Sri Lanka leap to semis

Sri Lanka booked their place in the semis of ICC U19 CWC 2016 with a resounding victory over England by six wickets in the quarter-final match at Mirpur stadium.

England captain Brad Taylor had won the toss, and decided to bat. Soon things went downhill for the English lads as Sri Lankan bowlers rose to the occasion and kept taking wickets at crucial moments of the match.

Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando gave his side a great start with a two-wicket burst, and then Wanidu Hasaranga and other spinners never allowed England to register a decent partnership in this knock-out game.

England stuttered to 184 all out with contributions from the middle order. Callum Taylor top-scored with 42, four English batters got out in the twenties.

Chasing the paltry total, Sri Lankan openers gave their team a good start, and managed 76 runs in 13.5 overs. The third wicket stand kept England bowlers at bay and took Sri Lanka to the cusp of victory.

Quick wickets late in the chase delayed the evitable, but Sri Lanka were never in a position to lose. Avishka Fernando was the mainstay in Sri Lankan innings, and scored 95 from 96 balls with 11 fours and a six to his name.

Aviskka was the man of the match for his efforts.

Sri Lanka will face the tournament favourites India on February 9, at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur for a place in the final.