Sri Lanka set a target of 242 against Afghanistan, with Pathum Nissanka contributing 46 runs, Kusal Mendis 39 runs, and Sadeera Samarawickrama 36 runs before the entire team got out.
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and chose to bowl first, anticipating the dew to affect the game later in the day. He brought in Fazalhaq Farooqi in place of Noor Ahmad. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, made two changes, with Dushmantha Chameera replacing the injured Lahiru Kumara, and Kusal Perera being dropped for the returning Dimuth Karunaratne. Karunaratne, however, fell to Farooqi off the second ball of the sixth over. Sri Lanka found stability through the partnership of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, which yielded 62 runs off 77 balls for the second wicket.
Mujeeb ur Rahman returned after the 25th over and took crucial wickets of Mendis and the in-form Sadeera Samarawickrama in consecutive overs, leaving Sri Lanka struggling. Rashid Khan dismissed Dhananjaya de Silva, paving the way for veteran Angelo Mathews. Sri Lanka’s lower order received a boost in the last 10 overs with Maheesh Theekshana contributing a brisk 31-ball 29 before getting dismissed.
The match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in the Cricket World Cup 2023 has witnessed two impressive sides that have struggled to secure a spot in the top four. Despite minimal expectations, both teams surprised a few favorites, keeping the top four spots within their reach. While Sri Lanka initially had a promising year in ODI cricket, their collapse against India in the Asia Cup final dampened hopes of securing a spot in the top four. Afghanistan, on the other hand, defied expectations by securing wins against England and Pakistan, creating a positive atmosphere within their camp.
