Sri Lanka Seal Spot in Asia Cup Rising Stars Semifinals
Wellalage’s triple strike and Arachchige’s 69 guide Sri Lanka A to a tense six-run win
Sri Lanka, Nov 20 : Sri Lanka A stormed into the semifinals of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 after surviving a late scare to defeat Bangladesh A by six runs in a tense Group A clash at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Defending 159, Sri Lanka A relied on skipper Dunith Wellalage’s three-wicket burst and a calm spell from Traveen Mathew to restrict Bangladesh A to 153 for 6 in their 20 overs. Despite several promising stands, Bangladesh A faltered at crucial moments as Sri Lanka A struck back each time momentum shifted.
Chasing 160, Bangladesh A began aggressively with Habibur Rahman Sohan smashing 27 off just 14 balls, including three sixes. Zawad Abrar (25 off 23) and captain Akbar Ali (25 off 26) kept the chase alive, while Yasir Ali’s 20 off 17 briefly reignited hopes.
But Wellalage’s decisive spell 3 for 19 in four overs removed key batters Jishan Alam (17), Akbar Ali (25), and Mahidul Islam Ankon (8), tilting the match in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Earlier, Sri Lanka A posted 159 for 7, built around a superb 69 off 49 balls from Sahan Arachchige, who anchored the innings with five boundaries and three sixes. Wellalage contributed a quick 23 off 14, while Ramesh Mendis added 17.
For Bangladesh A, Abu Hider (2 for 37) and Ripon Mondol (2 for 41) were the standout bowlers.
Bangladesh A had opted to bowl first, but Sri Lanka A’s mid-innings acceleration and disciplined death bowling ultimately secured their spot in the Asia Cup Rising Stars semifinals.
