Ibrahim Zadran and Fazalhaq Farooqi's synergy helped Afghanistan bulldoze the Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka by 60 runs in the first ODI on Friday at Pallekele International Stadium.
Zadran's scintillating 106 off 120 propelled Afghanistan to post a competitive total of 294/8. In reply Sri Lanka were bundled out for just 234 with 12 overs to spare, thanks to Farooqi's fiery spell of 4/49.
Sri Lanka were optimistic about chasing the 295-run target with Pathum Nissanka in the middle. Nissanka smashed 10 boundaries in his 83-ball 85 knock. The rest of the top order, on the other hand, provided little aid to Nissanka.
Wanindu Hasaranga showed some skills to win the match late in the game. He reached his fourth half-century in 31 deliveries, hitting 22 runs, including six and four boundaries, off an over by Mohammad Nabi. Despite Sri Lanka's command of the needed pace, Hasaranga, the final batsman, was running out of partners.
Afghanistan’s top order put up a splendid performance and although Sri Lanka fought its way back in the death overs, a target of 295 was too much for the hosts.
The 20-year-old Zadran, playing just his sixth ODI, added 84 runs for the first wicket with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (53) after they opted to bat first.
Zadran then added 118 runs for the second wicket with Rahmat Shah (52) and Afghanistan had 200 runs on the board with 12 overs and eight wickets in hand.
Zadran reached his second ODI hundred with a lovely pull shot to the fine-leg boundary off Lahiru Kumara. Left-arm quick Fazalhaq Farooqi ended his knock when Zadran dragged one onto the stumps.
Farooqi finished with four wickets and was well backed up by Gulbadin Naib, who claimed three wickets.
Afghanistan lost its way after Zadran’s dismissal, as five wickets fell for 27 runs in the last four overs.
But Afghanistan earned a second win against Sri Lanka in six games and inched closer to qualifying for the Cricket World Cup in India next year.
“It was a very good wicket to bat on,” Zadran said. “When I was dismissed, I told my teammates that we should try and get something like 320. Even when Sri Lanka batted, the wicket was really good. The wicket didn't change much but our bowlers were too good,” he further added.
