Afghanistan 209 for 5 (Gurbaz 70, Dananjaya 2-37) beat Sri Lanka 206 for 5 (Kamindu 65*, Nissanka 60, Nabi 2-35) by three runs
The difference in the end proved to be the final two deliveries of the respective innings. Afghanistan, having elected to bat first, struck 10 runs off their final two balls courtesy debutant Mohammed Ishaq to push their total to 209 for 5. Sri Lanka in their response ended up needing 10 off 2, but Kamindu could only manage six – that too coming off the final delivery of the game.
Sri Lanka in response had Nissanka lead the way with a 30-ball 60 before a hamstring strain forced him to retire hurt, but Kamindu’s 65 off 39 ensured the game would go down to the wire.
Suffice to say it wasn’t a day for the bowlers with none able to maintain an economy rate of below eight, with the seamers on both sides receiving the brunt of the abuse each taken for more than 10 an over.
Full report to follow
