The Bangladesh Under-19 cricket team has qualified for the semifinals of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup, following Sri Lanka’s thrilling two-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Dubai on Monday, December 15.
The result confirmed both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as the two semifinalists from Group A. The two sides will now clash in their final group match on Wednesday to determine the group champion.
Bangladesh’s path to the semis was built on solid performances: a tense three-wicket win over Afghanistan and a commanding seven-wicket victory against Nepal. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, began their campaign with an eight-wicket rout of Nepal before Monday’s dramatic finish against Afghanistan.
Afghanistan, despite fighting hard in both matches, have been eliminated after suffering narrow defeats in consecutive games.
In Monday’s must-win encounter, Afghanistan posted 235 all out in their 50 overs. Sri Lanka chased down the target with four balls to spare, finishing at 238 for 8. Opener Viran Chamuditha led the charge with a 62, while Chamika Heenatigala remained unbeaten on 51 to see his team home under pressure.
MHK