Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024: Sri Lanka A qualify for semifinals, End Bangladesh A's campaign in group stages

SL-A vs BAN-A: Sri Lanka A secured a spot in the semifinals of the Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 by defeating Bangladesh A by 19 runs in their final Group B match. With this win, Sri Lanka A topped the group, while Bangladesh A finished third, ending their campaign in the tournament.

Batting first, Sri Lanka A posted a competitive total of 161/7 in their 20 overs. The foundation was laid by crucial knocks from Pavan Rathnayake (42), Lahiru Udara (35), and Sahan Arachchige (30). Rathnayake and Arachchige's 64-run partnership for the fourth wicket was pivotal in steering the Lankans to a defendable score.

Sri Lanka A vs Bangladesh A Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 — Photos: Disney+Hotstar/Screenshot

Bangladesh A bowlers fought hard, with Rippon Mondol (2/36) and Rejaur Rahman (2/35) putting up solid performances in the middle overs. However, Sri Lanka A's batting depth allowed them to keep the scoreboard ticking despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

In response, Bangladesh A struggled to build momentum in their chase. They got off to a decent start with Parvez Emon (24) and Saif Hassan (29) adding 59 runs for the first wicket. However, once both openers were dismissed, Bangladesh A's innings faltered. The Sri Lankan spinners, particularly Dushan Hemantha (3/23), applied consistent pressure, breaking key partnerships and derailing the chase.

A late cameo from Abu Hider (38*) kept Bangladesh A in the hunt, but they were left needing 23 runs off the last over. Eshan Malinga (1/22) held his nerve, delivering a brilliant final over filled with yorkers, restricting Bangladesh A to 142/7 in 20 overs, sealing the win for Sri Lanka A by 19 runs.

This victory not only secured Sri Lanka A's place in the semifinals but also knocked Bangladesh A out of the tournament. The loss marked the end of Bangladesh A's campaign, as they failed to break into the top two in the group. Sri Lanka A will now look ahead to the knockout stages with high confidence, having topped Group B.