Sri Lanka asserted their supremacy, sealing the three-match sequence in opposition to Afghanistan with an authoritative 155 runs win within the second ODI at Pallekele Worldwide Cricket Stadium on February 11, Sunday. The victory was formed by a mix of Charith Asalanka‘s impactful batting and Wanindu Hasaranga‘s sensible bowling, showcasing Sri Lanka’s prowess in all sides of the sport.
Stable partnerships lay the inspiration for Sri Lanka’s innings
The Sri Lankan innings unfolded with a dynamic mixture of strong partnerships and particular person brilliance. Pathum Nissanka set the tone with a brisk 18 off 17 balls, laying the inspiration for the center order. Regardless of Avishka Fernando‘s failure with the bat Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a sturdy 61, and Sadeera Samarawickrama contributed a priceless 52.
Charith Asalanka’s exceptional batting
Nevertheless, the standout efficiency got here from Charith Asalanka, falling agonizingly wanting a century with a stunning 97 off 74 balls. His innings injected vitality and aptitude, that includes a mix of classical photographs and aggressive strokeplay, together with 9 fours and a pair of sixes. Janith Liyanage added a big half-century and Hasaranga supplied late-order impetus with 14 runs that took Sri Lanka rating to 308/6. Afghanistan’s bowling struggled to include the onslaught, with Azmatullah Omarzai being essentially the most profitable bowler, selecting three wickets.
Afghanistan’s uphill battle and Wanindu Hasaranga’s decisive spell
Chasing a difficult goal of 309, Afghanistan confronted a frightening activity in opposition to the formidable Sri Lankan bowling assault. Regardless of Ibrahim Zadran‘s resilience with a hard-fought 54 and Rahmat Shah‘s commendable 63, Sri Lanka’s bowlers had been relentless. Regardless of Afghanistan being 143/2 at one stage, Hasaranga’s harmful spell turned the tide decisively in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Additionally READ: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, ODI sequence: Date, Match Time, Venue, Squads, Broadcast and Stay Streaming particulars
His variations, management, and skill to choose up wickets at essential junctures dismantled the Afghan center order. Hasaranga’s remaining figures of 4 wickets for 27 runs in 6.5 overs underscored his match-winning affect. 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, proscribing them to 153/10 in 33.5 overs.
Right here’s how Twitter reacted:
Asalanka has grow to be such a strong middle-order batter for SL🇱🇰 and has been top-of-the-line on the earth at no 5 since his debut🙌
At all times grabs the chance and performs when it issues essentially the most.
Unfortunate to overlook out on his century, however he confirmed his selfless angle.#SLvAFG— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) February 11, 2024
Two again to again wonderful selfless knocks.
Nissanka didn’t decelerate close to milestones, didn’t care about being not out and completely went after bowling.
Asalanka didn’t care about his milestones.
Sadeera did the identical in previous couple of matches.
I just like the tradition they’re constructing. pic.twitter.com/PqROUvTBMe— S (@Sakun_SD) February 11, 2024
Charith Asalanka means enterprise.
What a knock Chariya. A selfless knock from the vice captain. Deserved a century tbh.
97* runs off 74 balls with 9 fours and a pair of sixes.
eleventh ODI fifty for Asalanka. #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/bw86rzDHyA
— Naveen Peiris (@_Naviya_) February 11, 2024
Charith Asalanka received the Participant of the Match Award for his sensible 97* runs in opposition to Afghanistan. #LKA #SriLanka #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/wSdb1VchEr
— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) February 11, 2024
Asalanka had the chance to remain on strike and face the ultimate ball to get his century. However nonetheless he took the one. Stays because the innings’ highest scorer on 97*. Selfless, skilled play. Captaincy materials.#SLvAFG
— Udendra (@udendra) February 11, 2024
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 #SLvAFG
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) February 11, 2024
Simply want we had Hasaranga through the World Cup. might have received just a few extra video games than those we truly received. X issue for 🇱🇰 for positive and for me Asalanka is an already ⭐️ nicely performed 🇱🇰💪#SLvAFG
— ChamindraH (@ChamindraH) February 11, 2024
Heroes of at this time’s match Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga 🔥#SLvAFG
— Shan Akku (@akkuslc) February 11, 2024
Sri Lanka thrashed Afghanistan within the second ODI 💪#SLvAFG #cricket
Scorecard: https://t.co/6MzrhCDu04 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/9GqcTKfZET— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 11, 2024
It is the Sri Lankan bowlers’ present! 💪
They skittled out the Afghanistan batters for simply 153 runs, sealing a dominant 155-run victory! ✨🇱🇰 take an unassailable 2-0 lead within the sequence! 🏆 Method to go, boys! #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/EZBWHnZHfQ
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) February 11, 2024
A dramatic turnaround in Kandy as Afghanistan misplaced 9/25 to go from 128/1 to 153/10 and fell wanting the goal by 155 runs. #AfghanAtalan | #SLvAFG2024 pic.twitter.com/7Hr6kZ868U
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 11, 2024
