Sri Lanka Beat Afghanistan by 155 Runs in 2nd ODI | © X (Twitter)
In a thrilling encounter on Sunday, Sri Lanka emerged victorious, securing a commanding 155-run win over Afghanistan in the second ODI. With this triumph, Sri Lanka now holds an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, asserting their dominance on the cricketing stage.
Sri Lanka’s second ODI performance showcased excellence in batting and bowling. Having set a challenging target of 309 runs for Afghanistan, the Sri Lankan team displayed resilience and determination. Conversely, Afghanistan faced an uphill battle and crumbled under the pressure, ultimately getting bowled out for 153 within 34 overs.
The match had its share of pivotal moments, with Afghanistan initially seeming well on track at 128 for one. The openers displayed determination in pursuit of the 309-run target. However, the turning point came with the dismissal of Rahmat Shah (54) and Ibrahim Zadran (63), triggering a collapse in the batting lineup. This shift in momentum proved decisive, leaving the rest of the Afghan batters struggling to recover.
A standout performer in the match was leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who emerged as the catalyst for Sri Lanka’s success. Hasaranga’s exceptional bowling performance resulted in him claiming four crucial wickets. His strategic and impactful deliveries were pivotal in dismantling Afghanistan’s batting order, turning the tide in Sri Lanka’s favor.
The match’s hero was Charith Asalanka, whose resilient, unbeaten innings of 97 runs off 74 balls anchored the Sri Lankan innings. Asalanka’s determined batting steered Sri Lanka to a formidable total and proved instrumental in their commanding victory. His ability to withstand pressure and build substantial innings showcased his maturity and skill as a batsman.
Player of the Match
Charith Asalanka’s stellar performance earned him the well-deserved “Player of the Match” title. His exceptional contribution with the bat, steering Sri Lanka towards victory, highlighted his impact on the game and solidified his position as a critical player for the team.
With this triumphant victory, Sri Lanka has sealed the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. The third ODI now serves as an opportunity for Afghanistan to salvage pride and showcase resilience. The series win is a significant achievement for Sri Lanka, underlining their dominance in the current contest and setting a positive tone for future competitions.
Sri Lanka’s convincing win in the second ODI underscores their prowess in both batting and bowling. Standout performances from Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka showcased the team’s depth and talent. As the teams gear up for the final ODI, the spotlight will be on Afghanistan to bounce back and provide stiff competition, while Sri Lanka aims to maintain their winning momentum and conclude the series on a high note.
