A spectacular century from Avishka Fernando, combined with a destructive five-wicket haul by Dulaj Samuditha powered Sri Lanka A to a commanding 103-run win over Afghanistan 'A' at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on June 19. The comprehensive win in the final group fixture of the Tri-Nation series helped Sri Lanka A set up the final date with India A, which is scheduled to be played on June 21.
Sri Lanka A bully Afghanistan A to book final berth
After Afghanistan A won the toss and elected to field first, Sri Lanka A capitalised heavily on pristine batting conditions during the powerplay. Dynamic openers Niroshan Dickwella and Avishka Fernando took the attack to the opposition from the outset, stitching together an authoritative 133-run opening partnership. Dickwella set the tempo with a rapid, 54-ball 66 that featured 12 boundaries before being dismissed by Faridoon Dawoodzai in the 17th over.
Avishka Fernando dazzled with handsome ton
Following the opening breakthrough, Fernando anchored the innings with supreme composure. The elegant right-hander anchored the middle overs flawlessly, bringing up a sensational century. He smashed 110 runs off just 97 deliveries, effectively pushing the total out of the visitors' reach. Handy contributions from Nuwanidu Fernando (45) and a late cameo by Ravindu Fernando (25) ensured the home side maintained their momentum. Despite a spirited fightback from Afghanistan's Dawoodzai, who picked up 4 for 60, and Farmanullah (3/68), Sri Lanka A posted an imposing 322/8 in their allotted 50 overs.
Dulaj Samuditha wreaks havoc on Afghans
Chasing a daunting target of 323, Afghanistan A endured a disastrous start to their innings. Dulaj Samuditha struck lethal blows in his very first over, removing Imran Mir for a duck and flattening the stumps of Noor ul Rahman for a four-ball nought. Reduced to a precarious 2/2 within the opening over, Afghanistan A found themselves completely on the back foot.
Hassan Eisakhil offered a courageous counter-attack, waging a lone battle for the visitors. He compiled a fluent 74 off 78 balls, inclusive of five boundaries and three maximums, to steady the ship temporarily. He found able support from Bahir Shah (35) and all-rounder Farmanullah, who chipped in with an aggressive 43.
However, once Eisakhil was removed by spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, the rest of the lineup crumbled under pressure. Samuditha returned to clean up the tail, finishing with superb figures of 5 for 25, while Kugathas Mathulan ran through the lower order with a tidy 3 for 28. Afghanistan A were ultimately bowled out for 219 in 42.5 overs, handing a dominant win to the Lankans.