Riaz Hassan (106) guides Afghanistan ‘A’ to first win on tour

Nishan Madushka and Sonal Dinusha put on 137 for the fourth wicket for Sri Lanka ‘A’

Zubaid Akbari of Afghanistan ‘A’ sweeps during his innings of 68 watched by wicket-keeper Minod Bhanuka

• Nishan Madushka’s century in vain

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Afghanistan ‘A’ secured their first win of their tour of Sri Lanka when they beat Sri Lanka ‘A’ by four wickets with two balls to spare in the fourth unofficial ODI played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Hambantota yesterday.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ hold onto a winning 3-1 lead in the five-match series with the fifth and final ODI scheduled to be played at the same venue on 7 May.

Chasing a target of 276, Afghanistan ‘A’ were given a solid foundation by openers Riaz Hassan and Zubaid Akbari who put on 133 off 152 balls. Akbari scored 68 off 83 balls (10 fours) before hitting back a return catch to Dushan Hemantha who also dismissed Darwish Rasooli for two in the same over.

Shahidullah (39) helped Riaz raise the total to 200 in 40 overs. With 76 needed off the last 10, Afghanistan ‘A’ were nicely poised to complete the run chase.

But Sri Lanka ‘A’ fought till the end running out Bilal Ahmed for four, and capturing the wickets of Riaz for a career best 106 (128 balls, 11 fours) and Nangeyalia Kharote (40 off 29 balls, 5 fours) after they had added 54 off 39 balls.

With three required off the last four balls Qais Ahmed and skipper Ikram Alikhil saw them home in a thrilling finish.

Earlier, Sri Lanka ‘A’ invited to bat first scored 275-7 with Sri Lanka Test opener Nishan Madushka leading the side scoring his third one-day century – 115 off 127 balls (9 fours, 2 sixes) and Sonal Dinusha, a run-a-ball 78 (6 fours). The two figured in a fourth wicket stand of 137 off 136 balls which was the feature of the innings. Fast bowler Bilal Sami, the leading wicket-taker in the series with 9 wickets was once again Afghanistan ‘A’s main bowler taking three top order wickets. Spinner Qais Ahmed put the brakes on the Lankan scoring rate with three wickets towards the fag end of the innings.

Scores: Sri Lanka ‘A’ 275-7 (50) (Nishan Madushka 115, Kamil Mishara 24, Sonal Dinusha 78, Bilal Sami 3/54, Qais Ahmed 3/62)

Afghanistan ‘A’ 276-6 (49.4) (Riaz Hassan 106, Zubaid Akbari 68, Shahidullah 39, Nangeyalia Kharote 40, Dushan Hemantha 2/39)