By Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews and Wanindu Hasaranga played pivotal roles in their team’s series-sealing victory against Afghanistan. Riding on Sadeera Samarawickrama’s steady half-century and valuable contributions from Mathews and Hasaranga, Sri Lanka posted a commanding total of 187/6 in their 20 overs. Mathews, in particular, was instrumental with the bat, smashing four sixes and two boundaries in his unbeaten 42-run knock.
In reply, Afghanistan faltered early in their chase, losing key wickets to Mathews and Binura Fernando. Despite a brief resistance from Mohammad Nabi and Karim Janat, Afghanistan’s innings folded for 115 in 17 overs, falling short by 72 runs. Mathews, continuing his all-round heroics, finished with impressive bowling figures of 2-9, while Hasaranga also chipped in with two crucial wickets.
The win not only sealed the T20I series for Sri Lanka but also extended Afghanistan’s winless streak in the ongoing multi-format tour. Sri Lanka will look to continue their dominance in the final game of the series, while Afghanistan will aim to salvage some pride with a better performance.
