KARACHI, Nov 2: Sri Lankans stormed into the final of inaugural Under-19 Asia Cup Cricket Championship after crushing Bangladesh by eight wickets at National Stadium here on Sunday.

Batting first,Bangladesh were skittled out for 166 in 44.5 overs. Sri Lanka, in reply, reached the target in 43.5 overs for the loss of just two wickets.

This was Lankan teenagers second win in four-team competitions which assured them a place in the final to be played in Lahore Nov 6.

With their second defeat Bangladesh are out of the race, Their last league match against India will merely be a formality for them.

Sri Lankan opener Damindu Kularatane smashed a solid match winning 75 with nine boundaries in 143 balls in his 175 minutes at the crease.

Harsh Vithana hit fine 50 in 85 balls, laced with four boundaries following his match winning 72 not out against India two days ago.

Opening pair Kularatne and Vithana gave their team a perfect start by sharing 105 runs for the first wicket to set-up an easy win.

Earlier, opener Naeem Islam top-scored for his team with 33 in 53 balls with four boundaries and Rubaiyat Haq contributing 30 with two 4s having faced 38 balls.

Sri Lankan pace cum- spin attack kept Bangladesh batting under check throughout the innings. Pacer Farviz Maharoof gave his team a great start by packing skipper Nafees Iqbal for four and Nazimuddin for seven.

Maharoof snapped two wickets for 22 runs in seven overs. Angelo Matthews got two for 36 in his ten overs. Zoysa got two wickets for 32 runs while spinner Ganganath Ratanayake claimed two for 20 in 6.5 overs.

Scoreboard

BANGLADESH