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Sri Lanka asserted their supremacy, sealing the three-match series against Afghanistan with an authoritative 155 runs win in the second ODI at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 11, Sunday. The victory was shaped by a combination of Charith Asalanka‘s impactful batting and Wanindu Hasaranga‘s brilliant bowling, showcasing Sri Lanka’s prowess in all facets of the game.
Solid partnerships lay the foundation for Sri Lanka’s innings
The Sri Lankan innings unfolded with a dynamic mix of solid partnerships and individual brilliance. Pathum Nissanka set the tone with a brisk 18 off 17 balls, laying the foundation for the middle order. Despite Avishka Fernando‘s failure with the bat Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a sturdy 61, and Sadeera Samarawickrama contributed a valuable 52.
Charith Asalanka’s remarkable batting
However, the standout performance came from Charith Asalanka, falling agonizingly short of a century with a dazzling 97 off 74 balls. His innings injected vitality and flair, featuring a blend of classical shots and aggressive strokeplay, including 9 fours and 2 sixes. Janith Liyanage added a significant half-century and Hasaranga provided late-order impetus with 14 runs that took Sri Lanka score to 308/6. Afghanistan’s bowling struggled to contain the onslaught, with Azmatullah Omarzai bein💎g the most successfꦆul bowler, picking three wickets.
Afghanistan’s uphill battle and Wanindu Hasaranga’s decisive spell
Chasing a challenging target of 309, Afghanistan faced a daunting task against the formidable Sri Lankan bowling attack. Despite Ibrahim Zadran‘s resilience with a hard-fought 54 and Rahmat Shah‘s commendable 63, Sri Lanka’s bowlers were relentless. Despite Afghanistan being 143/2 at one stage, Hasaranga’s dangerous spell turned the tide decisively in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Also READ: Sri Lanka vs Afghan✱istan, ODI series: Date, Match Time, Venue, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details
His variations, control, and ability to pick up wickets at crucial junctures dismantled the Afghan middle order. Hasaranga’s final figures of 4 wickets for 27 runs in 6.5 overs underscored his match-winning impact. Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando scalped 2 wickets eac, and Pramod Madushan chipped in with a wicket. The Sri Lankan bowlers dismantled the Afghan batting order with precision, restricting them to 153/10 in 33.5 o𒉰vers.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Asalanka has become such a solid middle-order batter for SL🇱🇰 and has been one of the best in the world at no 5 since his debut🙌
Always grabs the opportunity and performs when it matters the most.
Unlucky to mi🍌ss out on his century, but he showed his selfless attitude.— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9)
//twitter.com/Sakun_SD/status/1756663248529895779
Charith Asalanka means business.
What a knock Chariya. A selfless knock from the vice captain. Deserv💯﷽ed a century tbh.
97* runs off 74 balls with 9 fours and 2 sixes.
11th ODI fifty for Asalanka.
— Naveen Peiris (@_Naviya_)
Charith Asalanka won the Pla﷽yer of the Ma🐎tch Award for his brilliant 97* runs against Afghanistan.
— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet)
Asalanka had the opportunity to stay on strike and face the final ball to get his century. But still he took the single. Remains as the innings' highest scorer on 97*. Selfless, professional play. Captaincy material.
— Udendra (@udendra)
A dramatic collapse from Afghanistan sees 🌊them go from♍ 143-2 to 153-10
Hasaranga with 4-27
SL take an unassailable 2-0 lead
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA)
Just wish we had Hasarang𝐆a during the World Cup. could have won a few more games than the ones we actually won. X factor for 🇱🇰 for🎃 sure and for me Asalanka is an already ⭐️ well played 🇱🇰💪
— ChamindraH (@ChamindraH)
Heroes of today's match Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga 🔥
— Shan Akku (@akkuslc)
Sri Lanka thrashed Afghanistan in the second ODI 💪
Scorecard:— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
It's the Sri Lankan bowlers' show! 💪
They skittled out the Afghanistan batters for just 153 runs, seaꦉ🅷ling a dominant 155-run victory! ✨🇱🇰 take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the🅷 series! 🏆 Way to go, boys!
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC)
A dramatic 🎉turnaround in Kandy as Afghanistan lost 9/25 to go from 128/1꧙ to 153/10 and fell short of the target by 155 runs. |
— Afghanist💟an Cricket Board (@ACBofficials)
