Asia Cup: Sri Lanka brush aside Afghanistan to reach final

Four-time champions record 129-run victory in Dhaka.

DHAKA:

Four-time champions Sri Lanka thumped newcomers Afghanistan by 129 runs to reach the final of the Asia Cup in Dhaka on Monday.

The Islanders scored a challenging 253 for six with in-form Kumar Sangakkara hitting a solid 76 before they bowled their rivals out for a paltry 124 in 38.4 overs.

Afghanistan found Sri Lanka’s pace-cum spin attack too hot to handle and only captain Mohammad Nabi (37), Asghar Stanikzai (27) and Noor Ali Zadran (21) were among the runs. Nabi hit a six and three boundaries off 43 balls before he fell leg-before to spinner Chaturanga de Silva in the 33rd over.

Mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis took three for 11, while Thisara Perera chipped in with three for 29.

Paceman Suranga Lakmal (two for 30) and left-armer de Silva fetched two for 29 to complete the rout.

Only Nabi and Najibullah Zadran (11) could stay longer to put 48 runs for the sixth wicket before Afghanistan lost their last five wickets for a mere three runs.

Earlier, Sangakkara hit six fours and a six off 102 balls to hold the innings together when the batsmen faltered after Angelo Mathews won the toss and decided to bat.

Sangakkara came to the crease after opener Lahiru Thirimanne had gone for five in the sixth over, bowled by paceman Shapoor Zadran.

Fellow opener Kusal Perera scored a 49-ball 33, while Mahela Jayawardene made 14. But both fell to medium pacer Mirwais Ashraf, who finished with two for 29 in eight overs, to leave Sri Lanka struggling on 83 for three.

Sangakkara added 74 for the fourth wicket with Dinesh Chandimal (26) to put his team on firmer ground.

Sangakkara was run out in the 38th over, as Afghanistan – buoyed by their upset win over Bangladesh – kept the pressure on.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.