Muscat (TDI): Sri Lanka ‘A’ defeated Pakistan Shaheens by seven wickets in the first semifinal of the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Muscat on Friday.
With this emphatic win, the emerging Islanders side became the first team to qualify for the tournament’s final.
Pakistan skipper Mohammad Haris opted to bat first after winning yet another toss. However, the decision did not go in his favour as Pakistan were restricted to just 135/9 in their 20 overs.
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Opener Omair Bin Yousuf was the top scorer for Shaheens with his 48-ball 68. No other batter could even touch the 15-run mark.
Only three batters reached the double figures, including Haider Ali (14, 15b), Mohammad Imran Jnr (13, 12b) and Arafat Minhas (10, 8b).
For Sri Lanka, Dushan Hemantha was the start of the show with four wickets for 21. He was well supported by Eshan Malinga and Nipun Ransika, who took two wickets apiece.
Chasing 136 to win, Sri Lanka ‘A’ reached the target in the 17th over at the loss of three wickets.
Read More: Pakistan Shaheens Fall Short in Top End T20 Semifinal
Ahan Wickramasinghe remained unbeaten with 52 off 46 balls. Wicketkeeper-batter Lahiru Udara also contributed with a quick-fire 43 off 20 balls early in the innings.
The second semifinal is currently underway between Afghanistan ‘A’ and India ‘A’ at the same venue. The winner of the game will face Sri Lanka in the final on Sunday, October 27.
