Comfortable win for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka registered a 155-run win over Afghanistan in the 2nd ODI of the series on Sunday at Pallekele. Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and opted to bat first.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka were off to a shaky start, and they lost both of their openers early. After that, Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama made a 103-run partnership for the third wicket. Sadeera Samarawickrama scored 52 runs. 8 runs later, Kusal Mendis was dismissed for 61 runs. After the loss of two set batsmen, Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage made a 111-run partnership for the 5th wicket. Janith Liyanage was dismissed after making his fifty. At the back stage of the innings, Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga added 50 runs for the sixth wicket. Charith Asalanka was the star of the show and scored an unbeaten 97 runs in 74 balls. Eventually, Sri Lanka made 308 runs for a loss of six wickets in their 50 overs.

In reply to that, Afghanistan were off to a solid start, and they made 31 runs for the first wicket. Kusal Mendis took a brilliant catch to get rid of Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 8 runs as the first wicket. After that, Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran made a 97-run partnership for the second wicket. Ibrahim Zadran was dismissed for 54 runs. 15 runs later, Rahmat Shah got out for 63 runs. After that, Afghanistan lost a moment, and they lost seven wickets within seven runs. Eventually, Afghanistan bowled out 153 runs in 33.5 overs. For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga claimed 4 wickets, while Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando chipped in with 2 wickets.

With that win, Sri Lanka won the series with one match to spare.