SL vs AFG 2nd ODI: In a thrilling match, Sri Lanka fought back to defeat Afghanistan by a decisive 132 runs in the second One-Day International, squaring the series 1-1. Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis put up an excellent batting performance, and Wanindu Hasaranga and Dhananjaya de Silva excelled with the ball, claiming three wickets apiece.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Sri Lanka had a strong start thanks to a consistent partnership among Karunaratne and Mendis. The Sri Lankan captain Karunaratne batted a captain’s knock, scoring an impressive 50, while Mendis gave the game a boost with a quick-fire 78 off only 75 deliveries. Even though there were a few concerns about Sri Lanka’s high dot ball percentage, the team managed to score a difficult total of 323 for 6.
Afghanistan initially had trouble chasing a goal of 324. Afghan batters found it difficult to score easily due to the short lines and lengths of Sri Lanka’s opening bowlers, Dushmantha Chameera and Kasun Rajitha. Especially Chameera had a strong return to the one-day squad, taking two wickets for just 18 runs.
With their 51-run partnership for their second wicket, Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran gave Afghanistan some sense of hope However, Shah got trapped LBW by Dasun Shanaka’s bowling just as they were trying to pick up pace. Ibrahim was shortly followed at the crease by Hashmatullah Shahidi, and the pair quickly added 84 runs.
Sri Lankan bowlers dismantled Afghans Batting Order
However, Hasaranga and Dhananjaya teamed to take six wickets, leading to the downfall of the Afghan batting order. The wickets began to fall regularly, crushing Afghanistan’s chances of making a late comeback.
Azmatullah Omarzai produced several powerful hits in the 42nd over, but Afghanistan could only gather 191 runs before being bowled out. The bowlers of Sri Lanka delivered with accuracy and variety, making it difficult for the Afghan batsmen to adjust.
Sri Lanka’s victory was rewarding since every player precisely carried out their tactics. The team’s method of forming partnerships and blowing in the final few overs was achieved this time around.
The third and final ODI, which is scheduled for Wednesday, could set the stage for an entertaining finale with the series currently tied at 1-1. It will be a match that cricket fans across the world must witness since both teams will be determined to win and seal the series. As a result, Sri Lanka won by 132 runs.
SL vs AFG 2nd ODI: Brief Scores
Sri Lanka 323/6 in 50 overs (Kusal Mendis 78, Dimuth Karunaratne 52; Mohammad Nabi 2/52) beat Afghanistan 191 in 42.1 overs (Hashmatullah Shahidi 57, Ibrahim Zadran 54; Dhananjaya de Silva 3/39) by 132 runs
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