In an interesting match between Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka in Dambulla, Sri Lanka won a nail-biter against Afghanistan by just four runs, taking the lead in the three-match series.
The game had its ups and downs, but Sri Lanka’s Binura Fernando emerged as the hero, defending 11 runs in the final over and securing the win. Despite Ibrahim Zadran’s valiant effort with an unbeaten 67 runs, Afghanistan fell agonizingly short.
Matheesha Pathirana’s exceptional performance also played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s victory, as he took four wickets for just 24 runs, including two in a crucial penultimate over.
Sri Lanka batted first and scored 160 runs, thanks to Wanindu Hasaranga’s brilliant innings of 67 runs off just 32 balls. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers kept them in check with regular wickets.
During Afghanistan’s chase, things looked promising for them, especially with Ibrahim’s solid batting. But Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Pathirana, struck at crucial moments to keep the pressure on.
The match started with Sri Lanka batting aggressively, scoring 51 runs in the powerplay but losing three wickets in the process. However, Hasaranga’s aggressive innings stabilized the innings, and his partnership with Sadeera Samarawickrama helped Sri Lanka reach a competitive total.
Afghanistan’s bowlers fought back strongly, restricting Sri Lanka’s lower order and tailenders. In response, Afghanistan started their chase aggressively, scoring 57 runs in the powerplay with Ibrahim leading the charge.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Hasaranga and Pathirana, chipped away at Afghanistan’s batting lineup, taking crucial wickets at regular intervals. Pathirana’s brilliant spell in the middle overs turned the game in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Despite a late fightback from Afghanistan’s lower order, Pathirana’s excellent bowling in the death overs ensured Sri Lanka’s victory. Binura Fernando’s tight final over sealed the win for Sri Lanka in front of a packed crowd in Dambulla.
Overall, it was a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams, with Sri Lanka emerging victorious by the great margins.