Sri Lanka lost to Afghanistan in Sri Lanka

Afghanistan registered a 60-run win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the series at Pallekele on Friday. Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the coin toss and elected to bat first.

After winning the toss, Afghanistan posted a competitive total against Sri Lanka. They made 294 runs for the loss of eight wickets in  their 50 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran made an 84-run partnership for the first wicket before Gurbaz was dismissed for 53 runs. Following Gurbaz’s dismissal, Rahmat Shah joined Ibrahim Zadran for a 118-run partnership for the second wicket.Rahmat scored 52 runs. Ibrahim Zadran was the top scorer with 106 runs. Najibullah Zadran contributed with 42 runs. While in the bowling department, for Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga claimed 2 wickets.

In reply that, Sri Lanka bolwed out for 234 runs in 38 overs. The Afghanistan bowlers kept things tight and took wickets at regular intervals. Pathum Nissanka was the top scorer for Sri Lanka. He scored 85 runs. At the back end of the innings, Wanindu Hasaranga played a fighting knock and scored 66 runs in 46 balls. Fazal Haq Farooqi took four wickets for Afghanistan.Gulbadin Naib contributed three crucial wickets during the match’s crucial stage.