In the ongoing Under-19 Asia Cup, the match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which was scheduled for Tuesday (December 28), has been called off amid the outbreak of Covid-19.
Due to this, the stage has now been set for the semifinals. While India will lock horns with Bangladesh, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka.
If India and Pakistan manage to win their respective semifinal matches on Thursday (December 30), there can be a great match between these two arch-rivals in the summit clash.
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka match was supposed to be the final Group ‘B’ game. However, after it was confirmed that two officials tested positive for the Covid 19 the game was called off. It is been reported that both of the officials are stable and are been treated as per the tournament protocols.
“Asian Cricket Council and Emirates Cricket Board can confirm that the final Group B match of ACC Under 19 Asia Cup scheduled for play today has been called off. It is confirmed that two Officials have tested positive for COVID-19. The Officials are currently safe and being treated in accordance with tournament protocols.
Before the proceedings were halted, 32.4 overs were bowled in the match. After having won the toss, Sri Lanka Under-19, elected to field first at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Both Bangladesh’s openers Mahfijul Islam (4) and Iftakher Hossain (3) departed early on.
Sri Lanka’s Treveen Mathew starred with the ball and did not let the batters settle as he showed them the way back to the pavilion. Prantik Nawrose Nabil (45) further held the fort of the side whereas, on the other hand, Aich Mollah added valuable 24 runs to the team’s account.
Ariful Islam and keeper batter Md Fahim were unbeaten on 19 and 27 when the match was abandoned. Dunith Wellalage also chimed in with two crucial wickets for Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh Under 19 is placed at the top of the Group B points table after having won two matches from the three they played in the tournament. Sri Lanka Under 19 finds themselves just below them having secured victories in two games.
Earlier, Pakistan edged out Indian side by two wickets in a last-ball thriller in the U-19 Asia Cup here on Saturday (December 25). Pakistan rode on a stroke-filled 81 by one-down Muhammad Shehzad and a late cameo by Ahmad Khan (29 not out) to chase down a target of 238.
