Asghar Afghan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2018
Getty Images

It was a thoroughly comprehensive performance by Afghanistan as they thrashed Sri Lanka by 91 runs in the third match of the Asia Cup 2018 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It means that the Lankans are already out of the competition and Bangladesh and Afghan team led by Asghar Aghan have already qualified for the Super 4’s.

The Afghanistan bowlers were quite superb as they bowled out Sri Lanka for a paltry score of 158 runs.

After batting first Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 249 runs in their allotted 50 overs. They began quite well with openers Mohammad Shahzad and Ihsanullah Janat sharing a 57 runs stand.

Moreover, 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.

Read More  Watch: Hardik Pandya pushes away Lasith Malinga as Sri Lanka legend tries to hug Mumbai skipper

Afghanistan outclassed the Lankans in all three departments:

Asia Cup 2018, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi, Talking Points
Afghanistan won their Asia Cup 2018 opener convincingly by 91. PC: Getty Images

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 in their second game. They lost the wicket of Kusal Mendis in the very first over. From there on, it was some sensible batting by Upul Tharanga and Dhananjaya de Silva as they shared a 54-run partnership.

However, they again started losing wickets on regular intervals as they were reduced to 108 for five in no time.

They never managed to stage their way back into the game and eventually fell behind the radar.

Eventually, four of the Afghan bowlers bagged a couple of wickets each as the Lankans were bundled out for a meagre score of 158 runs in 41.2 overs.

Afghanistan, Sri Lanka
Thisara Perera bagged a five-wicket haul in the 3rd match of the Asia Cup against Afghanistan. PC: Getty Images

Here is winning skipper Asghar Afghan said at the post-match presentation 

“Very important game because Sri Lanka lost their first game. Credit to our batsmen, our openers, they played very well. Every batsman executed plans. Yesterday we spoke about partnerships. [It’s] very important thing for us. Credit to our fielders who fielded very well. We want to win, show our abilities and talent,” he maintained.

 

“When you want to play cricket just for winning, shows positive intent. We’ll see (about winning the Asia Cup). If we give a good target on board, our spinners are bowling well. Nowadays our spinners are famous around the world. Want to thank the crowd,” Asghar concluded.

Brimming with confidence after routing Sri Lanka, Afghanistan led by Asghar Afghan will take on Bangladesh in their second game on September 20 in the ongoing edition of the Asia Cup 2018.

Read More  Shaheen Afridi's stint over, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan recommended for Pakistan captaincy by new selection committee

A Cricket Expert who loves revolving his life around the game. An extremely passionate music lover who loves singing and listening to Arijit Singh songs.