Sri Lanka A clinch semi-final spot after thrilling 6-run win over Bangladesh A in Doha

(Daily Mirror- Mirror Sports) - Sri Lanka A sealed their spot in the semi-finals of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 with a tense 6-run victory over Bangladesh A in Doha, confirming a final four lineup featuring Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

In a gripping contest that swung repeatedly, Sri Lanka A’s disciplined death bowling and a match-defining knock from Sahan Arachchige proved the difference as they successfully defended 159.

Arachchige anchors Sri Lanka A after early collapse

Sri Lanka A, put in to bat, slipped early as Abu Hider removed Nishan Madushka and Vishen Halambage inside three overs. The pressure deepened when Lasith Croospulle and Nuwanidu Fernando fell in quick succession, leaving the score at 51/4 in the 7th over.

From that point, Sahan Arachchige (69 off 49) took control. Mixing aggression with maturity, he struck five fours and three sixes, building vital partnerships — 31 runs with Ramesh Mendis and a brisk 28-run stand with captain Dunith Wellalage.

Wellalage added a quick-fire 23 off 14, helping Sri Lanka reach 159/7, a competitive total on a sluggish surface.
For Bangladesh A, Ripon Mondol (2/41) and Abu Hider (2/37) impressed, while Saqlain and Rakibul applied pressure through the middle overs.

Bangladesh A threaten but fall short in tight chase

Bangladesh A started brightly thanks to Habibur Rahman Sohan’s explosive 27 off 14, featuring three sixes. His momentum was halted by Traveen Mathew, and Sri Lanka began regaining control.

The turning point came via skipper Dunith Wellalage, whose superb spell of 3/19 removed Jishan Alam, Akbar Ali, and Ankon — derailing Bangladesh’s middle order.

Though Akbar Ali (25 off 26) and Yasir Ali (20 off 17) kept the chase alive, Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling ensured the required rate continued to climb.

With 26 needed off the final two overs, Meherob’s unbeaten 16 sparked late hope, but composed death overs from Rathnayake and Pramod Madushan restricted Bangladesh to 153/6, sealing Sri Lanka’s nerve-wracking win.

A gritty, high-pressure victory

Sri Lanka A’s solid middle-order rescue act and clutch death bowling earned them a crucial triumph — one that not only kept their campaign alive but punched their ticket to the semi-finals of the tournament.