Lankans in final

Nuwanidu Fernando hit a fine hundred to take Sri Lanka to the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup as they beat Afghanistan by 31 runs in the second semifinal at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

Sri Lanka will meet India, who reached the final with a two-run victory against hosts Bangladesh in the first semifinal, in the final tomorrow at the same venue.

Fernando single-handedly guided Sri Lanka to a fighting total of 209 for seven in 50 overs after losing two openers Navod Paranavithana and Nishan Fernando for nought. During his 129-ball 111, the right-hander smote eight fours and three sixes.

Azmatullah Omarzai and Abdul Rahman initiated the early collapse as Sri Lanka were reduced to 99 for five. Rahman was the most successful bowler with three for 42.

In reply, Afghanistan Under-19s were 178 all out in 48.3 overs. All the top order batsmen got starts but none could finish the job as Afghanistan lost wickets at regular intervals. Captain Rahmanullah Gurbaz was top scorer with 46 runs and his innings saw one four and four sixes.

Left-arm spinner Parawahara Dulshan picked up four for 24.