SL vs AFG Highlights: Ibrahim Zadran (98) and Rahmat Shah (55) guided Afghanistan to a comfortable 6-wicket win against Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI. Chasing 269, the visitors didn’t stumble in the chase and kept ticking runs. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah stitched a brilliant 146-run partnership put Afghanistan in the driver’s seat. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (34) and Mohammad Nabi (27*) then made sure that the team gets to the finishing line without any slip-ups. Earlier, Charith Asalanka’s 91 propelled SL to a competitive total of 268 on a tricky pitch.
After being put to bat first, Sri Lanka struggled in the overcast conditions. Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqui struck early, dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne on 4. Kusal Mendis (11). Pathum Nissanka (38) and Angelo Mathews (12) couldn’t stay long either, leaving the hosts in a vulnerable position at 84/4.
However, Charith Asalanka showed great composure throughout his innings and found a reliable partner in Dhananjaya de Silva. The duo added 99 runs for the fifth wicket. Just as Sri Lanka hoped to accelerate, de Silva fell to a loose shot off Mohammad Nabi’s bowling.
Captain Dasun Shanaka showed promise but failed to convert it into a big score, leaving Asalanka with the responsibility of scoring. Debutant Dushan Hemantha provided valuable support, as they stitched together a crucial 48-run partnership. However, the Sri Lankan managed lost four wickets in the final two overs and were bowled out for 268.
Despite a slightly under-par score, Sri Lanka’s bowlers needed early breakthroughs to put pressure on the Afghan batsmen. Despite getting Rahmanullah Gurbaz (14) early, Sri Lanka couldn’t apply pressure as Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah stitched a brilliant 146-run partnership. Zadran missed out on his fourth ton by 2 runs as he got caught off Kasun Rajitha. Rahmat Shah’s steady contribution of 55 ensured that the visitors remained on track. Shah was dismissed by debutant Matheesha Pathirana but the damage was already done.
After a successful IPL 2023 campaign, pacer Pathirana had a disappointing outing on his debut. Despite getting his maiden ODI wicket, the youngster went for plenty, leaking 65 runs in 8.5 overs.
With the target within reach, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (34) and Mohammad Nabi (27*) guided Afghanistan to victory without any slip-ups.
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