SL vs AFG: Asalanka, Hasaranga help Sri Lanka take an unassailable lead in the ODI series
Sri Lanka took an unassailable 2-0 lead over Afghanistan in the three-match ODI series beating them by 155 runs in the second ODI on Sunday, February 11 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. After opting to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a massive score of 308/6 in their allotted 50 overs courtesy of a stellar knock by Charith Asalanka (97* off 74).
In reply, Afghanistan was bundled out for 153 in 33.5 overs as Wanindu Hasaranga starred with the ball picking 4/27 in 6.5 overs. The visitors lost their opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz (8 off 20) early in the innings with 31 runs on the board with Aistha Fernando accounting for him.
After the early blow, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah added 97 runs for the second wicket off 121 balls. Fernando once again came to his team’s rescue getting Zadran (54 off 76) caught behind as Afghanistan lost their second wicket on 128.
Shah (63 off 69) was also dismissed shortly getting trapped in front by Hasaranga leaving Afghanistan on 143/3 after 29.1 overs. Following his dismissal, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (9 off 12) also lost his stumps against Hasaranga and Afghanistan was eventually bundled out for 153. Apart from Hasaranga (4/27), Asitha Fernando (2/23) and Dilshan Madushanka (2/28) also picked two wickets each.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka lost their openers Pathum Nissanka (18 off 17) and Avishka Fernando (5 off 23) with just 36 runs on the board. After two early wickets, captain Kusal Mendis (61 off 65) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (52 off 61) added 103 runs for the third wicket off 113 balls.
Charith Asalanka’s unbeaten 97 took Sri Lanka past 300
After the massive stand, Afghanistan clawed its way back into the game dismissing both set batters in a space of eight runs leaving Sri Lanka on 147/4 after 28.3 overs. However, Charith Asalanka (97* off 74) and Janith Liyanage (50 off 48) took their team’s total past 300 finishing the innings on 308/6 in 50 overs.
Azmatullah Omarzai was the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan with figures of 3/56 in ten overs. Asalanka was also awarded for his magnificent innings as Sri Lanka won the series by 2-0 with one game to be played.
