Asia Cup 2018, Match 3: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka: Afghans Rout the Islanders by 91 Runs
Published - 18 Sep 2018, 01:48 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:55 PM
Afghanistan sprung a massive surprise in the Asia Cup 2018 at Abu Dhabi as they thrashed Sri Lanka by 91 runs to knock them out of the tournament. Courtesy the victory, they booked a place in the Super 4’s from Group A with Bangladesh.
Well, it was a good batting effort from Afghanistan to post a total of 249 runs. Rahma Shah batted sensibly for a knock of 72. Sri Lanka didn’t bowl badly, but a score of 249 was always going to be difficult for the Lankans.
However, Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews said it was a shocking performance from the Lankans. However, he hailed Afghanistan for showing a great character.
It was a great start from Afghanistan. They began quite well with openers Mohammad Shahzad and Ihsanullah Janat sharing a 57-run stand for the opening wicket.
It was a good display of batsmanship by the Afghans. Rahmat Shah was the top scorer for Afghanistan with a composed 72 off 90 deliveries. It was his sensible knock which ensured Afghanistan reached a competitive score of 249 in the end.
The Sri Lankan bowlers bowled well in the middle overs. Thisara Perera prevented the run scoring in the end and in the process ended up bagging five wickets.
After the previous match, the target wasn’t going to be an easy one. Afghanistan had some brilliant bowlers in their ranks and should have backed themselves to defend the total.
Sri Lanka got off to the worst possible start and lost the wicket of Kusal Mendis in the very first over. From there on it as some sensible batting by Upul Tharanga and Dhananjaya de Silva as they shared a 54 runs partnership between each other.
However, they again started losing wickets on regular intervals as they were reduced to 108 for five in no time.
There was no way back for Sri Lanka from there on. Rashid Khan bowled superbly yet again. All the Aghan bowlers were right on the mark and took some crucial wickets to peg the Lankans back. Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Mohammed Nabi, Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan bagged a couple of wickets each. It will go down in Afghanistan cricket as one of the finest victories.
