AFG vs SLLanka Live Score, World Cup 2023: Omarzai’s 73*, Shahidi’s 58* key as AFG cruise to 7-wicket victory
In an exciting clash between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka at the Cricket World Cup 2023, it was Afghanistan who emerged victorious, securing a comfortable 7-wicket win. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and opted to bowl first, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter.
AFG vs SL Match, Sri Lanka’s Slow Start
Sri Lanka’s innings got off to a slow start, and the cautious approach eventually led to their downfall. Dimuth Karunaratne returned as the opener but was dismissed early by Fazalhaq Farooqi in just the second ball of the sixth over. However, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka managed to stabilize the innings to some extent, forming a partnership that yielded 62 runs off 77 balls for the second wicket.
Mujeeb ur Rahman played a crucial role for Afghanistan, returning after the 25th over to take the key wickets of Mendis and the in-form Sadeera Samarawickrama in consecutive overs, putting Sri Lanka under pressure. Rashid Khan joined the party by dismissing Dhananjaya de Silva, bringing veteran Angelo Mathews to the crease. Sri Lanka’s lower-order tried to boost the run rate in the last 10 overs, with Maheesh Theekshana playing some aggressive shots before being dismissed for a 31-ball 29. Mathews contributed with a 26-ball 23.
Shahidi, who had been practicing on this very ground for the past few days, noted that dew sets in during the evening, making Afghanistan the favorites to win the game at the halfway point. However, Afghanistan faced a shaky start in their chase, losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the very first over. Despite this early setback, Afghanistan managed to recover and looked steady in their pursuit of the target.
AFG vs SL Impressive Performances
Both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have been impressive in this tournament, defying low expectations. While Sri Lanka had a mixed year in ODI cricket, their Asia Cup final batting collapse raised doubts about their chances in this World Cup. Despite a rough start with three consecutive losses, they made a comeback with victories, including a significant win against England.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, had nothing to lose and surprised many by defeating England and Pakistan. Their journey to the World Cup, without having to go through qualifiers, was an achievement in itself considering their limited exposure to ODI cricket. The win against Pakistan sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and injected positivity into the Afghanistan camp.
AFG vs SL Match Highlights
- Afghanistan’s decision to bowl first paid off as they restricted Sri Lanka to 241.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman played crucial roles with the ball, and Rashid Khan marked his 100th ODI with a wicket.
- Pacer Azmatullah Omarzai also contributed to the bowling effort.
- Both teams are now four points away from the coveted fourth place in the tournament standings.
- During Afghanistan’s chase, Dilshan Madushanka managed to remove both Afghan openers, but Rahmat Shah’s half-century steadied the ship.
- This victory solidifies Afghanistan’s standing in the tournament and keeps their hopes alive in the Cricket World Cup 2023.