Sri Lanka asserted their supremacy, sealing the three-match series against Afghanistan with an authoritative 155 runs win in the second ODI at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 11, Sunday. The victory was shaped by a combination of Charith Asalanka‘s impactful batting and Wanindu Hasaranga‘s brilliant bowling, showcasing Sri Lanka’s prowess in all facets of the game.

Solid partnerships lay the foundation for Sri Lanka’s innings

The Sri Lankan innings unfolded with a dynamic mix of solid partnerships and individual brilliance. Pathum Nissanka set the tone with a brisk 18 off 17 balls, laying the foundation for the middle order. Despite Avishka Fernando‘s failure with the bat Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a sturdy 61, and Sadeera Samarawickrama contributed a valuable 52.

Charith Asalanka’s remarkable batting

However, the standout performance came from Charith Asalanka, falling agonizingly short of a century with a dazzling 97 off 74 balls. His innings injected vitality and flair, featuring a blend of classical shots and aggressive strokeplay, including 9 fours and 2 sixes. Janith Liyanage added a significant half-century and Hasaranga provided late-order impetus with 14 runs that took Sri Lanka score to 308/6. Afghanistan’s bowling struggled to contain the onslaught, with Azmatullah Omarzai being the most successful bowler, picking three wickets.

Afghanistan’s uphill battle and Wanindu Hasaranga’s decisive spell

Chasing a challenging target of 309, Afghanistan faced a daunting task against the formidable Sri Lankan bowling attack. Despite Ibrahim Zadran‘s resilience with a hard-fought 54 and Rahmat Shah‘s commendable 63, Sri Lanka’s bowlers were relentless. Despite Afghanistan being 143/2 at one stage, Hasaranga’s dangerous spell turned the tide decisively in Sri Lanka’s favour.

Also READ: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, ODI series: Date, Match Time, Venue, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

His variations, control, and ability to pick up wickets at crucial junctures dismantled the Afghan middle order. Hasaranga’s final figures of 4 wickets for 27 runs in 6.5 overs underscored his match-winning impact. Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando scalped 2 wickets eac, and Pramod Madushan chipped in with a wicket. The Sri Lankan bowlers dismantled the Afghan batting order with precision, restricting them to 153/10 in 33.5 overs.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Asalanka has become such a solid middle-order batter for SL🇱🇰 and has been one of the best in the world at no 5 since his debut🙌
Always grabs the opportunity and performs when it matters the most.
Unlucky to miss out on his century, but he showed his selfless attitude.#SLvAFG

— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) February 11, 2024

Two back to back excellent selfless knocks.

Nissanka didn’t slow down near milestones, didn’t care about being not out and absolutely went after bowling.

Asalanka didn’t care about his milestones.

Sadeera did the same in last few matches.
I like the culture they are building. pic.twitter.com/PqROUvTBMe

— S (@Sakun_SD) February 11, 2024

Charith Asalanka means business.

What a knock Chariya. A selfless knock from the vice captain. Deserved a century tbh.

97* runs off 74 balls with 9 fours and 2 sixes.

11th ODI fifty for Asalanka. #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/bw86rzDHyA

— Naveen Peiris (@_Naviya_) February 11, 2024

Charith Asalanka won the Player of the Match Award for his brilliant 97* runs against Afghanistan. #LKA #SriLanka #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/wSdb1VchEr

— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) February 11, 2024

Asalanka had the opportunity to stay on strike and face the final ball to get his century. But still he took the single. Remains as the innings’ highest scorer on 97*. Selfless, professional play. Captaincy material.#SLvAFG

— Udendra (@udendra) February 11, 2024

A dramatic collapse from Afghanistan sees them go from 143-2 to 153-10

Hasaranga with 4-27

SL take an unassailable 2-0 lead #SLvAFG

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) February 11, 2024

Just wish we had Hasaranga during the World Cup. could have won a few more games than the ones we actually won. X factor for 🇱🇰 for sure and for me Asalanka is an already ⭐️ well played 🇱🇰💪#SLvAFG

— ChamindraH (@ChamindraH) February 11, 2024

Heroes of today’s match Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga 🔥#SLvAFG

— Shan Akku (@akkuslc) February 11, 2024

Sri Lanka thrashed Afghanistan in the second ODI 💪#SLvAFG #cricket
Scorecard: https://t.co/6MzrhCDu04 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/9GqcTKfZET

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 11, 2024

It’s the Sri Lankan bowlers’ show! 💪
They skittled out the Afghanistan batters for just 153 runs, sealing a dominant 155-run victory! ✨

🇱🇰 take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series! 🏆 Way to go, boys! #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/EZBWHnZHfQ

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) February 11, 2024

A dramatic turnaround in Kandy as Afghanistan lost 9/25 to go from 128/1 to 153/10 and fell short of the target by 155 runs. #AfghanAtalan | #SLvAFG2024 pic.twitter.com/7Hr6kZ868U

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 11, 2024

Also READ: SL vs AFG 2024: Afghanistan’s best playing XI for the ODI series against Sri Lanka

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