KOLKATA, Dec 27: Naved Latif struck a brisk half-century as Pakistan ‘A’ defeated Sri Lanka ‘A’ by 48 runs on Saturday to keep themselves in contention for a place in the final of the tri-series here.

Naved played a stroke-filled knock of 50 to help the Pakistanis register their first win in the tournament, also featuring hosts India ‘A’.

The Pakistanis now play the home side in the last match of the double-league format on Sunday.

The Sri Lankans finished their league engagements with two wins while the Indians have won two of their first three matches.

Naved, who had scored a valiant 128 against the Indians, hit four boundaries and two sixes off just 39 balls as the Pakistanis scored 244 after being put in to bat by Sri Lanka A captain Russel Arnold.

Naved was associated in a crucial 85-run stand for the fifth wicket with Faizal Iqbal (57) which came off just 67 balls.

Both batsmen fell to paceman Mohamed Maharoof, who was the most successful bowler in the match with 4-53.

Opener Salman Butt (40) and Saeed bin Nasir (35) were the other notable contributors for the Pakistan team, putting on 70 runs for the second wicket.

In reply, the Sri Lankans lost wickets at regular intervals against some tight bowling and due to some bad running between the wickets.

They lost three wickets to run outs, including that of number three batsman Jehann Mubarak.

Naveed Nawaz (47) and opener Shantha Kalavitigoda (38) provided some resistance even as Pakistani off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez finished with figures of 3-29.

Summarised scores:

PAKISTAN ‘A’ 244 in 48.3 overs (Faisal Iqbal 57, Naved Latif 50, Salman Butt 40, Saeed bin Nasir 35; Mohamed Maharoof 4-53);