In a stunning display of domination, Sri Lanka crushed their opponents with a thumping nine-wicket victory in Hambantota to seal a miraculous series victory over Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s batting order was completely destroyed by the home team’s bowlers, who were led by Dushmantha Chameera’s amazing four-wicket haul and Wanindu Hasaranga’s impressive three-wicket contribution. They were dismissed for just 116 runs.
Sri Lanka’s openers, Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunatne, then showcased their prowess with a breathtaking display, swiftly chasing down the target in a mere 16 overs.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s poorly timed pull to fine leg in the second over of the match put Afghanistan, which is struggling with yet another batting collapse, in immediate danger. Rahmat Shah, whose half-century was important to Afghanistan’s victory in the first game of the series, was bowled out by the excellent Dushmantha Chameera in the third over.
Despite the adversity, Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran fought valiantly, attempting to resurrect their team’s innings and defying Sri Lanka’s formidable bowling attack for four overs. However, Chameera intervened once again, breaking the partnership and dismissing the latter batsman in quick succession.
Chameera concluded his spell with excellent figures of 4 for 63. Wanindu Hasaranga then took center stage, wreaking havoc among the lower-order batsmen. He began his onslaught by trapping Rashid Khan’s leg before wicket in the 16th over. Although Gulbadin Naib mustered 20 runs to push Afghanistan beyond the 100-run mark, their innings soon crumbled from 80 for 6 to a feeble 116 all out in the 23rd over.
Sri Lanka’s opening duo, Nissanka and Karunaratne, exhibited masterful batting prowess, swiftly dismantling Afghanistan’s bowlers in pursuit of the modest target. Nissanka, in particular, proved devastating against Mujeeb Ur Rahman and FazalHaq Farooqi, punishing them with a flurry of boundaries.
Karunaratne also contributed with a couple of well-timed shots, propelling Sri Lanka to a formidable 84 for 0 within the first ten overs. Gulbadin finally ended Nissanka’s spectacular innings in the 11th over at 51 off just 34 deliveries, embellished with eight fours and two sixes.
Nevertheless, Karunaratne remained steadfast, partnering with Kusal Mendis to reach his own half-century and guide the team to a comprehensive victory in a mere 16 overs.
With this remarkable triumph, Sri Lanka not only sealed the series but also showcased their resilience and determination in bouncing back from an early setback.
The Sri Lankan team, propelled by exceptional individual performances from Chameera, Hasaranga, and their dynamic opening duo, will undoubtedly cherish this emphatic victory as they look ahead to future challenges.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, will regret the possibilities they lost and attempt to come back in order to improve their batting in the upcoming matches.
