In a sold-out spectacle in Dambulla, Sri Lanka secured a nail-biting victory against Afghanistan, winning the first T20I by a narrow four-run margin and taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The turning point of the match came in the final over, where Binura Fernando, despite conceding 38 runs in three overs earlier, defended 11 runs to seal the win. Ibrahim Zadran’s commendable unbeaten 67 off 55 balls, batting throughout the innings, fell just short in the face of Sri Lanka’s determined bowling effort.
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Matheesha Pathirana played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s favor, delivering an exceptional penultimate over, claiming two wickets for only three runs and finishing with figures of 4 for 24.
Sri Lanka’s innings saw ups and downs after being put into bat, reaching a total of 160. Wanindu Hasaranga’s outstanding counterpunch innings of 67 off 32 provided the momentum, but Afghanistan’s effective bowling prevented a higher score.
The powerplay was action-packed, with Sri Lanka aggressively scoring 51 runs but losing crucial wickets. Hasaranga’s decision to promote himself proved crucial, as he showcased his floating pinch-hitter role with a blitzkrieg knock.
Afghanistan’s chase appeared in control, particularly with Ibrahim leading the way, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Pathirana, secured timely wickets. The lower order struggled against Afghanistan’s varied bowling attack, resulting in Sri Lanka being bowled out for 160.
In response, Afghanistan started strongly in the powerplay, scoring at least one boundary in five of the six overs. Hasaranga’s strategic bowling changes, including his own entry during the powerplay, paid off with crucial breakthroughs.
The game’s drama continued as Afghanistan fought back with Ibrahim and Karim Janat’s partnership, taking the match to the wire. However, Pathirana’s pivotal moments in the final overs, including the dismissal of Janat, shifted the momentum back to Sri Lanka.
Pathirana’s exceptional bowling, combined with Binura Fernando’s well-directed wide yorkers in the last over, secured a nerve-wracking victory for Sri Lanka