Sri Lanka ‘A’ continue unbeaten run in Emerging Tri-Series
A 107-run opening stand between Lasith Croospulle and Lahiru Udara set up Sri Lanka A’s comprehensive 6-wicket win over hapless Ireland ‘A’ during their Tri-Series match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
After Dilshan Madushanka (4/44), Dushan Hemantha (3/24), and Milan Ratnayake (2/26) led the bowling attack with remarkable efficiency to bowl out Ireland ‘A’ for a paltry 192, Sri Lanka ‘A’ cruised to victory with more than 20 overs left in their innings. Croospulle, the right-handed opener, together with Udara, shared a brisk opening stand off just 76 balls to help Sri Lanka make easy work of the meager total set by the opposition. Croospulle hit six boundaries and two sixes in his 33-ball 53, while Udara had six boundaries in his 44-ball 47.
Following their dismissals, Sri Lanka ‘A’ skipper Sadeera Samarawickrama took responsibility and guided Sri Lanka home in the 28th over. Gavin Hoey was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland A, finishing with figures of 3 for 47 in nine overs.
Earlier, Sri Lanka ‘A’ showcased their bowling prowess by dismissing Ireland ‘A’ for 192 in 46 overs. Christopher De Freitas emerged as Ireland’s standout performer, crafting an unbeaten 67 off 96 deliveries. His patient innings featured five boundaries and a six, providing much-needed stability to the Irish lineup. Morgan Topping complemented De Freitas with a solid 45 off 87 balls, including four boundaries and a six.
The pair formed Ireland’s most productive partnership of the innings, adding 64 runs for the fourth wicket before Sri Lanka’s bowlers reasserted their dominance. Their stand briefly threatened to build Ireland toward a competitive total before the Sri Lankan attack fought back to dismantle the remaining batting order.
Opener Stephen Doheny contributed with 31 runs, striking three boundaries and a six at the top of the order. Ross Adair provided early momentum with a quickfire 27 off just 21 balls, featuring three boundaries and a six, but neither could convert their starts into substantial scores.
Madushanka was particularly devastating with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets while maintaining disciplined lines throughout his spell. Hemantha’s three wickets came at an economical rate, while Ratnayake’s two wickets further tightened Sri Lanka’s grip on the match.
Earlier, on April 15, Sri Lanka recorded a comfortable 6-wicket win against Afghanistan ‘A’ after defeating Ireland ‘A’ in their first meeting on April 13 by 45 runs at the same venue. Sri Lanka ‘A’ will take on Wednesday, ahead of the final to be played on Friday.
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