Sri Lanka Secures ODI Series Victory with Dominant 2-1 Win Over Afghanistan
Half-centuries from Sri Lanka openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka propelled the team to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan, sealing a 2-1 triumph in the ODI series on Wednesday.
In Hambantota, Sri Lanka chased down the target of 120 with 34 overs to spare, thanks to a remarkable bowling performance led by man-of-the-match Dushmantha Chameera, who dismantled the struggling Afghan top order.
The win served as a significant boost for Sri Lanka as they prepare for a qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe, where two remaining spots for the World Cup are at stake.
While Afghanistan has already secured their place in the World Cup scheduled to be held in India in October, their skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi expressed disappointment, labeling it a “bad day for our batters.”
“We lost too many wickets, which put us under pressure,” Shahidi said during a press conference. “Although I believe it was a good decision to bat first, the early wickets disrupted our momentum.”
Pathum Nissanka wasted no time in the chase, reaching his seventh ODI half-century in just 32 balls, smashing eight boundaries and two sixes. He departed on 51, dismissed leg before wicket by Gulbadin Naib, ending the 84-run partnership for the opening wicket.
Dimuth Karunaratne, making his comeback to ODI cricket after more than two years, remained unbeaten at 56, ensuring Sri Lanka reached the target without losing another wicket. Karunaratne’s innings came off 45 balls, featuring seven boundaries and marking his eighth half-century in the format.
Kusal Mendis finished unbeaten on 11 as Sri Lanka comfortably achieved the target in a mere 16 overs, concluding the game early.
After Afghanistan’s comprehensive six-wicket victory in the first game, Sri Lanka staged a remarkable comeback, winning the second game by a massive 132-run margin.
