Sri Lanka qualify for Asia Cup Rising Stars semifinals

Sri Lanka A stormed into semifinals of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 after surviving a late scare to edge 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 rode on skipper Dunith Wellalage’s three-wicket burst and a composed spell from Traveen Mathew to restrict Bangladesh A to 153 for 6 in 20 overs.
Despite several promising partnerships, Bangladesh A fell short as wickets at crucial junctures derailed their chase.

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Chasing 160, Bangladesh A got early momentum through Habibur Rahman Sohan’s brisk 27 off 14 balls, which included three sixes.

Zawad Abrar (25 off 23) and captain Akbar Ali (25 off 26) kept their side in the hunt with steady contributions, while Yasir Ali’s 20 off 17 briefly revived hopes. But Sri Lanka A struck regularly, with Wellalage returning figures of 3 for 19 from four overs, including the key wickets of Jishan Alam (17), Akbar Ali (25) and Mahidul Islam Ankon (8).
Earlier, Sri Lanka A posted 159 for 7, anchored by a superb 69 off 49 balls from Sahan Arachchige, who held the innings together with five fours and three sixes. Wellalage chipped in with a valuable 23 off 14, while Ramesh Mendis added 17.

For Bangladesh A, Abu Hider (2 for 37) and Ripon Mondol (2 for 41) were the most successful bowlers.

Bangladesh A had won the toss and opted to bowl, but Sri Lanka A’s mid-innings acceleration and disciplined bowling at the death proved decisive.