Sri Lanka U19 produced a calm finish under pressure to clinch a two-wicket win over Afghanistan U19 in a tense ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 clash at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on December 15.
Afghanistan U19 were bowled out for 235 in 49.5 overs, despite several promising starts. Osman Sadat anchored the innings with a patient 52, while late cameos from Azizullah Mia Khil (31) and Nooristani Omarzai (29) lifted them past the 230 mark. Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Sethmika Seneviratne and Dulnith Sigera claiming three wickets each.
Sri Lanka’s chase was built around a composed 62 from Viran Chamuditha, with solid support from Kavija Gamage (34) and Dimantha Mahavithana (27). However, regular wickets kept the contest finely balanced heading into the final overs.
That was when Chamika Heenatigala held his nerve, striking an unbeaten 51 off 57 balls to steer Sri Lanka home. His partnerships with Sigera and the tail, including Rasith Nimsara, proved decisive in a pressure-filled finish.
Afghanistan fought hard with the ball, led by Omarzai’s 3 for 52 and a miserly spell from Wahidullah Zadran, but Sri Lanka’s composure in the crunch moments sealed a crucial victory and boosted their tournament momentum.
