In a dominant display of cricketing prowess, Afghanistan sealed a resounding six-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka in the opening encounter of their three-match One Day International (ODI) series held in Hambantota.
The visitors, tasked with chasing a target of 269, embarked on their innings with a blazing start provided by Ibrahim Zadran. Teaming up with the steadfast Rahmat Shah, Zadran constructed a century partnership that laid a solid foundation for the middle order, ultimately resulting in an emphatic victory with six wickets and 25 balls to spare.
Having won the toss, Afghanistan’s decision to bowl first against Sri Lanka proved fruitful. Fazalhaq Farooqi struck early, claiming the prized scalps of Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis, which sent the hosts reeling.
Shortly thereafter, Fareed Ahmed dealt a heavy blow by dismissing the experienced Angelo Matthews, further dampening Sri Lanka’s spirits. Despite Pathum Nissaka’s determined resistance, he eventually succumbed, and Sri Lanka found themselves teetering at 84-4.
It was at this critical juncture that Dhanajaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka emerged as the saviours, engineering a remarkable recovery by forging a resilient partnership of 99 runs. Their efforts resuscitated Sri Lanka’s hopes, guiding them towards a more respectable total.
Contributions from the lower order, particularly Shanaka and Hemantha, proved vital as Asalanka valiantly held his ground until the final over, enabling Sri Lanka to complete their allotted 50 overs despite losing all ten wickets.
Afghanistan’s bowlers exhibited an all-around masterclass, with the pacers making early inroads and the spinners coming into play later in the innings.
Afghanistan’s pursuit of the target encountered an early setback when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed cheaply by Lahiru Kumara, leaving the visitors at a precarious position.
However, Ibrahim Zadran spearheaded a blistering counterattack, with Rahmat Shah playing a supporting role, as they amassed an impressive 146-run partnership in just 148 deliveries.
Zadran’s sublime knock came to an end agonizingly close to a well-deserved century, falling for 98 to Matheesha Pathirana, who earned his maiden ODI wicket. Pathirana, on his ODI debut, endured a torrid time, conceding 17 runs in a single over at an economy rate of 7.5.
After Rahmat Shah’s departure following a gritty fifty, Mohammad Nabi and Hashmatullah Shahidi displayed maturity and composure, steering Afghanistan comfortably across the finish line.
With this comprehensive victory, Afghanistan now holds a commanding 1-0 lead in the series. The stage is set for the second ODI on Sunday, June 4, followed by the third and final ODI on Wednesday, June 7, both of which will take place at Hambantota.
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