Sri Lanka crush Afghanistan to seal series win-by Dhammika Ratnaweera reporting from Hambantota

Sri Lankan paceman Dushmantha Chameera had fine figures of 4 for 63 while openers Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne hit half centuries as Sri Lanka notched up an easy 9 wickets win over Afghanistan to win the three match series 2-1 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International cricket stadium yesterday.

It was superb bowling effort by Sri Lankan bowlers to restrict Afghanistan to 116 all out in 22.2 overs while Sri Lankan openers Dimuth Karunaratne (54not out) and Pathum Nissanka (51) also added 84 runs in 10.1 overs.

They played anchor roles to reach their target in great style and Sri Lanka were 120 for 1 in just 16 overs and by 1.35pm the game ended with superb victory to Sri Lanka. They celebrated the 2-1 series win before the World Cup qualifier cricket tournament which will commence from June 17 in Zimbabwe.

Earlier Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first but the decision was not favourable for them as Sri Lanka pace duo Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara did an early damage to Afghan batting line up from the beginning.

Dushmantha Chameera who came to the field after eight months due to injury had superb spells at this last two games (second and third Afghanistan ODIs) finished 4 for 63 and paved the way to an easy victory.

Earlier Afghanistan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (8) and Ibrahim Zadran (22) were unable to make good start and Lahiru Kumara who replaced for Kasun Rajitha yesterday took both wickets while Chameera gave good support from the other end and Afghanistan were 72 for 5 wickets after 12.5 overs.

The champion leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga took late wickets as he finished with 3 for 7 in 4.2 overs having one madian over while Maheesh Theekshana took 1 for 16 .

Dushmantha Chameera was adjudged both Man of the Final and Man of the Series at the prasantation ceremony while SLC Vice President Ravin Wickramaratna and CEO Ashley de Silva were the chief guests and gave away the main awards.

Nemantha Abeysinghe Director and General Manger of Nippon Paint Lanka Pvt Ltd also graced this occasion.