Sri Lanka win against Afghanistan in 3rd ODI to seal series win (Winning by 9 wickets) – by eLanka
Sri Lanka secured a convincing series win over Afghanistan, emerging victorious with a comprehensive 9-wicket triumph in the final match. Led by Dushmantha Chameera’s impressive performance with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for 63 runs, Sri Lanka dominated the proceedings. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne also played crucial roles, both notching up half-centuries.
The match, held at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, saw Sri Lanka’s bowlers shine as they restricted Afghanistan to a mere 116 all out in 22.2 overs. Sri Lanka’s openers, Karunaratne (54 not out) and Nissanka (51), showcased their skills, adding 84 runs in just 10.1 overs. With a target reached in style, Sri Lanka comfortably reached 120 for 1 in a mere 16 overs, securing a resounding victory.
The triumph was a cause for celebration as Sri Lanka clinched the 2-1 series win just before the World Cup qualifier cricket tournament, scheduled to begin in Zimbabwe on June 17. Afghanistan, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, faced early setbacks as Sri Lankan pacemen Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara made immediate inroads into their batting lineup. Chameera, making a comeback after an eight-month injury layoff, displayed exceptional form in the last two games against Afghanistan, claiming a total of 4 wickets for 63 runs, paving the way for Sri Lanka’s comfortable victory. Afghanistan’s openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (8) and Ibrahim Zadran (22), failed to make a substantial impact, with Lahiru Kumara, who replaced Kasun Rajitha, taking both wickets. Chameera provided valuable support from the other end, and Afghanistan found themselves struggling at 72 for 5 after 12.5 overs. The accomplished leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga contributed to the late wicket haul, finishing with figures of 3 for 7 in 4.2 overs, including one maiden over.
Maheesh Theekshana claimed 1 for 16 to further bolster Sri Lanka’s bowling effort. At the presentation ceremony, Dushmantha Chameera was honored as both the Man of the Final and the Man of the Series, while SLC Vice President Ravin Wickramaratna and CEO Ashley de Silva were the esteemed chief guests who presented the main awards. The occasion was also graced by Nemantha Abeysinghe, the Director and General Manager of Nippon Paint Lanka Pvt Ltd.
Note: this article was written based on the information sourced from the Daily News
