Cricket World Cup 2023, Afghanistan defeated Sri Lanka with seven wickets to secure a commanding victory. The match was riveting. The outstanding fifties of Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmat Omarzai propelled Afghanistan to an extraordinary triumph, elevating them to the fifth spot in the World Cup 2023 standings.
Strong Start for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka got off to a strong start to their innings, amassing 241 runs in 49.3 overs despite losing nine wickets. Nevertheless, the bowling unit of Afghanistan, captained by the renowned spinner Rashid Khan, secured pivotal wickets. Additionally, Fazalhaq Farooqi made a significant contribution to this effort.
Early Afghanistan Wicket
Afghanistan’s pursuit commenced with an unfavourable outcome, as they lost Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the opening over. Dilshan Madushanka bowled the right-handed opener for a single, thereby granting Sri Lanka an early advantage.
Consistent Partnership
Despite the early wicket, Afghanistan established a steadfast partnership with Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran. They succeeded in bringing the total to 44 runs prior to Zadran’s dismissal for 39 runs. A secure foundation enabled the group to remain on course, and Rahmat Shah’s fifty-plus contribution to the partnership was instrumental.
Both Azmat and Hashmat Shine
Hashmatullah Shahidi completed his merited fifty in the 43rd over, and Azmat Omarzai did the same a few overs later, reaching fifty. This collaboration played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s pursuit, providing consistent leadership that drove their squad to victory.
Srilankan Bowling Difficulties
The progress of Sri Lanka was hindered during the second innings, as their spinners encountered difficulties in restricting the scoring of Afghanistan. The loose deliveries were exploited by the Afghan batsmen, who methodically approached the target.
Afghanistan continue their charge towards a top-four finish in #CWC23 with a stupendous win in Pune 👊#AFGvSL 📝: https://t.co/2lhrckvJl8 pic.twitter.com/bSSXPZHUJe
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 30, 2023
Comfortable Victory for Afghanistan
In the end, Afghanistan secured a comfortable seven-wicket win. A boundary mishap in the final overs, where Sri Lanka missed a crucial catch at the boundary, allowed Afghanistan to run away with the win. This victory pushed Afghanistan up to the fifth spot in the World Cup
