Sri Lanka Beats Afghanistan 2-1 for ODI Series Win
Sri Lanka put on a dominant display in the third and final one-day international (ODI) against Afghanistan, securing a resounding nine-wicket victory to claim the series 2-1. The match, held in Hambantota, witnessed Sri Lanka effortlessly chase down Afghanistan’s paltry total of 117 with a staggering 34 overs to spare.
The Sri Lankan openers, Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka, set the tone for the run chase with their composed batting. Nissanka wasted no time in showcasing his aggressive stroke play, reaching his seventh ODI half-century in just 32 deliveries. His innings of 51, consisting of eight fours and two sixes, ended in unfortunate fashion as he was trapped leg before wicket by Gulbadin Naib. Nevertheless, his partnership with Karunaratne had already yielded 84 runs, providing a solid foundation for Sri Lanka’s pursuit of victory.
Karunaratne, making his return to ODI cricket after a hiatus of over two years, displayed his class and experience as he remained unbeaten on 56. His knock came off just 45 balls and included seven boundaries, showcasing his ability to find the gaps and rotate the strike effectively. This innings marked his eighth half-century in the format, further cementing his reputation as a reliable opener for Sri Lanka.
However, Sri Lanka’s triumph was not solely limited to their batting prowess. The team’s fast-bowling spearhead, Dushmantha Chameera, made a remarkable comeback after a lengthy injury layoff. Having undergone ankle surgery and subsequently missing seven months of cricket, Chameera returned with a fiery spell that rattled the Afghan top order. His figures of 4/63 earned him the well-deserved accolade of man of the match. Chameera’s resurgence adds a much-needed boost to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack ahead of future challenges.
In addition to Chameera’s heroics, leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga also made a significant impact. Hasaranga’s crafty bowling dismantled the Afghan tail, culminating in figures of 3/7. Meanwhile, Lahiru Kumara, another quick bowler, chipped in with two crucial wickets. The collective efforts of Sri Lanka’s bowlers left Afghanistan reeling at a meager total of 116, struggling to form substantial partnerships.
With the series victory secured, Sri Lanka now looks forward to the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe. They aim to secure one of the two remaining slots for the prestigious tournament, which will be held in India in October. The team will take the confidence gained from this series win and build upon it in their quest for a successful World Cup campaign.
On the other hand, Afghanistan can take solace in the fact that they have already secured their place in the upcoming World Cup. Despite their loss in the final match, they can draw lessons from the series and work on their weaknesses to ensure a competitive showing in the global event.
Overall, Sri Lanka’s comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the final ODI sealed the series triumph for the hosts. The commanding performances by Karunaratne, Nissanka, Chameera, Hasaranga, and Kumara showcased the team’s depth and potential. As Sri Lanka embarks on their World Cup qualifiers journey, they do so with the belief that their recent success will serve as a stepping stone to greater accomplishments on the international stage.
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