By Srian Obeyesekere

Surujan Shanmuganathan struck 102 as Sri Lanka U19 thrashed Afghanistan U19 by 131 runs to enter the semi finals of the Asia Cricket Council sponsored Under-19 Asia Cupat the Sharjah Cricket Stadium yesterday.

The left-hander put on 100 for the second wicket with Pulindu Perera who made 53 in a Lankan total of 243 for 7 in 50 overs as Afghanistan, who were tipped the favourites was bowled out for 112 in 28.2 with Praveen Matheesha taking 3 wickets for 16 runs for the winners.

Shanmuganathan’s Player of the Match effort followed his match winning half century against Nepal in Sri Lanka’s back to back wins.

The Lankan innings was propped up by Vimath Dinsara who made a quick fire 26.

Skipper Vihas Thewmika, Ranjithkumar Newton and Viran Chamuditha also shone with the ball claiming 2 wickets apiece.

Already insulated in the semi-finals, Sri Lanka leads Group ‘B’ with another game remaining against the Bangladesh tomorrow December 3.

Sri Lanka U19 – 243/7 (50) Sharujan Shanmuganathan 102, Pulindu Perera 53, Vimath Dinsara 26, Allah Ghazanfar 3/35

Afghanistan U19 – 112 all out 28.2 overs (Hamza Khan 32, Nazifullah Amiri 33; Ranjithkumar Newton 2/28, Viran Chamuditha 2/14, Praveen Maneesha 3/16, Vihas Thewmika 2/10)