U19 World Cup: Sri Lanka beats Afghanistan to win Plate Championship

Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets to win the Plate Championship final of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2012 at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Friday.

Batting first after winning the toss, Afghanistan scored 194 for nine in 50 overs with Mohibullah Paak top scoring with a fine 44 which included five fours and a six. For Sri Lanka, Lahiru Madushanka continued his fine form with the ball and finished with three for 34 while Amila Aponso took two for 19.

In its chase, Sri Lanka cruised to victory in 39 overs with player of the match Niroshan Dickwella hitting an elegant 76 (87b, 5x4, 1x6) and Pabasara Waduge contributing 33 (66b, 3x4). The two batsmen added 44 runs for the second wicket after Shehan Fernando (19) had departed at the score of 42.  For the third wicket with Angelo Jayasinghe (23), Dickwella added 56 runs.

This was Sri Lanka’s first Plate Championship title while for Afghanistan, it was an excellent achievement after it had finished 16th and last in its debut appearance two years ago in New Zealand.

Scores: Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan by seven wickets at Allan Border Field, Brisbane

Afghanistan 194 for nine, 50 overs (Mohibullah Paak 44; Lahiru Madushanka 3-34, Amila Aponso 2-19)

Sri Lanka 196 for three, 39 overs (Niroshan Dickwella 76 not out, Pabasara Waduge 33)

Player of the match - Niroshan Dickwella (Sri Lanka)