SL vs AFG 1st ODI: Afghanistan overpowered Sri Lanka and recorded an astounding 60-run win to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. A clinical all-round performance by the visitors paved the way for a perfect win as Afghans achieved glory on the island nation.
Winning the toss at the Pallekele International Stadium, Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi made an exemplary decision to bat first. Batting first on a dusty wicket, Afghanistan managed to put up an impressive total of 294/8 in their first innings of 50 overs.
Afghanistan was off to a spectacular start after the frontline batsmen put up vital partnerships at the start. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (53) and Ibrahim Zadran (106) added 84 runs for the first wicket whereas Zadran and Rehmat Shah registered a match-winning partnership of 118 runs for the second wicket.
Riding on to the solid start by the openers, Najibullah Zadran (42) and Gulbadin Naib (22) played fascinating cameos to take the total near the 300-run mark.
For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga was the most effective bowler who scalped 2 wickets for 42 runs. Kasun Rajitha (1/56), Danushka Lakshan (1/43), Lahiru Kumara (1/54), and Maheesh Theekshana (1/62) chipped in a wicket apiece.
Chasing a steep total of 295, Sri Lanka failed to build partnerships as wickets started to tremble at regular intervals. Patthum Nissanka (85) and Wanindu Hasaranga (66) played impressive knocks. However, their efforts went in vain as a complete middle-order collapse resulted in the hosts getting bowled out on 234 and losing the match by 60 runs.
For Afghanistan, Fazalhaq Farooqi was the most contemplated paceman as he grabbed 4 wickets for 49 runs. Gulbadin Naib also provided vital support and scaled 3 wickets for 34 runs. Yamin Ahmadsai scalped a couple of wickets for 46 runs whereas Rashid Khan claimed a wicket for 40 runs. The second ODI between the two sides is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 27.
SL vs AFG 1st ODI: Brief Scores
Afghanistan 294/8 in 50 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 106; Wanindu Hasaranga 2-42) Sri Lanka 234 in 38 overs (Pathum Nissanka 85, Wanindu Hasaranga 66; Fazalhaq Farooqi 4-49)
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