Friday Sep 20, 2024
Friday Sep 20, 2024
Friday, 21 July 2023 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka A will take on Pakistan A in the first semi-final of the ACC Emerging Asia Cup at the P Sara Oval today and it will be the fourth different venue they will be playing in four matches.
Sri Lanka A is the only team that have been asked to play each of their three group games at different venues whereas other participating sides have had the advantage of playing at least two games at one venue.
“We have been playing very good cricket but the only thing is that all three matches we have played so far have been at different venues - at SSC, CCC and R Premadasa. For the semi-finals we are going to the P Sara Oval,” said Sri Lanka A coach Avishka Gunawardene.
“It’s another different wicket for us at the P Sara Oval. From what I gather from other games it is slightly on the slow side. These tournaments are a learning curve and finding out who is good at this level. The good thing is these guys are starting to adjust to each and every condition which is exactly what we expect.”
“Hopefully, we will put up a good show. Pakistan has also been playing good cricket and are a very good side. I wouldn’t say that Pakistan has an advantage having played a match earlier at this venue. At the end of the day, we are playing under home conditions and we should know to adjust. It’s just that the wickets are slow and we are basically going to play in the fourth different condition in a week. The bowlers and batsmen all have to adapt in each and every game to the conditions. From my point of view for these guys that experience is good going forward.”
Sri Lanka ‘A’s only loss in the tournament was to Afghanistan A (by 11 runs) who failed to qualify for the semi-finals. They won against Bangladesh A by 48 runs and beat Oman A by 217 runs. Pakistan A also finished the group stage with a similar record beating Nepal by four wickets and UAE A by 184 runs before losing to India A by eight wickets.
Sri Lanka A are most likely to go with the same side that won against Oman A. The second semi-final today will be between India A and Bangladesh A at the R Premadasa Stadium under lights. – (ST)
