Sylhet: An all round performance by skipper Charith Asalanka saw Sri Lanka Under-19 team to notch an exciting 33-run victory over Afghanistan Under-19 team to book their place in the quarter-final from group B of the ICC U-19 World Cup held on Saturday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Favored by coin, the two Sri Lankan openers have contributed a solid 48-run opening stand before wickets fell in clumps, and were soon reduced to 96 for 5. Asalanka then pairing with Wanidu Hasaranga added useful 62-run partnership.

However, another bunch of wickets fell soon after and they Sri Lanka were bowled out for 184 in the 49th over. Offspinner Shamsurrahman was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 10-3-19-3.

Chasing a winning target of 185 runs, Afghanistan lost Naveed Obaid early but Karim Janat (40) and captain Ihsanullah (23) brought the innings back on course. At 66 for 2, Afghanistan were firmly in the contest. Thereafter, Sri Lanka regularly chipped away at the wickets, and suddenly Afghanistan were tottering at 91 for 6, only to be ultimately bowled out for 151 in the 45th over. 

Waheedullah Shafaq top-scored with run-a-ball 47 runs. All bowlers captured one wicket, with Kamindu Mendis taking three.