Despite Wanindu Hasaranga’s breezy 46-ball 66. Sri Lanka were defeat by Afghanistan by 60 runs in the first ODI at the Pallekele International Stadium. Meanwhile, Fazalhaq Farooqi (4 wickets) and Ibrahim Zadran (120-ball 106) were the visitors’ standout performers as they earn 10 Super League points.
Except for Pathum Nissanka’s 85, none of Sri Lanka’s major batsmen contributed much, which hampered the home team’s case. With the nip-backer, Ahmadzai trapped Kusal Mendis in front in the fourth over of the innings. The opener accepted the review, but it was in vain. Fazalhaq, his pace partner, found swing and seam and castled Dinesh Chandimal with a fantastic delivery.
Nissanka, on the other hand, used a range of strokes – glance, cut, and punch – to put the bowlers under strain. Dhananjaya provided assistance to Nissanka and tried the drive and pull while facing Ahmadzai and Fazalhaq. Gulbadin Naib castrated Dhananjaya, hence the partnership did not survive long for the hosts. Charith Asalanka was also remov by the all-rounder, leaving Sri Lanka at 91 for 4.
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Zadran’s ton set up Afghanistan’s win in the first ODI
Nissanka put on significant partnerships of 46 with Dasun Shanaka and 31. With Hasaranga despite losing wickets at the other end. Sri Lanka were still in the game in the 30th over, with a score of 168 for 5. When Nissanka cut one from Fazalhaq onto the stumps. With Sri Lanka in trouble, Hasaranga went for broke. Hitting Mohammad Nabi for six and four boundaries in a single over. He faced Ahmadzai and Rashid Khan as well, but with wickets falling at the other end. He ran out of partners and was caught by Fazalhaq in the 38th over.
Earlier, Ibrahim had scored a brilliantly timed century, while Rahmat Shah (52), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (53) and Najibullah Zadran (25-ball 42). All contributed to Afghanistan’s competitive total of 294/8. Afghanistan got off to a solid start in reasonably decent batting conditions. With Gurbaz and Ibrahim sharing an 84-run partnership for the first wicket. Hasranga eventually dismissed Gurbaz LBW, denying the opening a slog-sweep.
Gurbaz and Rahmat then stitched together a 118-run partnership in just over 24 overs to solidify Afghanistan’s advantage. With the occasional drive and gaze from Ibrahim, the tandem sought to pinch singles and twos. After Rahmat was defeat by Kumara, Najibullah grab command with a torrent of bullets. Ibrahim, on the other hand, reached his century in the 41st over with a boundary off Kumara. Gulbadin, who came out to bat after Ibrahim was dismiss, offer crucial assistance to Najibullah, and the two put on a good 35-run partnership. However, when Najibullah was remove in the 47th over, Afghanistan falter and were bowl out off the penultimate ball of the last over.
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