Sri Lanka A delivered a clinical all-round performance to defeat Afghanistan A by eight wickets in the third match of the Tri-Series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Saturday, chasing down 231 in just 28.1 overs with 77 balls remaining.
The victory was anchored by a superb unbeaten century from Avishka Fernando and a commanding third-wicket partnership with Sadeera Samarawickrama, as the hosts made light work of what had initially looked a competitive target.
Afghanistan A, asked to bat first after Sri Lanka A opted to field, posted 245 in 49.4 overs. Their innings featured several starts but no substantial conversion into a match-defining knock. Hassan Eisakhil top-scored with 46 off 48 balls, striking seven boundaries, while Bahir Shah added a fluent 44 from 46 deliveries. Farmanullah (35 off 59) and Mohammad Ishaq (30 off 29) provided further resistance in the middle and lower order, but Sri Lanka A’s disciplined bowling ensured the visitors never fully accelerated.
The breakthrough moments were spread across the attack. Chamika Gunasekara led the way with an impressive 3 for 32 from 8.4 overs, using his seam movement and control to trouble the Afghanistan middle order. Vijayakanth Viyaskanth continued his consistent form with 2 for 37, while debutant Kugathas Mathulan impressed with 2 for 42, marking a memorable List A debut. Wanuja Sahan and Sahan Arachchige also chipped in with key wickets as Afghanistan were eventually bowled out just two balls short of their allocation.
Sri Lanka A’s response, however, was nothing short of explosive.
The chase began at high tempo with Niroshan Dickwella setting the tone in brutal fashion. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 49 off just 19 balls, including nine fours and a six, dismantling the new-ball attack and giving Sri Lanka A instant momentum. At one stage, the hosts raced past 70 inside the first six overs, putting Afghanistan A under immediate pressure.
However, the early aggression was briefly checked when Dickwella and Vishen Halambage fell in quick succession, leaving Sri Lanka A at 94 for 2 in the eighth over. For a short period, Afghanistan sensed a potential opening, especially with a revised chase demanding continued intent.
That hope was swiftly extinguished by Avishka Fernando and Sadeera Samarawickrama.
What followed was a masterclass in controlled dominance as the pair constructed an unbeaten 137-run partnership for the third wicket. Avishka was the standout, compiling a magnificent unbeaten 108 from 79 deliveries, striking 14 fours and three sixes. He combined clean hitting with intelligent strike rotation, never allowing the required rate to become a factor.
At the other end, Samarawickrama provided perfect support with a composed unbeaten 60 from 70 balls, anchoring the partnership with maturity while still finding regular boundaries. His ability to rotate strike allowed Avishka to dominate proceedings and keep the scoreboard moving at a relentless pace.
Together, the duo effectively shut the door on Afghanistan A, pacing the chase expertly through the middle overs before accelerating again towards the finish. The target was overhauled with more than 12 overs remaining, underlining the clinical nature of the performance.
For Afghanistan A, Farmanullah was the only bowler to make meaningful inroads, claiming 2 for 40, but lacked support from the rest of the attack as Sri Lanka A’s top order dictated terms.
The result not only earned Sri Lanka A two points in the series but also highlighted the growing depth and confidence within their batting unit. Avishka Fernando’s return to form with a commanding century will be particularly pleasing for the selectors, while the unbroken 137-run stand with Samarawickrama underlined the stability now developing in the middle order.
It was, in the end, a comprehensive performance built on early bowling control and a breathtaking batting display led by a player at the peak of his rhythm.
Chief Scores
Afghanistan A 245 (49.4 overs)
Hassan Eisakhil 46, Bahir Shah 44, Farmanullah 35, Mohammad Ishaq 30
Chamika Gunasekara 3-32, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 2-37, Kugathas Mathulan 2-42
Sri Lanka A 231/2 (28.1 overs)
Avishka Fernando 108* (79), Sadeera Samarawickrama 60* (70), Niroshan Dickwella 49 (19)
Farmanullah 2-40
Sri Lanka A won by 8 wickets (77 balls remaining)
