Match Details
Dhananjaya de Silva hits the winning runs and finishes things off in style as Sri Lanka wins this game by 6 wickets with 9 balls to spare. A good display by the Lankans overall as they keep their slim hopes of qualification for the semis alive. Afghanistan, with this loss bows out of the competition.
Chasing a tricky 145 for the win, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka early for 10 runs. Kusal Mendis struggled for his 25 off 27 balls. It was the Dhananjaya de Silva show as he held the innings together and steered the ship home. He remained unbeaten on 66* off 42 balls while Charith Asalanka chipped in with 19 off 18 balls and Bhanuka Rajapaksa scored 18 off 14 balls. 10 extras were given by the Afghan bowlers as the victory target was achieved in 18.3 overs.Earlier in the game, Afghanistan opting to bat first got off to a steady start as they amassed 42 runs in the powerplay. They lost Gurbaz just after the powerplay to Lahiru Kumara for 28 off 24 balls. No Afghan batters could cross 30 and that was a big problem for them. Usman Ghani opening today scored 27 runs off 27 balls. Ibrahim Zadran chipped in with 22 off 18 balls. Najibullah Zadran scored 18 off 16 balls. Gulbadin Naib scored 12 off 14 balls while skipper Mohammad Nabi scored 13 off 8 balls. 11 extras were given by the Lankan bowlers who came back at the death overs. Afghanistan lost 5/40 in the last five overs and had to settle for 144/8 in 20 overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka
as he had exceptional figures of 3/13 off 4 overs including a brilliant 20th
over that he bowled. Lahiru Kumara picked up a couple of wickets for his 2/30
in 4 overs. A wicket apiece for Kasun Rajitha and Dhananjaya de Silva. Theekshana
and Madushan went wicketless today. A good bowling performance especially at
the death overs. That proved to be the difference as Sri Lanka won the game with 9 balls to spare.
So, a win for Sri Lanka over Afghanistan by 6 wickets with 9 balls to spare. Stick around for the post-match presentation ceremony that comes your way soon.