Afghanistan defeated Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup opener

Dubai: Afghanistan surged over Sri Lanka to begin their Asia Cup campaign with an 8-wicket victory. It should be noted that they won with 59 balls to spare, which is certain to have a significant impact on their Net Run Rate (NRR). It all started when Afghanistan openers Rahamanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai got them off to a blazing start, scoring 83 runs in the first six overs.

After winning the toss Afg skipper Nabi elected to field two debutants for Srilanka Madushanka, Pathirana. The Associate nation bowlers were impressive from ball one not letting the batting side score easily and picking wickets regularly. Farooqi started the damage and other bowlers made it worse for the hosts. Rajapaksa gave hope in the middle with 38 before getting run out returning for the second run followed by Theekshana run out in the next ball two in two run outs. In the end Karunaratne batted sensibly to take past 100. Eventually Srilanka folded for 105-10 in 19.4 overs with two balls left. Earlier Nissanka had new opening partner Kusal Mendis instead of Gunathilaka they preferred Right combination though the change did not work for the 5 time champions with Mendis trapped LBW for 5 by Farooqi. The failure of top order cost Srilanka the game. Farooqi 3 wickets, Mujeeb, Nabi 2 apiece, Naveen 1

In reply, Afghanistan batters were in mood to finish the game as quickly as possible to increase their Net run rate. Gurbaz and Zazai toyed with opponent bowlers bringing their highest powerplay score in T20 83-0(6). The first blood was drawn at 1st ball after the powerplay as Hasaranga clean bowled Gurbaz for an entertaining knock of 40(18) the knock included (3-4s,4-6s) but it was too late for the Lankans. Another opener Zazai stayed till the end for 37(28) winning the game in 10.1 overs.

Interesting fact: Srilanka played 72 dot balls almost 12 overs from 118 balls they played means 46 balls were only run scoring balls.

SL: 105-10 in 19.4 overs (Rajapaksa 38, Karunaratne 31, Farooqi 3-11).

AFG: 106-2 in 10.4 overs(Gurbaz 40, Zazai 37, Hasaranga 1-19 in 3 overs).

Farooqi was awarded man of the match for his fiery spell.