Despite the defeat, Sri Lanka A joined Bangladesh A in securing a place in the semifinals, thanks to their previous results and net run rate.
Batting first, Sri Lanka A posted a competitive 159/7 from their 20 overs. After early jolts at 22/2, Sahan Arachchige anchored the innings brilliantly with a fluent 69 off 49, featuring five fours and three sixes.
Useful contributions came from Dunith Wellalage (23 off 14) and Ramesh Mendis (17 off 18), helping Sri Lanka finish strongly.
Among the Bangladesh bowlers, Abu Hider (2/37) and Ripon Mondol (2/41) picked up key wickets, while Abdul Gaffar Saqlain (1/27) kept things tight.
Chasing 160, Bangladesh A started brightly through Habibur Rahman Sohan’s explosive 27 off 14, but regular wickets halted their momentum.
Zawad Abrar (26), Akbar Ali (25) and Yasir Ali (20) all got starts but couldn’t stretch their innings deep. Sri Lanka’s captain Dunith Wellalage starred with the ball as well, claiming 3/19 to derail Bangladesh’s middle order.
Bangladesh ultimately finished at 153/6, falling just short despite SM Meherob’s late unbeaten 16.
Bangladesh will play India, and Sri Lanka will face Pakistan in the semifinals on Friday.
