By Srian Obeyesekere
Afghanistan A won the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 by defeating Sri Lanka A by seven wickets at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Sri Lanka batting on winning the toss scored 133/7, with Sahan Arachchige scoring an unbeaten 64 runs from 47 balls, including six sixes. Nimesh Vimukthi and Pawan Rathnayake contributed to 23 and 20 respectively.
However, Afghanistan came up with a repeat win over the Lankans having won their opening group match for their maiden Asia Cup which was played for the first time in it’s sixth edition under the T20 format.
Bilal Sami took three wickets for 22 runs with Allah Ghazanfar picking up two. He was adjudged the Players of the Match.
Afghanistan overcame the first ball dismissal of Akbari by Sahan Arachchige with Sediqullah Atal a run a ball 55 with 3 fours and a six leading the run charge.
It was sustained by Karim Janat 33 off 27 with 3 sixes and Rasooli 24 from 20 balls with 2 fours, and Mohammad Ishaq 16.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was found wanting with Eshan Malinga, Dushan Hemantha and Sahan Arachchige taking a wicket each