Afghanistan’s Commanding Win with 7 Wickets Over Sri Lanka Keeps Knockout Hopes Alive

Introduction

Match no 30 was played at MCA Stadium , Pune. In this thrilling encounter, Afghanistan faced off against Sri Lanka in a high-stakes match at the MCA in Pune. Both teams were level with 4 points each, and only one could secure the crucial 2 points needed to stay in contention for a top-four finish. The previous matches had seen Sri Lanka triumph over England, while Afghanistan emerged victorious against Pakistan.

Sri Lanka’s Innings:

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to field. Sri Lanka started well but lost their opener, Dimuth Karunaratne, with the score at 22 runs. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis steadied the ship, combining for a 62-run partnership for the second wicket before Nissanka was dismissed. The third wicket, too, contributed with a 50-run partnership between Mendis and Samarawickrama. However, wickets fell at regular intervals thereafter, preventing Sri Lanka from accelerating. They were eventually bowled out for 242 runs in 49.3 overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi starred for Afghanistan with 4 wickets for just 34 runs, while Mujeeb-ur-Rahman chipped in with 2 wickets for 38 runs.

Afghanistan’s Chase:

Afghanistan required 242 runs to secure the 2 points, while Sri Lanka needed to take all 10 wickets or restrict their opponents below 241. Afghanistan commenced their chase with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zadran. Unfortunately, Gurbaz was dismissed for a duck by Dilshan Madhusanka.

Rahmat Shah then joined Zadran, and together they added 73 runs before Zadran departed, contributing 39 runs. Rahmat Shah continued to shine, achieving a half-century and taking the score to 131 runs with Hashmatullah Shahidi. Hashmatullah’s patience and Shah’s 62 runs were instrumental in steadying the innings. Azmatullah Omarzai partnered with the captain and played brilliantly, ensuring no further losses while adding 111 runs together to successfully reach the target.

Hashmatullah compiled a patient 58 runs, while Omarzai maintained a brisk pace, scoring 73 runs off 63 balls. Afghanistan reached the target with 7 wickets in hand.Dilshan Madhusanka was the only Sri Lankan bowler to claim 2 wickets, while Rajitha secured 1 wicket.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Afghanistan clinched the match with a commanding 7-wicket victory. Fazalhaq Farooqi was named the Player of the Match for his impressive figures of 4 wickets for 34 runs in 10 overs. With 6 points, Afghanistan climbed to the fifth position, while Sri Lanka will face an uphill task in their pursuit of a knockout stage berth.