Nissanka century carries Sri Lanka Emerging to series win over BD

Opener Pathum Nissanka hit a brilliant unbeaten century to lead Sri Lanka Emerging Team to a seven-wicket win under the Duckworth/Lewis rain rule against Bangladesh Emerging Team in the third and final unofficial one-day limited-over international and win the three-match series 2-1 at Khulna on Saturday.

Bangladesh Emerging batting first hit up 269-5 largely through opener Saif Hassan’s 130-ball 117 (7 sixes, 4 fours) and Afif Hossain’s unbeaten half-century (68 not out off 70 balls).

Sri Lanka Emerging had their target revised after rain had interfered with the match and was reset at 199 from 28 overs. Buoyed by Nissanka’s century - 115 not out off 78 balls inclusive of five sixes and eight fours Sri Lanka Emerging reached their target in 24 overs with Minod Bhanuka also contributing a fine half-century – 55 off 32 balls (5 fours, 3 sixes) and figuring in a third wicket stand of 122 with Nissanka.

Nissanka was named Player of the Match. Sri Lanka Emerging won the first unofficial ODI by 186 runs and Bangladesh Emerging the second match by two wickets. Team coach Chaminda Vaas described the win as a “great effort by the boys”.

“We also recently won a tri-series played in South Africa. We have immense talent and skills, but the mindset and the attitude need to be improved. This is one reason we won in South Africa and now in Bangladesh,” said Vaas.

“I am very impressed with the batting of Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga and Minod Bhanuka and the bowling of Shiran Fernando who on his first tour has handled pressure well and bowled extremely well in the entire series, Kalana Perera, Ramesh Mendis and Amila Aponso,” he said.

Vaas said the win and performances meant that Sri Lanka had players for the future who are ready to shoulder responsibilities and reach the next level.

“However, we should ensure that we manage them in the right way and groom them step by step to prepare them fo the future.”

The two teams will now play a two-match unofficial test series starting on August 27 at Khulna.

Scores:

Bangladesh Emerging Team 269-5 in 50 overs (Saif Hassan 117, Najmul Hossain 39, Afif Hossain 68 n.o., Kalana Perera 2/47)

Sri Lanka Emerging Team 199-3 in 24 overs (Pathum Nissanka 115 n.o., Minod Bhanuka 55) 

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