Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Archives

Sri Lanka name squad for Afghanistan ODIs ahead of CWC Qualifier

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Tuesday, announced a 16-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan as they race up their Cricket World Cup (CWC) Qualifier preparations.

Sri Lankan pace prodigy Matheesha Pathirana, nicknamed ‘Baby Malinga’, who impressed with his brilliance in a title-winning IPL campaign for Chennai Super Kings, is likely to make his ODI debut as he was included in the 16-member squad for the first two ODIs of the Afghanistan series.

Dasun Shanaka will continue to lead Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, scheduled from June 2 to 7.

Whereas, Dushmantha Chameera, who is back after a long injury layoff, will lead the Sri Lankan pace attack.

While looking to infuse youth, Sri Lanka also decided to rely on Dimuth Karunaratne’s experience to bolster their batting. Karunaratne last played for the Islanders in the 50-over format in 2021.

Wicketkeeper batter Kusal Perera failed to make it to the squad due to a hamstring injury which paved the way for Sadeera Samarawickrama, who returned to the ODI setup after four-year hiatus.

It is worth mentioning here that Sri Lanka have yet to announce their squad for the Cricket World Cup Qualifier, but they will want to keep the majority of their core group.

The former champions are in Group B with Ireland, Scotland, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, and their CWC Qualifier campaign commences on June 19 against the UAE.

Sri Lanka Squad for the first two ODIs against Afghanistan: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya De Silva, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha.

READ: PCB firm on World Cup stance in high-stakes meeting with ICC: Sources

Sri Lanka sink Afghanistan after thrilling chase in Super 4s opener

SHARJAH: Batters played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s magnificent chase of a 176-run target to avenge their defeat in the group stage of the Asia Cup as they secured a thrilling four-wicket win over Afghanistan in the opening match of the Super 4 stage.

After a solid start by the openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka played a superb knock of 33 off 20 in the middle, before Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga pounded Afghanistan bowlers in the death overs to help Sri Lanka chase down the target with five balls to spare.

Mendis top-scored for his side with 36 off 19, while Nissanka also scored 36 off 28 to give the hosts a flourishing start to their chase. Meanwhile, Rajapaksa hit a powerful 31 off 14, laced with four boundaries and a six to release the pressure in the crucial stage of the game.

For Afghanistan, Mujeeb ur Rehman and Naveen-ul-Haq claimed two wickets each with Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi making a scalp apiece.

Earlier, Rehmanullah Gurbaz blasted a phenomenal 84 off 45, smashing six gigantic sixes and four boundaries as Aghanistan raised 175/6 after they were put to bat.

Ibrahim Zadran failed to capitalize on his stay on the crease as he was sent back to the pavilion by Dilshan Madushanka after a steady knock of 40 off 38.

For Sri Lanka, Madhushanka picked two wickets while Maheesh Theekshana and Asitha Fernando took a scalp each.

READ: Ravindra Jadeja to miss T20 World Cup as well: Indian media

Afghanistan stun Sri Lanka to seal eight-wicket win in Asia Cup opener

DUBAI: Afghan bowlers wreaked havoc on the Sri Lankan batting line before openers Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz charged the bowlers to outclass Islanders by eight wickets with 59 balls to spare in the opening match of Asia Cup 2022.

Sri Lanka underwent a complete batting collapse as eight of their batters failed to enter the double figures and the team was bowled on 105 after they were put to bat.

Medium pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi remained inspirational with the ball as he grabbed two early wickets, dismissing Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka in the very first over of the game, with Naveen-ul-Haq getting rid of Pathum Nissanka in the next to reduce Sri Lanka on 5-3.

Despite a brief resistance in the middle powered by Danushka Gunathilaka (17) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (38) with a 44-run partnership, Afghanistan attacked with even greater force, storming through the lower order.

Chamika Karunaratne, on the other hand, played a valiant knock of 31 off 38 late in the order to help the side get past the 100-run mark.

For Afghanistan, Fazalhaq produced the sensational bowling figures of 3/11, while Mujeeb ur Rehman and Mohammad Nabi bagged two wickets each.

Set to chase a paltry total, Afghan openers blasted a powerful 83-run opening partnership with Gurbaz taking a toll on Sri Lankan bowlers as he smashed 40 off 18, hitting three boundaries and four gigantic sixes before Hasaranga De Silva bowled him out.

Zazai, on the other hand, scored an unbeaten 37 off 28, laced with five fours and a six to take his team towards a comprehensive victory in the 11th over for the loss of just two wickets.

With the thumping win, Afghanistan raised its chances to qualify for the next round of the tournament as it will now face Bangladesh in the next encounter of Group B on Tuesday.

READ: Sindh govt to raise funds for flood victims by screening Pak-India match