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Afghanistan are facing-off Sri Lanka in Match 30 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. While Sri Lanka are constantly struggling to gain the needed momentum in the tournament, the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led afghan side are leaving no stone unturned to establish themselves as a versatile cricketing nation in the marquee event.
Sri Lanka’s struggle to reach a fighting total
Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bowl first. The Lankan innings started shaking from the early phase as Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who marked his return to the side, dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne for 15.
Pathum Nissanka and skipper Kusal Mendis led a recovery, putting on 62 runs together before Nissanka fell for 46. Mendis then partnered with Sadeera Samarawickrama, adding 50 runs, but Afghanistan’s bowlers struck back during the middle overs.
Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva tried to rebuild the Lankan innings, but Rashid Khan dismissed de Silva with a beauty.
Rashid Khan’s mind-boggling ball to dismiss Dhananjaya de Silva
The incident unfolded on the last ball of the 36th over when Rashid unleashed a googly that landed on a full length around the off stump. De Silva, grappling with the challenge of Rashid’s bowling variations, found himself unable to read the delivery accurately. The ball skillfully threaded through the narrow space between his bat and pads, ultimately demolishing the stumps. The right-handed batter stood momentarily as the expression reflected his belated realization of what had unfolded.
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After De Silva’s dismissal, Sri Lanka’s lower order struggled, but all-rounder Angelo Mathews and Maheesh Theekshana contributed 45 runs for the eighth wicket. Ultimately, Sri Lanka are bowled out for 241 in 49.3 overs.
Afghanistan’s bowlers, especially Farooqi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, delivered an impressive performance with the ball. Farooqi claimed four wickets for just 34 runs in his ten overs, while Mujeeb claimed two for 38 runs. Afghan star Rashid and Azmatullah Omarzai claimed one wicket each.
