Afghanistan and Maldives secures semi-final spot

Afghanistan beat Bhutan by 224 runs to top Group 1 of the SAARC Twenty20 Cup under 25 tournament. Amir Khan Mangal top scored in the middle of the Afghan innings with 81 runs from 35 overs.  Gulbadin Niab and Hamid Hassan were both unbeaten on 44 and 25 runs respectively. The Afghan team had a shaky start loosing regular wickets as they looked to capitalise on Bhutan’s bowling.  In the process Sonam Tobgay picked up 4 wickets for 52 runs. In reply, the Bhutanese players were unable to withstand the pace attack of the Afghans. Tashi was the top scorer making an unbeaten 18 runs. Hamid Hassan, Samiullah Shinwari and Dollat Zadran took two wickets each.

With this win for Afghanistan, Maldives also made into the semis as the second team of Group 1, after their win against Bhutan in the first  match of the tournament.

In the second match of the day, the Sri Lankans overcame early jitters to post 256 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Angelo Perera played an outstanding innings making 133 from 54 balls.  Udara Madurwalage made 33 runs and  Umesh Tennakoon 31 runs.  Vinay Chnadra was the pick of the bowlers for India KIOC team with 4 wickets for 30 runs. In reply, India were bowled out for 116 runs in 16.4 overs. Dharshan KV (21), Rahul Bhatkal (27) and Anish DV (26) were in the runs for the Indian team.  Lahiru Jayawardana took 3 wickets for 29 runs. Sri Lanka is almost certain of a semi-final spot barring a very one sided win for Nepal against Pakistan tomorrow.