Lahore, 5 September 2023: Afghanistan fail to qualify for the super-four stage, falling short by the barest of margins against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka posted a target of 292, which Afghanistan were required to chase in 37.1 overs to qualify.
After winning the toss, the Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanuka opted to bat. Batting on a smooth surface, the Sri Lankan opening pair had a successful powerplay. Sri Lanka had posted 62 on the scoreboard without any loss of wicket. Relief for Afghanistan came via Gulbadin Naib, who got three important wickets in quick succession. A magnificent 92 by Kusal Mendis helped bring power and stability to the innings. The 40th over, bowled by Rashid Khan, saw two important wickets fall after which the Sri Lankan batters could not produce significant damage to the Afghan bowlers.
Afghanistan were required to score 292 in 37.1 overs to qualify ahead of Sri Lanka. Despite losing three wickets in the first powerplay, Afghanistan did not lose sight of their target. An all-timer innings produced by Mohammad Nabi ensured that Afghanistan remained in the game. Cameos by Najibullah Zadran, Karim Jannat and Rashid Khan further helped Afghanistan get closer to the target in the required overs. However, in the end, it proved to be insufficient, as Afghanistan failed to get to 292 in 37.1 overs, and also lost their final wicket in the 38th over, marking the end of the game.
The first super-four game will be played between Bangladesh and Pakistan, in Lahore at 2:30 pm (PST) tomorrow.
Scores in brief:
Sri Lanka win by 2 runs
Sri Lanka: 291-8 in 50 overs (Kusal Mendis 92, Pathum Nissanka 41; Gulbadin Naib 4-60, Rashid Khan 2-63)
Afghanistan: 289 all out in 37.4 overs (Mohammad Nabi 65, Hashmatullah Shahidi 59; Kasun Rajitha 4-79, Dunith Wellalage 2-36)
Player of the match: Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
