Afghanistan got here up with a valiant chase on the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as they threatened to finish Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup title defence. Facing an uphill process of chasing 292 in simply 37.1 overs (or 295 in 37.5 overs), Afghanistan practically did the unthinkable, driving on a sensational knock from their senior-most campaigner Mohammad Nabi. However, there was heartbreak for Afghanistan as they fell in need of the goal by 3 runs, getting bowled out for 289 in simply 37.4 overs.
AFG vs SL, Asia Cup Highlights
In probably the most thrilling Asia Cup encounters, Afghanistan batters showcased their firepower, practically pulling off an unbelievable chase. Mohammad Nabi hit Afghanistan’s quickest ODI fifty and completed with 65 off 32 balls as he swung the momentum in favour of the staff after they misplaced early wickets. Nabi hit 5 sixes and 6 boundaries and threatened to take the sport away from Sri Lanka.
Asia Cup 2023 factors desk
Rashid Khan, who has made it a behavior to chip in with the bat underneath stress, was at it as soon as once more as he hit 27 from 16 balls. However, he was on the non-striker’s finish when Afghanistan’s hopes had been dashed as he ran out of companions ultimately.
Needing 15 from 7 balls, Rashid Khan hit 3 boundaries in opposition to left-arm spinner Dinuth Wellalage. The equation got here down to three from 1 ball and Mujeeb Zadran was caught at long-on after a failed bid to clear the boundary.
Afghanistan had the chance to qualify in the event that they scored 295 in 37.5 overs however Rashid Khan was denied the strike as Dhananjaya de Silva obtained the ultimate wicket, having Fazalhaq Farooqi LBW for 0.
It appeared as if Afghanistan had been unaware that they had been nonetheless within the race within the decisive ultimate over as there was no intent to steal a single and get Rashid again on strike.
Afghanistan showcased as soon as once more why they may show to be a darkish horse on the World Cup later this yr. Despite dropping early wickets after a effective opening burst from Sri Lanka’s pacer Kasun Rajitha.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who hit a 151 in opposition to Pakistan final month, failed when Afghanistan wanted him probably the most on the prime as he was out for 4 to Rajitha. Ibrahim Zahdran fell for 7 whereas former captain Gulbadin Naib, who picked up 4 wickers, was dismissed for a quickfire 22 off 16 balls to Matheesha Pathirana.
MENDIS AND TAIL SHINE
Sri Lanka, who had received the toss and elected to bat first, put up a formidable complete of 291 for 8. The spotlight of their innings was undoubtedly the efficiency of Kusal Mendis. The 28-year-old batsman performed a powerful knock, scoring 92 runs off simply 84 balls. His innings was studded with three sixes and 6 boundaries, offering a strong basis for the Sri Lankan complete. Mendis’s efficiency was notably noteworthy as he efficiently navigated the Afghan bowling assault, together with star spinner Rashid Khan.
However, Sri Lanka’s batting wasn’t solely about Mendis. A big contribution got here from the eighth-wicket partnership between Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana. After a number of unconverted begins by different batsmen, this duo stepped as much as the crease and delivered underneath stress. They managed so as to add priceless runs to the whole, taking Sri Lanka to a aggressive rating. Their stand of 64 runs from 63 balls demonstrated not solely their batting expertise but in addition their capability to deal with stress in a high-stakes match.
Despite a powerful begin and a preventing end, Sri Lanka’s innings was marked by a number of missed alternatives. However, the staff’s complete gave them a preventing probability within the match, leaving Afghanistan with a difficult goal to chase. The match served as a testomony to the unpredictability and pleasure of cricket, with particular person performances like these of Mendis, Wellalage, and Theekshana taking part in a pivotal position in shaping the course of the sport.
Published On:
Sep 5, 2023
