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Sri Lanka secures a commanding 155-run victory over Afghanistan in the second ODI on Sunday, seizing an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Afghanistan, tasked with chasing a target of 309 to level the series, capitulated for 153 in under 34 overs, with leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga shining with four wickets.
Initially well-positioned at 128 for one in their pursuit, Afghanistan faltered after the dismissals of Rahmat Shah (54) and Ibrahim Zadran (63), offering little resistance thereafter.
The partnership between Rahmat and Ibrahim, amassing 97 runs for the second wicket, seemed promising until Asitha Fernando, making his first ODI appearance in 15 months, broke through by dismissing Ibrahim caught behind.
In a pivotal over, leg-spinner Hasaranga claimed two wickets, trapping Rahmat leg-before-wicket and bowling out captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.
Hasaranga's stellar performance was complemented by the seamers, with Dilshan Madushanka snagging two wickets in an over, and Fernando, also concluding with two wickets.
Afghanistan's horrendous batting collapse
Under the floodlights, Afghanistan suffered a dramatic collapse, losing eight wickets for a mere 10 runs, while Sri Lanka asserted dominance.
Charith Asalanka played a pivotal role in steering Sri Lanka to a total exceeding 300 runs with an unbeaten 97-run innings, showcasing resilience in challenging circumstances.
Asalanka's innings featured crucial partnerships, notably a 111-run stand with Janith Liyanage (50) for the fifth wicket, followed by a 50-run partnership with Hasaranga for the sixth wicket, achieved in just 32 balls.
In the final 10 overs, Asalanka accelerated with a blistering 62 runs off 35 balls, ultimately finishing unbeaten on 97 from 74 deliveries, embellished with nine fours and two sixes.
Sri Lanka's innings began on a shaky note, losing both openers with only 36 runs on the scoreboard.
Mendis, Samarawickrama's fifties after Asalanka's magic
Captain Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama both notched up half-centuries, forging a formidable 103-run partnership for the third wicket.
Unfortunately, both batsmen succumbed to ill-advised strokes. Samarawickrama miscued a shot straight to mid-wicket, while Mendis attempted to clear the deep mid-wicket fielder but fell short.
Azmatullah Omarzai emerged as the standout bowler for Afghanistan, claiming three crucial wickets.
Afghanistan's fielding was lackluster, with five dropped catches proving costly.
The third and final ODI is scheduled for Wednesday at the same venue. Following their victory in the tour's sole Test match by 10 wickets, the current series will be succeeded by three T20 matches, all to be held in Dambulla.
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