Angelo Mathews and Wanindu Hasaranga showcased outstanding all-round performances, supported by a solid half-century from Sadeera Samarawickrama, as Sri Lanka continued Afghanistan’s winless streak in the ongoing tour, clinching the T20I series 2-0 with one match remaining at Dambulla.
Samarawickrama’s fifty and contributions from the two all-rounders propelled Sri Lanka to a commanding total. After his unbeaten innings, Mathews also made an impact with the ball, triggering a top-order collapse for Afghanistan.
Sri Lanka set a formidable total against Afghanistan
In the early stages of the match, Sri Lanka’s openers set a brisk pace, stitching a rapid 45-run partnership in under four overs. Despite this fiery start, Afghanistan managed to break through when Azmatullah Omarzai dismissed Pathum Nissanka. The loss of Nissanka and Kusal Mendis halted Sri Lanka’s momentum momentarily.
Samarawickrama’s composed fifty, coupled with valuable cameos, stabilized Sri Lanka’s innings after the early setbacks. Contributions from Hasaranga and Mathews in the later overs propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 187/6. Mathews, in particular, played a crucial role, smashing four sixes and two fours in his 22-ball 42 not, which proved pivotal in Sri Lanka’s late surge.
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Sri Lanka bundled out Afghanistan for 115
Mathews and Binura Fernando struck early blows with the ball during Afghanistan’s chase. Mathews’ double breakthroughs in the powerplay overs set the tone for Sri Lanka, with Fernando also making crucial inroads. Despite a brief resistance from Mohammad Nabi and Karim Janat, Afghanistan’s chase faltered, and they eventually got all out for just 115 (17 overs), losing the match by a significant margin of 72 runs.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
What a win for Sri Lanka. The experienced Angelo Mathews saved the day for us 🇱🇰 with his all round brilliance.
Captain Wanidu Hasaranga and his world class bowling attack defended the score with ease.
Things are heading the right way. Exciting times ahead. #slvafg pic.twitter.com/og7lNNwjhw
— Amila Kalugalage (@akalugalage) February 19, 2024
1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Wickets Strong!
Massive congratulations to our skipper, Wanindu Hasaranga, on achieving the incredible feat of 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ T20I wickets!🎉 🇱🇰#SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/aOQsCnu4nm
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) February 19, 2024
Another series win for 🇱🇰 🙌
Building nicely before T20 WC
– Bench strength coming together 💪
– Roles being defined ✅
Still a couple of tweaks to be made & also believe @OfficialSLC need a 6:5 combo but happy to be kept proven wrong & 🇱🇰 finding ways to win! 😬#SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/XhFcq0kdKe
— Prad Navaratnam (@prad_nava) February 20, 2024
Most powerplay wickets for Sri Lanka in T20Is. #SLvAFG
Nuwan Kulasekara – 34 wickets
Angelo Mathews – 33 wickets pic.twitter.com/fwKOw91eFA
— Thurunu Jayasiri (@ThurunuJ) February 19, 2024
With 100 wickets, 600+ runs, World No.01 ranking, inside top 10 in all rounders rankings, ICC T20I Cricketer of the year nomination and being part of ICC Team of the year, it is fair enough to say that Hasaranga is the greatest T20I Cricketer for Sri Lanka after Malinga.#SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/QMryPECGY1
— S (@Sakun_SD) February 19, 2024
RESULT | SRI LANKA WON BY 72 RUNS 🚨
AfghanAtalan have put on a dismal batting performance as they have been bundled out for 115 runs in 17 overs to lose the game by 72 runs. #AfghanAtalan | #SLvAFG2024 pic.twitter.com/M9XF64cOVO
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 19, 2024
Sri Lanka take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I series with big win in Dambulla ⚡#SLvAFG 📝: https://t.co/s4V9iYnDq1 pic.twitter.com/RaxIoTjTAL
— ICC (@ICC) February 19, 2024
Man of the Match: Angelo Mathews#cricket #SLvAFG #AngeloMathews #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Kjs6qr78Ub
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 20, 2024
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