Rasooli and Zazai Spark Resistance as Afghanistan Fights Back on Day 3 vs Sri Lanka A

Rasooli and Afsar Zazai Steer Afghanistan's Gritty Fightback on Day 3 Against Sri Lanka A

In what has largely been a one-sided contest dominated by Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan's second innings on Day 3 brought a much-needed shift in tone as skipper Darwish Rasooli and wicketkeeper Afsar Khan Zazai dug deep to engineer a stirring fightback. With an unbeaten 105-run stand, the duo offered resistance in the face of a mammoth fourth-innings chase, ending the day at 132/3 while still needing a daunting 483 runs to win.

Resilience After Early Collapse

Afghanistan began their second innings under a cloud of pressure after being set an improbable target of 615 runs. Early wickets threatened to derail the chase entirely, with the team tumbling to 27/3 inside 10 overs. Isitha Wijesundara, who had wreaked havoc in the first innings with a six-wicket haul, struck twice again, while Wanuja Sahan snatched a crucial scalp to tighten Sri Lanka A's grip.

But from the rubble emerged a partnership anchored in composure and clarity. Rasooli, the captain, set the tone with a patient yet confident knock, displaying his leadership in trying circumstances. He reached 59* by stumps, showing restraint against the spinners and measured aggression when opportunities arose. On the other end, Afsar Zazai, who top-scored in the first innings with 54, brought similar grit to the second innings, bringing up his second consecutive fifty under pressure.

The Road Ahead: Long, Steep, but Not Hopeless

Despite the late-day resistance, the equation is still heavily tilted in favour of Sri Lanka A. Afghanistan require 483 more runs with just seven wickets in hand, and a pitch expected to deteriorate further over the final two days. But if the Rasooli-Afsar stand continues deep into Day 4, it could significantly shift the momentum, if not the final outcome.

More than just numbers, the partnership has restored belief in an otherwise battered dressing room. For a young Afghan side still learning the demands of four-day cricket, extending the match into the final day would serve as a moral victory.

Sri Lanka A's Batting Blitz

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka A extended their dominance by amassing 376/4 declared in their second innings. Nuwanidu Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake led the assault, both compiling rapid centuries. Fernando's 102 off 123 and Rathnayake's unbeaten 100 off 106 helped stretch the lead to 614 before the declaration.

Afghanistan's bowling lacked venom as fatigue set in after two grueling innings. Zia Ur Rahman Akbar and Sharifi managed a wicket each, but their efforts did little to slow the onslaught. The declaration was tactical and timed well to expose Afghanistan's fragile top order late in the day.

Standout Performances

Isitha Wijesundara has undoubtedly been the match's standout bowler, with combined figures of 8 wickets so far. His ability to strike early and frequently has kept Afghanistan on the back foot throughout.

For Afghanistan, Afsar Zazai has emerged as a shining light. With scores of 54 and 51* in pressure situations, his consistency and temperament under duress have been commendable. Rasooli's unbeaten 59* has further bolstered Afghanistan's hope of salvaging pride from this game.

Match Summary at Stumps, Day 3:

Sri Lanka A 1st Innings: 406 all out (Lahiru Udara 107, Sonal Dinusha 104*, Bashir Ahmad 4/77)
AfghanAbdalyan 1st Innings: 168 all out (Afsar Zazai 54, Isitha Wijesundara 6/35)
Sri Lanka A 2nd Innings: 376/4 declared (Nuwanidu Fernando 102, Pavan Rathnayake 100*)
AfghanAbdalyan 2nd Innings: 132/3 (Darwish Rasooli 59*, Afsar Zazai 51*)
Target: 615 | Remaining: 483 | Wickets in Hand: 7

Looking Ahead: Can the Resistance Hold?

The task ahead for Afghanistan remains monumental. Yet, Day 3 ended with optimism not seen earlier in the match. If Rasooli and Zazai can carry their partnership well into Day 4, and if the lower order can provide some resilience, this contest could still have twists left in it.

Sri Lanka A, however, will return eager to wrap up the game quickly and underline their dominance. Either way, Day 4 is poised to be a battle of mental strength as much as skill.