Sri Lanka sealed a spot in the Under 19 Asia Cup final for the first time, as they overcame a lacklustre Bangladesh side at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday (December 21).

The match was marred by rain, but the hosts put in a good effort with both bat and ball to ensure they seal a date against India for the Asia Cup crown. Batting first, Bangladesh were unable to put up a strong total on the board due to some surprisingly slow batting during the middle overs.

Said Hassan, the captain, and Mohammad Sozib provided the visitors with a decent platform, taking the team to 42 before the former was dismissed for 26. Afif Hossain (36), Sozib (18) and Habibur Rahman (18) all failed to convert their starts as Bangladesh slipped to 118 for 4 in the 29th over.

Rayan Rahman and Mohammad Rakib were involved in a fine stand worth 48 runs, but Bangladesh lost their next five wickets for just 16 runs to be in dire straits. They managed to get to 194 before being bowled out.

For Sri Lanka, Praveen Jayawickrama and Hareen Weerasinga took the bulk of the wickets, with four and three-wicket hauls respectively.

In reply, Sri Lanka got off to a solid start thanks to their openers. Reven Kelly and Vishva Chathuranga helped the team reach 74 in the 20th over before losing the former. Chanthuranga continued his good innings even after the fall of his partner and notched up his fifty. However, he was out on 68, when trying to hoick over his head.

Rain made an appearance with Sri Lanka well placed at 106 for 2 and the entire square was covered. The game was called off, and Sri Lanka secured their place in the final as they were ahead by 26 runs on the D/L method.

Brief scores: Bangladesh U19 194 (Rayan Rafsan Rahman 38; Praveen Jayawickrama 4-25, Hareen Weerasingha 3-29) lost to Sri Lanka U19 106/2 (Vishva Chathuranga 68; Nayeem Hasan 2-12) by 26 runs on D/L method.

(Cricbuzz)