Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard In an exhilarating 1st T20I of Afghanistan’s 2024 tour of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka national Sports cricket team narrowly defeated Afghanistan by 4 runs at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. With both teams showcasing impressive performances, the match kept fans on the edge of their seats as it came down to the last over. Matheesha Pathirana emerged as the standout performer, playing a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s victory.

Match Overview

• Match: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 1st T20I, Afghanistan Tour of Sri Lanka, 2024
• Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024
• Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
• Toss: Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bowl
• Result: Sri Lanka won by 4 runs

Squads: Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team

• Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana
• Bench: Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madushanka, Kamindu Mendis, Akila Dananjaya
• Afghanistan Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c), Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq
• Bench: Hazratullah Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Wafadar Momand, Mohammad Ishaq

Read Also: Pakistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard For ICC World Cup

Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan – 1st Inning Scorecard (Sri Lanka Batting)

Afghanistan Bowling

Key Performances of 1st Inning

• Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): 67 runs off 32 balls with 7 fours and 3 sixes
• Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan): 4 overs, 25 runs, and 3 wickets

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan – 2nd Inning Scorecard (Afghanistan Batting)

Sri Lanka Bowling

Key Performances of 2nd Inning

• Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan): 67* off 55 balls with 8 fours
• Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka): 4 overs, 24 runs, and 4 wickets

Player of the Match – Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana’s exceptional bowling display, especially during the crucial overs, earned him the Player of the Match award. His spell of 4 wickets for 24 runs was pivotal in restricting Afghanistan and securing a narrow win for Sri Lanka.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka clinched a thrilling victory by 4 runs, demonstrating strong resilience with both bat and ball. Afghanistan showed fighting spirit, but Matheesha Pathirana’s impressive bowling performance ultimately sealed the win for Sri Lanka. The match highlighted both teams’ strength and depth, promising an exciting series ahead.