Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by 4 runs in first T20I

2024.02.17

Wanindu Hasaranga powers Sri Lanka to a stellar win over Afghanistan in first T20I

In the opening Twenty20 International of the three-match series, Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan in a thrilling cricket match played in Dambulla. Additionally, the win gave the hosts a 1-0 series lead. The Islanders solidified their dominance by outplaying the Afghans in every aspect of the game.

After being asked to bat first, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis were dismissed, giving Sri Lanka an early disadvantage. The situation for the side worsened when Dhananjaya de Silva, who had made a promising start, gave up after making a quick cameo of 24 runs off 17 balls. When Charith Asalanka left the game after only three runs, the team’s struggle became much more intense.

In a decisive move, captain Wanindu Hasaranga moved up the order and played a brilliant innings, scoring fifty runs in just twenty-four balls. Alongside Sadeera Samarawickrama, who scored 25 runs before being run out, Hasaranga brought much-needed momentum to the team. But when Hasaranga was dismissed by Naveen-ul-Haq for 67 runs, there was a collapse as Sri Lanka lost at 160 runs in 19 overs.

Afghanistan started the innings at a fast clip, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran chasing a target of 161 runs. Gurbaz came off the bench with an outstanding 13 runs in his cameo, but he left the field early, giving the onus on the new hitters. Taking the crease at number three, Gulbadin Naib was only able to score 16 runs off of 17 balls. Despite Karim Janat’s fast 20 off 16 balls, Afghanistan’s chase was hampered by the absence of meaningful partnerships. Zadran valiantly fought until the very end, but the rest of the lineup did not provide much assistance.

Afghanistan needed 14 runs in the final two overs, so Matheesha Pathirana’s brilliant 19th over—which cost just three runs and two vital wickets—proved to be the game-changing moment that turned the tide in Sri Lanka’s favor. On the other hand, Afghanistan lost a closely contested match by a slim margin after failing to reach their goal by five runs.

Score card

Sri Lnaka – 160/10 ,19 overs – Wanindu hasaranga 67 (32),Fazal Farooqi 04-25-03

Afghanistan – 156/09 ,19.5 overs – Ibrahim Zadran 67* (55),Matheesha Pathirana 04-24-04

player of the match Mathesha Pathirana

@charith