Hammad Azam takes Pakistan U-23 into the final

SINGAPORE: Pakistan U-23 beat Sri Lanka by 1 wicket in the semi final of the Asian Cricket Council Emerging teams Cup at the Padang cricket ground in Singapore.

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. At the end of their allotted 50 overs they had reached a competitive 230 for the loss of seven wickets.

They were able to post that total mainly because of their opener, MDUS Jayasundera who scored 94 with the help of 9 boundries and a six.

DSNFG Jayasuriya got 33 but the other middle order batsmen could not capitalize on some good starts. At the end WMC Jayampathi was able to score quickly and got 22 off 11 balls with the aid of 2 sixes and a four.

Usman Qadir was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers as he gave away only 32 runs in his 10 overs picking up five wickets.

In reply Pakistan made a bad start and lost early wickets before skipper Hammad Azam stemmed the rout. Playing a captains knock he scored a fighting 66 with 2 fours and 3 sixes to see his side to the final. Bilawal Bhatti gave him excellent support with 25 off 21 balls. Usman Salahuddin also scored 31 runs.

MA Aponso bowled well for Sri Lanka taking 3-31.

Hammad Azam was later declared player of the match for his brilliant effort with the bat.

Pakistan now face India in the final of the tournament which will be played on Sunday at the Kallang cricket Ground.