The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Pakistan Academy team almost assured the final berth in the three-nation Grameenphone Academy Cup Cricket tournament beating South Africa Academy team by 85 runs at the Bir Shreshtha Shaheed Ruhul Amin Stadium (BSSRAS) in Chittagong on Thursday.

Touring Pakistan team, which made a flying start with emphatic 9-wicket victory over host GP-BCB Academy team in the first match on Wednesday, will play their return matches against South Africa on Apr 20 and GP-BCB Academy team on Apr 21 at the same venue.

With the second consecutive defeat today, South Africa Academy team is in dire straits following their 75 runs loss against host GP-BCB team in the inaugural match on Tuesday.

In the day's third one-dayer, Pakistan Academy team batted first after winning the toss and posted 240 for 6 in stipulated 50 overs.

Opener Ahmed Shehzad contributed polished 74 runs off 81 balls with 13 boundaries to be adjudged man of the match. Captain cum one down batsman Khalid Latif, who made not out 84 against GP-BCB team on Wednesday, scored 51 runs off 81 balls with five fours and a six.

Richard Das Neves claimed two wickets for 35 runs while Cj De Villiers and Mthokozisi Shezi took one wicket each.

In reply, South Africa team was dismissed for 155 runs in 44.4 overs with number four Reeza Hendricks making unbeaten 55 off 107 balls.

Yasir Shah claimed three wickets for 20 runs while Anwar Ali took two for 23.

The GP-BCB Academy team will play South Africa Academy team on Saturday while Pakistan play South Africa on Sunday in the return league matches at the same venue.

After the league basis matches at the BSSRAS, the two top teams will meet in the final on April 23 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS) in Mirpur.

Remaining fixture of one-day tournament:

4th Apr 19 BCB vs SA BSSRAS

5th Apr 20 SA vs Pak BSSRAS

6th Apr 21 BCB vs Pak BSSRAS

Final Apr 23 SBNS