Afghanistan secured a comfortable 7-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the 2023 World Cup’s 30th ODI, chasing down a target of 242 with ease after an early hiccup.
In the ongoing 2023 World Cup, Afghanistan achieved a comfortable 7-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the 30th ODI at Pune’s MCA Stadium. Their chase of 242 runs was executed smoothly, reaching 242/3 in 45.2 overs, thanks to some impressive batting. Afghanistan had an early setback when opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for a four-ball duck by Dilshan Madushanka. Madushanka struck again in the 17th over, removing Ibrahim Zadran (39). However, Afghanistan regained control and cruised to a straightforward win, dominating the latter part of the match.
Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi played a pivotal unbeaten innings of 58 from 74 deliveries, with Azmatullah Omarzai contributing an impressive 73 not out from 63 balls. Rahmat Shah, batting at number 3, also made a significant impact by scoring 62 runs from 74 balls.
In the initial innings, Sri Lanka displayed a cautious approach, accumulating a total of 241 runs on a batting-friendly surface, with Afghanistan adopting an entirely different aggressive stance. Opening Sri Lanka’s innings, Dimuth Karunaratne replaced Kusal Perera but was dismissed early, falling to Fazalhaq Farooqi in the sixth over. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka provided some stability with a 62-run partnership for the second wicket. However, Mujeeb ur Rahman’s return in the 25th over resulted in key wickets, including Mendis and the in-form Sadeera Samarawickrama, leaving Sri Lanka in trouble.
Rashid Khan also chipped in by dismissing Dhananjaya de Silva, paving the way for Angelo Mathews. Sri Lanka made a late surge with Maheesh Theekshana hitting a quick 29 from 31 balls, but Mathews was dismissed for 23 off 26 balls. Afghanistan’s dynamic approach and effective bowling ultimately secured the win.
Last Updated on October 30, 2023
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