AFG vs SL Match Highlights
Sri Lanka is quite pleased to retain Afghanistan at 144. Afghanistan unquestionably needed at least 15–20 more given the base Gurbaz and Ghani established. Gurbaz and Ibrahim both made some great photos. However, both fled, swinging to Kumara from below. For the most part, Najib struggled to center the ball, and in the end, neither Gulbadin nor Nabi were able to provide that extra boost.
Hasaranga’s superb bowling in the final over prevented Afghanistan from reaching 150. Afghanistan is obviously lacking, yet it is still worth considering. Afghanistan has all the mystique and skill the game of cricket has ever seen, therefore the Sri Lankan batsmen are currently facing a difficult wicket.
AFG vs SL: Afghanistan Powerplay
Sri Lanka struggled after losing the wicket of Pathum Nissanka in the second over, however they managed to pick the wickets in hand and scored 28 runs for the loss of one wicket. At the end of the 6 overs, the Sri Lankan run rate was 4.7.
AFG vs SL: First Ten Overs
Sri Lanka after a loose start to the powerplay picked up the gears and accelerated at a very high speed. Sri Lanka after the 10 overs where down to 63 for the loss of two wickets. Nabi bowled a really good 10 over where he bowled two dot balls and conceded four runs.
Afghanistan’s Bowlers
Spinners are always a threat Rashid Khan picked up two wickets giving away 31 runs in four overs and Mujeeb is the only other Afghanistan bowler who picked up two wickets in his 4 over spell.
Sri Lankan Batsman in good form
Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva stitched up the highest partnership where they contributed 54 runs. Dhananjaya de Silva played brilliant innings and scored his third international fifty scorings 66 runs from 42 balls with 2 sixes and 6 fours at a strike rate of 157.14 helping Sri Lanka win the match without any trouble.
A masterclass from Dhananjaya de Silva
Dhananjaya, who fittingly smashes the winning runs, is clinical. The bowlers from Sri Lanka performed admirably at the conclusion of the innings to hold Afghanistan to a middling total. The Asian champions responded but were off to a sluggish start.
They were 63/2 at the midway point after losing both of their openers to spin. Following the break for beverages, Dhananjaya made the decision to step it up and conducted himself impeccably. He made good use of his feet, threw the good balls about, and punished loose objects.
Player of the Match
Wanindu Hasaranga received the Player of the Match for his incredible four-over spell where he picked up crucial three wickets and conceded 13 runs helping Sri Lanka to restrict Afghanistan to 144. After the match, he stated saying “We lost the last two games against Australia and New Zealand. We had to play our best game. I am really happy. Last game also I thought Zampa bowled well. I tried to vary my pace here. Perth was very good for the batters. I had gone for a few runs against Australia. But I knew I will bounce back. I had the support of big boundaries here.”
What’s Next?
Sri Lanka will face England on 5th November (Saturday) in Sydney. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will face Australia on 4th November (Friday) at Adelaide.
