![SL vs AFG: [WATCH]: Matheesha Pathirana’s magical spell dismantles Afghanistan in 1st T20I](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Matheesha-Pathiranas-magical-spell-dismantles-Afghanistans-batting-unit-.webp "SL vs AFG: [WATCH]: Matheesha Pathirana’s magical spell dismantles Afghanistan in 1st T20I")
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The Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium witnessed an intense clash between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in the 1st T20I of the three-match series. The match lived up to its expectations, offering cricket fans a roller-coaster of emotions with both teams showcasing their skills in a nail-biting encounter.
Amidst the gripping encounter, the standout performer was Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana (4/24), who delivered a mesmerizing spell to dismantle Afghanistan’s batting unit with precision.
Wanindu Hasaranga shines for Sri Lanka
Batting first, Sri Lanka set a challenging target of 161 runs for Afghanistan. The innings saw notable performances from key players, with Wanindu Hasaranga stealing the show with a blistering 67 runs off just 32 balls. Dhananjaya de Silva‘s quick 24 runs and Pathirana’s late cameo added crucial runs to the total. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Azmatullah Omarzai, kept the pressure on with crucial wickets.
Ibrahim Zadran’s valiant effort in vain
In pursuit of 161, Afghanistan fought valiantly, led by Ibrahim Zadran‘s impressive 67 runs off 55 balls. The middle order contributed, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers, especially Pathirana, proved to be the difference. His four-wicket haul, supported by disciplined performances from Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka, restricted Afghanistan to 156/9 in their 20 overs. The match reached a nail-biting climax as Afghanistan fell agonizingly short by just four runs, with the final few overs providing a thrilling battle between bat and ball.
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Matheesha Pathirana’s pinpoint yorker leaves Naveen ul Haq stunned
The climactic moment came when just four runs were required from 7 deliveries with one wicket remaining, and Pathirana bowled a pinpoint yorker to knock over Naveen, leaving him bewildered. The dismissal sealed the victory for Sri Lanka in a dramatic fashion.
Here’s the video:
Matheesha Pathirana 4/24 pic.twitter.com/UVUTSfpsJq
— SRI LANKA CRICKET LIONS (@slcricketlions) February 17, 2024
Pathirana’s exceptional all-round performance earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. His impactful bowling and crucial wickets turned the game in Sri Lanka’s favour, making him the star of the night.
Series outlook
With Sri Lanka securing a thrilling win in the 1st T20I, anticipation builds for the remaining matches of the series. The teams will lock horns again in the 2nd T20I on Monday, February 19, at the same Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Cricket fans can expect another exciting battle as both teams aim to claim the series victory in what promises to be a captivating encounter.
