Afghanistan brushed aside Sri Lanka in a lop-sided encounter on the opening day of the 2022 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
After winning the toss, the Afghans put in their opponents to bat first and the bowlers backed up the skipper’s decision. Fazalhaq Farooqi took two wickets in the very first over which set the tempo.
Danushka Gunathilaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa rebuilt the innings but once their stand was broken with the score on 49, the Lankans collapsed spectacularly. In no time, they had lost the next five wickets for just 26 runs.
The last wicket partnership then put on 30 runs to push the total past 100. Set a target of 106, the opening Afghan pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai put on 83 runs in the powerplay.
Gurbaz smashed 4 sixes and 3 fours in his 18-ball 40 blitz while Hazratullah contributed with 37 and stayed till the end to see the team through with 59 balls to spare.
The win takes Afghanistan to the top of the table in Group B with a stunning net run rate. They will next be up against Bangladesh in their final group match at Sharjah on Tuesday.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Afghanistan’s brilliant win:
Phenomenal win for Afghanistan. Great start to the tournament.
#AsiaCup2022— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) August 27, 2022
Afghanistan register a thumping win on the opening day of #AsiaCup2022#SLvAFG | ? Scorecard: https://t.co/YV4rkrnw07 pic.twitter.com/bRxMwLGJ1r
— ICC (@ICC) August 27, 2022
This rapid run chase had nothing to do with dew. It’s bone dry … Afghanistan we’re just too good.. Felt like SL barely turned up #AFGvsSL
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) August 27, 2022
We are all #Proud of you. This is a team #achievement. A very impressive win. very good start to the tournament still long way to go. not to forget this was #Afghanistan's #100tht20i. memorable match.❤️ pic.twitter.com/xgC1Sl02XF
— Hamid Hassan (@hamidhassanHH) August 27, 2022
That was not just a win but a statement from Afghanistan. Their performances are crying for more T20 games against the top sides. You can’t expect a nation to grow if they meet the top sides only in multi-nation tournaments. #AsiaCup #AFGvsSL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 27, 2022
Sheer dominance from @ACBofficials! #AsiaCup2022 pic.twitter.com/WFpjhUemEl
— Zohaib Hussain (@zeehu) August 27, 2022
A win with a statement from Afghanistan ? #AsiaCup2022
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 27, 2022
Massive win for Afghanistan in Asia Cup. Sri Lanka comprehensively outplayed. There’s a missive in this for India and Pakistan too. This tournament is not just about them. Other teams can’t be taken lightly
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 27, 2022
This is not just a win, this is a statement! Impressive stuff from @ACBofficials ?? #AsiaCup2022 pic.twitter.com/LAG9ewyn11
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 27, 2022
#Srilanka got smoked so badly?#AFGvsSL pic.twitter.com/mB5tdugEZs
— Zahid?️⚡ (@Afghanforevr) August 27, 2022
