4) went without much ado, but Viran and Kavija Gamage steadied the innings with a 64-run partnership for the third wicket.

Omarzhai struck again to remove Kavija (34) and Viran was caught and bowled by Uzairullah Niazai after making a topscore of 62. His knock came off 83 balls and contained three fours and two sixes.

Chamika Heenatigala steered Sri Lanka to a two-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the U-19s Asia Cup in Dubai on Monday

Chamika the hero for Lanka

Thereafter, the Lankans failed to build on their starts and wickets fell at regular intervals. They were soon reduced to 217 for eight and needed 18 more with just two wickets in hand.

Chamika, who was steady at one end even as he lost partners, framed the bowling and ensured full points for his side. He remained unbeaten on 51 off 57 balls with three fours and a six. Omarzai took three for 52.

Earlier, several Afghanistan batters got good starts, but they failed to capitalize on it. Opener Osman Sadat made a topscore of 52.

Brief scores: Afganistan 235 in 50 overs (Osman Sadat 52, Faisal Shinozada 39, Uzairullah Niazai 25, Mahboob Khan 25, Azizullah Miakhil 31, Nooristani Omarzai 29; Seethmika Seneviratne 3/49, Dulnith Sigera 3/33) lost to Sri Lanka 238/8 in 49.2 overs (Dimantha Mahavithana 27, Viran Chamuditha 62, Kavija Gamage 34, Chamika Heenatigala 51; Nooristani Omarzai 3/52).