Poor run rate pushes Lanka out of final

CRICKET: Bangladesh Academy reached the final of the Tri-nation Academy tournament courtesy of their better run rate than Sri Lanka Academy.

In the last league match of the tournament Pakistan Academy outplayed their Sri Lankan counterpart by 88 runs in D/L method at the Fatulla Stadium yesterday.

As a result the three participating teams were equal in points after the round robin league. Each team have won two and lost the other two matches but Pakistan and Bangladesh Academy got the nudge ahead of the Sri Lankan side because of their superior run rate.

Pakistan Academy finished on top with +0.84 net run rate while Bangladesh side followed them with -0.371. The unlucky Sri Lanka Academy finished with -0.379 net run rate.

In yesterday’s match at Fatulla Pakistan Academy made 251/6 in 46 overs when the rain came down heavily. They could not restart their innings as Sri Lanka Academy set to chase 255 in 46 overs in D/L method.

Skipper Fawad Alam hit a steady 56 (70 balls; 4x3, 6x2) for Pakistan Academy but it was wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed whose quick-fire unbeaten 53 off 35 balls (4x8) helped them to push over 250 run marks.

Kulasekera grabbed three wickets for the Sri Lankan side.

In reply Sri Lanka Academy were never in the match as they lost wickets in regular intervals and finally bundled out for 166 in 38.4 overs. Vithana was the top scorer for them with 68 (107 balls; 4x5). Anwar Ali took five wickets while Nazaf Shah got two for Pakistan Academy.

The final of the tournament between Bangladesh Academy and Pakistan Academy will take place at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Monday.