Lahore, Pakistan: In a nail-biting encounter at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by a razor-thin margin of two runs against a spirited Afghanistan side. Kasun Rajitha’s exceptional four-wicket haul, coupled with Dhananjaya de Silva’s crucial two wickets in the 38th over, sealed Sri Lanka’s spot in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023.
The equation was clear for Afghanistan when Sri Lanka set a target of 292 runs, requiring them to chase it down in 37.1 overs or less to secure a place in the coveted Super 4 stage of the tournament. What followed was a rollercoaster ride of emotions as both teams fought tooth and nail to claim victory.
Afghanistan’s chase got off to a shaky start when star opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for a mere 4 runs, courtesy of Kasun Rajitha’s fiery bowling. Gurbaz’s miscued shot found its way into the hands of Kusal Mendis, leaving Afghanistan in an early predicament.
Gulbadin Naib tried to steady the ship with two consecutive fours off Rajitha’s deliveries but fell victim to the Sri Lankan pacer soon after, alongside Ibrahim Zadran, reducing Afghanistan to 48/3.
Hashmatullah Shahidi emerged as Afghanistan’s beacon of hope, launching a remarkable run chase with a relentless onslaught of boundaries. Shahidi notched up his fifty, igniting optimism among the Afghan fans.
A blistering 80-run partnership between Mohammad Nabi, who recorded the fastest ODI fifty for Afghanistan in just 24 balls, and Shahidi kept Afghanistan firmly in the race. The duo pummelling the Sri Lankan bowlers all over the ground, shifting the balance in Afghanistan’s favour.
However, Nabi’s fiery innings were halted by Theekshana, who dismissed him for 65. Afghanistan reached the 200-run mark in just 26 overs, with the loss of only four wickets. With 92 runs needed in 11.1 overs, victory seemed attainable, primarily due to Nabi’s exceptional performance.
Shahidi’s innings ended at 59 as he fell prey to Dunith Wellalage. Najibullah Zadran’s spirited 23 off 15 provided a glimmer of hope, but he eventually handed a catch to Dushan Hemantha.
The thrilling encounter came down to the wire, with Rashid Khan and Najibullah Zadran keeping Afghanistan’s hopes alive. However, Sri Lanka’s Dhananjaya de Silva had the last word, taking two crucial wickets in the 38th over. With three runs needed off the final ball, Mujeeb holed out, sealing Sri Lanka’s qualification for the Super 4 stage and breaking Afghan hearts.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 291/8, thanks to Kusal Mendis’ valiant 92 runs and a late partnership of 64 runs between Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana. For Afghanistan, Gulbadin Naib was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets, while star spinner Rashid Khan contributed with two crucial dismissals.
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