By Srian Obeyesekere
Sri Lanka Emerging strolled to a 68-run win over Japan in the second T20 for successive wins to already secure the 3-match series at the Sano International Ground on Thursday.
Despite some early hicups losing the openers for just 4 runs, the Lankans ran up 125 for 8 wickets off 20 overs following a 46-run third wicket recovery between Shehan Fernando 30 and Sahil Dias Minnows Japan were bundled out for 57 in 16 overs on a 3-wicket take by Imthiyaz Slaza with the threesome of Lakshan Gamage, skipper Dellon Peiris and Harshana Wivkramasinghe taking 2 apiece.
However, for a minnows nation better known for it’s rugby football that is striving to enter the world cricket gold there were the positives to take Reo Sakurano’s pleasing 4 wickets for 25 in that defeat.
CHIEF SCORES:
Sri Lanka Emerging 125/8 (20 Overs)
(Sheehan Fernando 30, Sahil Dias 22, Reo Sakurano 4/25, Piush Kumbare 2/22)
Japan 57 (16 Overs)
(Watara Miauchi 10, Imthiyaz Slaza 3/41, Lakshan Gamage 2/7, Harshana Wivkramasinghe 2/9, Dellon Peiris 2/11)