It didn’t take long for Sri Lanka’s opening batsmen Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka to make light work of Afghanistan on Wednesday during Sri Lanka’s nine-wicket victory against Afghanistan. This victory sealed Sri Lanka’s victory in the one-day international series, which they won 2-1.
After a devastating fast bowling assault spearheaded by Dushmantha Chameera that decimated the helpless Afghan top order, Sri Lanka blitzed their way to 120 with 34 overs to spare at Hambantota. This allowed them to easily surpass the 117 that the visitors had set.
When it came time to start the chase, Nissanka wasted no time and raced to his ninth ODI half-century in only 32 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes along the way.
He was out with the score of 51 when Gulbadin Naib trapped him leg before wicket to bring an end to an opening wicket partnership that had scored 84 runs.
Karunaratne, another opener for Sri Lanka, was playing in his first one-day international series in more than two years when he produced a score of 56 not out to ensure that the team completed their goal without losing another wicket.
It took him 45 balls to get 56, and he hit seven fours and six sixes on his way to his ninth half-century in the format.
Chameera, the mainstay of Sri Lanka’s fast bowling attack, established the island nation’s early domination with two furious periods at the crease, during which the tourists were unable to construct a strong partnership.
Chameera, who was participating in his first series since undergoing ankle surgery that kept him out of action for seven months, was awarded man of the match honors due to his performance of 4-63.
Wanindu Hasaranga, bowling leg spin, finished out the Afghan tail with three wickets for seven runs while fast Lahiru Kumara took two wickets, bringing the total number of runs scored by the tourists down to 116.
As Sri Lanka accomplished their goal in just 16 overs to win the game early, Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 11 at the end of the innings.
The first game was won decisively by Afghanistan by six wickets, while Sri Lanka came back to win the second game by 132 runs. Afghanistan won the first game by six wickets.
In order to compete in World Cup qualifying matches, Sri Lanka will go to Zimbabwe. There are currently two spots available for the tournament that serves as the format’s showcase event.
Already qualified for the World Cup, which will begin in October in India, Afghanistan will compete in the tournament.