Sri Lanka give Afghanistan daunting total of 292 to chase in 37.1 overs. (AFP Image)
Kusal Mendis smashes 92 runs, and late order contributions helped Sri Lanka post a total of 291/8, Afghanistan need to score 292 in 37.1 overs to remain alive in Super 4 race
Afghanistan have been given a target of 292 runs which they need to chase in 37.1 overs against Sri Lanka to remain alive in the race for Super 4 of Asia Cup 2023. Kusal Mendis smashed 92 runs as he was unlucky to miss his century after being dismissed via a runout at the non-striker’s end. Rashid Khan picked up two wickets while Gulbadin Naib rattled Sri Lanka’s middle order but the defending champions’ lower order helped them to a challenging total of 291/8.
The group of death was made all the more challenging for Afghanistan after their defeat to Bangladesh as they faced off Sri Lanka in a must-win Group B game on Tuesday, September 5 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
With a negative run rate of -1.780, the Afghanistan unit not only needed a win over the Lankan Lions, but they also needed a victory in just 37.1 overs to improve their net run rate and qualify for the next round of the Asia Cup.
AFG vs SL Live Score, Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 Race
Having won the toss, Dasun Shanaka opted to bat first and his openers Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne proved their captain’s call correct. They stitched together a stand of 63 runs dominating the Afghanistan bowling attack in the batting powerplay. Gulbadin provided his side with the first breakthrough when he dismissed Karunaratne on 32, while he ended Nissanka’s stay at the crease shortly afterwards on 41.
(More to follow..)