The poor form of Sri Lanka in the ODI continues once again! Afghanistan defeated the host by 60 runs in the first bilateral series they are playing in Sri Lanka. Well done!
And with this loss, Sri Lanka is in a tough position to automatically qualify for next year's ODI world cup. They are now in 10th position of the super league with only 62 runs and they have only 5 matches to go. Meanwhile, Afghanistan is in a very comfortable position, with 110 points and a number of matches to go.
Two teams stand in respect during the national anthems
The first ODI was held at Pallakale stadium, on the 25th of November. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat. The top order completely destroyed Sri Lankan bowlers with massive partnerships. Bowlers rarely troubled the batters. Ibrahim Zadran scored a brilliant century of 106 runs, and Gurbaz (53) and Rahmat (52), helped with the partnerships.
After 41 overs, they were 230-2. But couldn't capitalize on the death, anyway, they scored 294-8 in their 50 overs. It was a very good total on this surface.
Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran celebrates after scoring a century
Sri Lankan batsmen were never comfortable with Afghan bowlers. Especially fast bowlers just rattled the wickets regularly. Even though Sri Lankan players were well ahead of the required run rate, there were no partnerships. Pathum Nissanka played a sensible knock giving some hope.
Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib celebrates after taking a wicket
When captain Shanaka got out, they were 137-5 in 24 overs. Anyway, Hasaranga showed his skills as a batsman. He played a cruel inning. In the 31st over, he scored 22 runs against Nabi. Anyway, Pathum got out for 85 runs.
Although Hasaranga tried hard with the tail-handers the effort was not good enough. He ended up scoring 66 off 46 balls. Sri Lanka was all out for 234 runs in 38 overs.
Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva plays a shot
Afgan fast bowlers were impressive. Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, and Yamin Ahmadzai shared 9 wickets altogether, 4,3,2 respectively. Ibrahim Zadran of Afghanistan won the man of the match award!!
Until the next time!
Thank You!
Best Regards!