HAMBANTOTA: Sri Lanka bounced back in style to level the three-match one-day international series against Afghanistan on Sunday, registering a commanding 132-run win at Hambantota. Setting a target of 324 runs, Sri Lankan bowlers dismantled the Afghan lineup, dismissing them for 191 in just 43 overs, securing their biggest victory over Afghanistan in ODIs.
Making a strong comeback after a seven-month layoff due to ankle surgery, fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera played a pivotal role with his hostile spells, finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 18. He was well supported by part-time off-spinner Dhananjaya de Silva, who claimed three wickets, including the first-match hero Ibrahim Zardan. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga contributed with three crucial wickets for 42 runs.
Ibrahim Zardan, who top-scored in the first ODI with 98 runs, showed promise once again with a half-century, scoring 54 runs. However, the pressure got to him as he edged an attempted cut shot, resulting in a well-taken catch by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was the leading scorer for Afghanistan with 57 runs, but he too fell victim to de Silva’s bowling, being trapped leg before wicket.
Following Shahidi’s dismissal, the Afghan batting lineup struggled to put up a fight, losing six wickets for just 23 runs. Sri Lanka’s strong performance was a result of their effective bowling changes and improved fielding.
Sri Lanka Made Four Changes to Lineup
In their pursuit of victory, Sri Lanka made four changes to their lineup after losing the first ODI by six wickets. Openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka provided a solid start, posting 82 runs for the first wicket. Karunaratne, on a comeback trail, impressed with his knock of 52 off 62 balls. Kusal Mendis then accelerated the scoring rate with a brilliant counter-attacking innings, scoring 78 runs off 75 balls, including seven fours and a six.
The partnership between Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama, who was playing his first ODI in over three years, added 88 runs in 86 balls, providing the Sri Lankan innings with much-needed momentum. Sri Lanka’s lower middle order was instrumental in propelling the team’s total to 323, with the hosts scoring 109 runs in the final ten overs. Fareed Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi were the standout bowlers for Afghanistan, both claiming two wickets each.
The third and final ODI between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will be held on June 7, once again at Hambantota.
