Avishka Fernando's century fires Sri Lanka A past Afghanistan A, sets up final vs India A

Sri Lanka A sealed their spot in the final with a massive 103-run victory over Afghanistan A in Match 6 of the Tri-Nation-series on Friday, June 19 at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla. After being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka A posted a monumental score of 322/8 in their allotted 50 overs, riding on a sensational century from Avishka Fernando (110 off 97). 

In reply, Afghanistan A were never truly in the run chase and were skittled for 219 in 42.5 overs with Hassan Eisakhil (74 off 78) being the lone half-centurion. For Sri Lanka, Dulaj Samuditha (5/25) starred with a five-wicket haul, while Kugathas Mathulan (3/38) chipped in with three wickets.

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka A got off to a magnificent start to their innings with Niroshan Dickwella (66 off 54) and Avishka Fernando (110 off 97) adding a massive 133 runs for the first wicket off 99 balls. Faridoon Dawoodzai (4/60) helped his team get the first breakthrough, removing Dickwella for 66 (54).

However, Fernando continued his innings and found good support from Nuwanidu Fernando (45 off 70), with the duo adding 93 runs for the second wicket off 114 balls. He brought up his century off just 87 balls, before being finally dismissed for 110 (97).

At the time of Fernando’s wicket, Sri Lanka A were in a commanding position to be on 226/2 after 35.3 overs. However, they lost their way in the end, only scoring 96 runs off the last 87 balls, while losing six wickets.

Final to be played on June 21

Later in the second innings, Afghanistan’s chase got off to the worst possible start as Dulaj Samuditha accounted for Imran Mir (0 off 1) and Noor ul Rahman (0 off 4) for ducks. They were further reduced to 41/3 as Ravindu Fernando trapped Faisal Shinozada (9 off 21) in front of the stumps.

A 75-run stand off 65 balls for the fourth wicket between Hassan Eisakhil and Bahir Shah (35 off 42) took Afghanistan past 100. However, after Vijayakanth Viyaskanth removed a well-set Hassan Eisakhil, there was no coming back for Afghanistan A, who were skittled for 219 in 42.5 overs.

As a result, they got knocked out of the tournament, while Sri Lanka A advanced to the final, where they will lock horns with India A on Sunday, June 21, at the same venue.