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An all-round performance from Afghanistan helped them register an eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the openi𓆏ng match of the ongoing Asia Cup 20ꦆ22.
Opting to bowl first, the Mohammad Nabi-led♏ side completely dominated the proceedings ﷺright from the beginning. The Afghan bowlers gave no chance to Sri Lanka batters, bundling them out for a mere 105 in 19.4 overs.
Fazalhaq Farooqi was the pick of the bowler for Afghanistan, taking a three-wicket haul for just 11 runs in 3.4 overs, including a maiden. Apart from the left-arm speedster, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/24) and capt🐟ain Nabi (2/14) bagged a couple of w🌜ickets each.
In response, Afghanistan chased down the target successfully in 10.1 overs, with eight wickets in hand. Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a breathtaking 18-ball 40 runs knock with the help of seven boundaries, including four sixes. Opener Hazratullah Zazai stayed unbeaten on 37 off 28 balls to take 😼the team h🅠ome.
“The boys played really well, especially the fast bowlers. When we decided to bowl first, they used the pitch so well. We were just discussing to hit the right lines, and if we get a bit of swing, it will be of use for us. We have a lot of confidence after such a game, hopefully, we can do well next game as well,” said Nabi in the post-match presentation.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
That was not just a win but a statement from Afghanistan. Their performances are crying for more T20 games against the top sides. You can’t expect a nation to grow if they meet the t🍬op sides only in multi-nation tournaments.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)
Afghanistan achieve their first T20I win💧 against Sri Lanka, in only the second encounter between these teams.
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats)
Serious class from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Some of his shots were special. I was waiting to watch him bat and I wasn't disappointed.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)
What a fantastic start to Afghanistan's campaign. On occasions, you will find that sweet spot. The perfect day.
All the SL camp can do🌠 is find the erase buttoꩵn quickly.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12)
Afghanistan🐼 chase down 106 runs from just 10.1 overs against Sri Lanღka in the Asia Cup.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
Mind blowing display Afghanistan
Sri Lanka blown away— Abdul Ghaffar 🇵🇰 (@GhaffarDawnNews)
This rapid run chase had nothing to do with dew. It’s bone dry … Aꦛfghanistan we’re just too good.. Felt like SL barely turned up
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru)
//twitter.com/Afghanforevrꦅ/status/1563569693767909378
//twitter.com/to_mani/status/1563561142252814336
Afgha🍷nistan sound the alarmജ by defeating Sri Lanka
— Raja Mohsin Ijaz (@rajamohsinsays)
