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Coming from behind the three-ODI series, hosts Sri Lanka registered the highest ever ODI win over Afghanistan (in terms of balls remaining) to win by 2-1. Dushmantha Chameera's four-fer and Wanindu Hasaranga's three-fer helped the hosts bundled out Hashmatullah Shahidi for 116 in 22.2 overs. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne's half-centuries then help Sri Lanka chased down the target in 16 overs with 204 balls remaining.
Kumara, Chameera shine with new ball
Shahidi had won the toss and elected to bat first. Lahiru Kumara drew first blood and Chameera followed with two wickets in fifth over. Kumara then got rid of an in-form Ibrahim Zadran who scored 22 runs from 21 balls. The wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi turned out to be the top-scorer with a run-a-ball 23. Chameera was expensive towards the end. Hasaranga came into play and mopped up the tail with 166 balls left in the innings.
Easy run chase
In the run chase, Sri Lankan openers did not give Afghans a chance to make a comeback. Nissanka scored quickly and got to his half-century from just 32 balls. In the 11th over, Gulbadin Naib got the consolation wicket in the form of Nissanka. His 34-ball 51 was studded with eight fours and two sixes. Karunaratne played patiently and was not troubled even by fit again Rashid Khan. He reached his half-century from 43 balls. Karunaratne remained unbeaten for 56 off 45 deliveries including seven fours. On the other end, Kusal Mendis scored 11 runs from 17 balls.
Chameera’s comeback
Adjudged 'Player of the match' Chameera credit his fitness for the terrific performance as he said, “The last 8 months I have worked hard on my fitness. I had pressure. I was feeling better after the first over. Wicket was little bit slow.”
Captains speak
Shahidi pointed out that bad shot selection was the reason behind Afghanistan's collapse. However, he picked a few positives from the series as well.
“We had a bad day as batters. It happens in cricket. Still a good batting wicket. We lost early wickets. Some bad shot selections didn't help us. We need to improve. Specially in batting. We will work harder for the series against Bangladesh. Ibrahim has been doing good for the last one year. Hoping he will do good in Asia Cup and the World Cup,” Shahidi said in the post-match presentation.
Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka commended his teammates and selectors for backing the team despite losing the first ODI.
“After being 1-0 down, coming here and wrapping it up was special. Dimuth has been outstanding in the last two years. He has lot more to offer for Sri Lankan cricket. We played as a group and showed what we can do. Chameera and Kumara set it up for us. Selectors showed the faith in them and they have showed what they can do. Always good to have selection headache,” Shanaka said.
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