Sharjah 3rd Sep : Sri Lanka produced an impressive performance to defeat Afghanistan by four wickets in an Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2022 at the Sharjah International Stadium here on the weekend.A superb attack from Rahmanullah Gurbaz (84 off 45) drove Afghanistan to a formidable 175/6 in 20 overs.
In addition to Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran also had a powerful strike (40 off 38) for Afghanistan who could have hoped for a dazzling final, however, they fell wickets in an enclave in the final few overs.
In pursuit of a tough number, Kusal Mendis (36 off 19), Pathum Nissanka (35 off 28), Danushka Gunathilaka (33 off 20) Bhanuka Rajapaksa (31 off 14) and Wanindu Hasaranga made vital contributions with the bat and helped lead Sri Lanka to a memorable victory.
Despite losing wickets on a regular basis, Sri Lankan batters didn’t let the required run rate to climb too high and eventually pushed the goal in 19.1 overs with four wickets in hand.Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/30) Naveen-ul-Haq (2/40), Mohammad Nabi (1/34) and Rashid Khan (1/39), were the wicket-takers for Afghanistan.
In the earlier innings, when they batted first.
Afghanistan were off to a strong start with a score of 49/1 in the powerplay.
When Gurbaz was in an attacking mode and was responsible for the majority of the scoring, Hazratullah Zazai was not in a position to find any rhythm throughout his innings.
Zazai finally played to an extended delivery, and was bowled cleanly by the bowler for 13 off 16 in the 5th over.
In spite of the powerplay, Gurbaz continued his attacking determination and scored his 50 in 22 minutes.
He received assistance in Zadran and the scoreboard going for Afghanistan.
Both Gurbaz and Zadran made the partnership of 95 runs in the second wicket.
When Gurbaz was dismissed in the 16th over Afghanistan were at 139-2 and were looking set for a strong final.
However they lost the wickets of Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (1) and Najibullah Zadran (17) in the 17th and 18th overs, respectively.
Rashid Khan (9) managed to score an unbeaten six in the final over, and reduced Afghanistan to 175-6, but it wasn’t enough in the final.
Dilshan Madushanka (2/37), Maheesh Theekshana (1/29) and Asitha Fernando (1/34) were the wicket takers for Sri Lanka.
Brief scores: Afghanistan 175/6 in 20 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 84, Ibrahim Zadran 40, Dilshan Madushanka 2/37) lost to Sri Lanka 179/6 in 19.1 overs (Kusal Mendis 36, Pathum Nissanka 35; Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2/30) by 4 wickets
avn/bsk
