Ibrahim Zadran was named Player of the Match (Source: Twitter/ Afghanistan Cricket)
Afghanistan secured a comfortable victory by 60 runs against Sri Lanka on the first fixture of the ODI series on Friday at Pallekele.
The decision to bat first went in favour of Afghanistan, as their openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran looked in solid touch. The duo added 84 runs in less than 15 overs before Gurbaz perished for 53 off 55.
Then, the ever-reliable Rahmat Shah (52) was impressive with his composure to build a 118-run stand with Zadran (106). Then, Najibullah Zadran (42) and Gulbadin Naib (22) were the key contributors as the Afghan team posted 294 on the board.
Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers for the Islanders with two scalps.
In response, Sri Lanka were off to a good start, courtesy of Pathum Nissanka's terrific stroke-play. However, their key batters, Kusal Mendis (1), Dinesh Chandimal (4) and Dhananjaya de Silva (16) couldn't provide notable contributions.
Then, Charith Asalanka (10) and skipper Dasun Shanaka (16) were sent back to the hut by Naib. Soon, Farooqi cleaned up Nissanka (85), which completely turned the tide towards the Lankan team.
In the end, the hosts bundled out for 234, with Farooqi taking four wickets, while Naib returning with four scalps.
Brief Scores:
Afghanistan- 294/8 (50)
Ibrahim Zadran 106 (120), Rahmat Shah 52 (64);
Wanindu Hasaranga 2/42, Dhananjaya Lakshan 1/43
Sri Lanka- 234/10 (38)
Pathum Nissanka 85 (83), Wanindu Hasaranga 66 (46);
Fazalhaq Farooqi 4/49, Gulbadin Naib 3/34
Result: Afghanistan won by 60 runs
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