Sri Lanka A clinched a nail-biting six-run win over Bangladesh A in Doha, with skipper Dunith Wellalage delivering a match-defining all-round performance to defend 159/7 in a tense Group A clash.
Sahan Arachchige produced a commanding 69 off 49 to rescue Sri Lanka after a shaky start that saw both openers dismissed inside three overs. From 44 for 3, Arachchige rebuilt the innings with Nuwanidu Fernando before accelerating with five fours and three sixes to lift the side. Wellalage’s late burst of 23 off 14 pushed Sri Lanka to a competitive total, while Abu Hider and Ripon Mondol picked up two wickets each for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh A began the chase with intent through Habibur Rahman Sohan’s explosive 27 off 14, but the momentum slipped once Traveen Mathew trapped him lbw. A steady partnership between Jishan Alam and Zawad Abrar kept the chase alive until Wellalage struck again, removing Alam before taking the crucial wickets of Akbar Ali and Mahidul Islam Ankon.
Yasir Ali threatened with a brisk 20 off 17, guiding Bangladesh to 153/6, but Sri Lanka held their nerve despite having already conceded 12 wides. Meherob’s unbeaten 16 wasn’t enough as Sri Lanka closed out the final over to seal the win.
Wellalage’s captaincy, clutch wickets, and late-order hitting proved the difference, keeping Sri Lanka A firmly in contention in Group A.
The victory confirms Sri Lanka A’s qualification for the semi-finals, where they will face Pakistan Shaheens in Semi-Final 2. India and Bangladesh will contest Semi-Final 1 on Friday, setting up a high-stakes knockout stage.
