Emerging side lose series to Sri Lanka

The 20-year old opener Saif Hasan’s century went in vain as Bangladesh Emerging Team lost to Sri Lanka Emerging Team by seven wickets in accordance with the Duckworth/Lewis method Saturday at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna.

Saif’s counterpart, the 21-year old opener Pathum Nissanka made a swashbuckling unbeaten 115 off just 78 balls to help his side reach 199/3 in just 24 overs to win the third match of the series, clinching it 2-1.

The host made 269/5 in 50 overs after losing the toss but with inclement weather, the Sri Lankans were set a revised target of 199 in 28 overs. 

After losing opening partner Mohammad Naim (six), Saif formed a 74-run stand with captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto. 

The thrilling second unofficial ODI of the three-match series between @BCBtigers Emerging Team and @OfficialSLC Team saw a pulsating finish at BKSP as the host struck two sixes in the last over to win by two wickets Wednesday.https://t.co/bIJDbniW1X#BCBTIGERS #SLC #BCB #TIGERS

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) August 21, 2019

But, Shanto got out for 39 and Yasir Ali soon followed him for just nine runs to leave the side at 95/3 in the 25th over. 

Saif then got a great partner in Afif Hossain as the two young batsmen added 125 for the fourth wicket to take the total past the 200-run mark. 

Saif, who struck four fours and as many as seven sixes in his 130-ball 117, perished as the fourth batsman but Afif remained till the end making 68 off 70 balls. 

In reply, the Lankans made a rapid start as the openers scored 64 in just 52 balls. 

@OfficialSLC legend and coach of the visiting Sri Lankan Emerging Team, @chaminda_vaas said he is content with his charges, and asked them to enjoy their crickethttps://t.co/sa742Xtlub#SLC #SRILANKA #CRICKET #SRILANKACRICKET #SRI #LANKA #BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #BANGLADESH #VAAS

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) August 20, 2019

The host picked up two quick wickets to reduce them to 68/2 but man of the match Nissanka continued his whirlwind innings along with captain Minod Bhanuka. 

Bhanuka scored 55 off just 32 balls and the pair added 122 in just 77 balls to ensure the victory. 

Nissanka in his scintillating knock struck eight fours and five sixes. 

The two sides will play their first unofficial Test match from Tuesday at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna before wrapping up the series with another four-day game, starting from September 3 in Cox’s Bazar.