Sri Lanka A secure spot in ACC Emerging Asia Cup final after win over Pakistan Shaheens

Sri Lanka A triumphed over Pakistan Shaheens by seven wickets in the first semi-final of the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup on Friday, earning their place in the tournament's final, set to take place this Sunday. The match was held at Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Muscat, where Sri Lanka A's stellar performance shone through as they chased down a target of 136 in 16.3 overs.

After opting to bat, Pakistan Shaheens posted 135 for nine in their 20 overs. Omair Bin Yousuf led with a strong innings, scoring 68 off 46 balls, including five boundaries and four sixes. However, the other Shaheens struggled to build momentum, with Haider Ali (14), Mohammad Imran Jnr (13), and Arafat Minhas (10) being the only other batters to reach double figures.

Sri Lanka A's bowling attack, spearheaded by Dushan Hemantha, restricted the Shaheens with Hemantha taking an impressive four wickets for 21 runs in his four overs. Nipun Ransika and Eshan Malinga chipped in with two wickets each, tightening their grip on the opposition.

In pursuit of 136, Sri Lanka A took charge early on with wicketkeeper-batter Lahiru Udara’s aggressive 43 off 20 balls, featuring two fours and four sixes, setting a rapid pace. Ahan Wickramasinghe remained unbeaten on 52 off 46 balls, guiding his team comfortably across the finish line with four fours and a six.

Scores in brief:

• Pakistan Shaheens: 135-9, 20 overs (Omair Bin Yousuf 68; Dushan Hemantha 4-21, Nipun Ransika 2-21, Eshan Malinga 2-28)
• Sri Lanka A: 137-3, 16.3 overs (Ahan Wickramasinghe 52*, Lahiru Udara 43)

Player of the Match: Dushan Hemantha (Sri Lanka A)