ABU DHABI — Sri Lanka A secured a commanding 308-run victory over Afghanistan A on Friday in a four-day match that saw dominant batting performances and a clinical bowling display from the visitors.
After posting a formidable 406 in their first innings, led by centuries from Lahiru Udara (107 off 138 balls) and Sonal Dinusha (104 not out off 121), Sri Lanka A put immediate pressure on the Afghan side. Bashir Ahmad was the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan A, claiming 4 for 77, while Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi took 2 for 93.
Afghanistan A struggled in their first innings, managing only 168 in 46.5 overs. Afsar Zazai was the lone bright spot with 54 runs off 107 balls, while Isitha Wijesundara tore through the Afghan batting lineup with figures of 6 for 35. Tharindu Rathnayake chipped in with 3 for 26.
Sri Lanka A continued their dominance in the second innings, declaring at 376 for 4. Nuwanidu Fernando scored 102 off 123 balls, and Pavan Rathnayake remained unbeaten on 100 from 106 deliveries. Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi and Zia Ur Rahman Akbar each picked up a wicket for Afghanistan A.
Facing a mammoth target, Afghanistan A showed resilience, taking the game into the final session with a more determined second-innings effort. Darwish Rasooli led the charge with a gritty 121 off 241 balls, supported by Afsar Khan Zazai’s 82 off 148. But despite their resistance, the team was eventually bowled out for 306 in 106 overs. Isitha Wijesundara starred again with 4 for 75, while Wanuja Sahan added 2 for 62.
The one-off match served as a strong outing for Sri Lanka A, who demonstrated depth in both batting and bowling. Afghanistan A, though outplayed, gained valuable experience and showed promise, particularly in their second innings.
The fixture was held in Abu Dhabi on Friday, May 2.
