Lanka in semis beating Englanda

Sports Reporter :Sri Lanka Under-19 Cricket team entered into the semi-finals of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup defeating England Under-19 Cricket team by six wickets in the third quarter-final at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday.Chasing England’s modest total of 184 off 49.2 overs, Sri Lanka coasted home making 186 for the loss of four wickets remaining with 86 balls.Sri Lanka made a solid start as WM Bandara and WJ Fernando, the two openers contributed together 76 runs for the opening stand before Bandara was run out by DW Lawrence.One-down PH Mendis (10) could stay at the crease for a short period as he was caught at the point by BG Green off S Mahmood when Sri Lanka’s score was 102 for the loss of 102 runs.After dismissal of Mendis, WJ Fernando and KI Asalanka added together 69 runs for the third wicket partnership before Fernando was caught by wicketkeeper RC Davies off Mahmood when Sri Lanka’s total was 171 for the loss of three wickets.Fernando hit an impressive 95. His 96-ball innings was laced with 11 fours and one sixer. He was adjudged the Man of the Match for terrific batting performance.Then Asalabnka was bowled by MS Crane when Sri Lanka’s score was 182 for the loss of four wickets. Asalanka made 34 from 57 balls feturing six fours.Besides, Bandara added 22 runs to the Islander’s total.Lawrence, Crane, Mahmood took one wicket apiece.Earlier, England faced an early debacle losing three wickets for 47 runs.Then CJ Taylor and GA Bartlett put on together 35 runs before Taylor was trapped leg before wicket by Asalanka when England’s total 82 for the loss of four wickets.After dismissal of Taylor, Burtlett and SM Curran contributed together 38 runs before Curran was caught at the long-on by WJ Fernando off S Ashan when England’s total was 120 for the loss of five wickets.After dismissal of Curran, BG Green and BJ Taylor built another notable partnership. They put on together 34 runs for the eight-wicket partnership before Green was bowled by PWH de Silva when England’s score was 170 for the loss of eight wickets.CJ Taylor hit a polished 42 from 57 balls including four fours.BG Green, Curran, Bartlett and BJ Taylor added together 26, 25 and 25 runs respectively to the England total.PWH de Silva grabbed three wickets at the cost of 34 runs, while AM Fernando bagged a pair of wickets each instead of 16 runs.Asalanka, Mendis, S Ashan, SH Nimesh and BA Silva took one wicket each.Tomorrow Sri Lanka will face India in the first semi-final at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.