The match no. 6 Asia Cup 2023 is definitely one of the most competitive matches Afghanistan has played. They have proved that among all the Associate members of the ICC, they are one of the strongest. The strike rate with which they played was constantly putting pressure on the bowlers of Sri Lanka. At the same time, it was also evident that they were going to achieve the total, because of the brilliant partnerships they were able to make in the middle order. However, that didn’t happen because from the lower-order batter, they were not abv to get enough contribution. However, in this close countermatch, Sri Lanka was able to win the match only by 2 runs. The only area where Afghanistan needs to work currently, is to learn to build up the partnerships at the crucial stage of the game.
Also read: Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka Won Match But Afghanistan Won Respect
Contribution made by Gulbadin Naib
Naib was definitely the spearhead of the bowling unit of Afghanistan. He went on to take 4 wickets for Afghanistan. Those 4 wickets were really important because he was able to get the wickets of all the set batters of Sri Lanka. That is the impact he was able to create on the Sri Lankan team.
- The opening partnership of the Sri Lankan team was a success. And it was mainly the contribution of Gulbadin Naib because of which both the openers lost their wickets. From 63-0, the score changed to 80-2. This was definitely a superstar performance.
- Both the openers were completely settled, and it was necessary to take their wickets. Later on, he also went on to take the wicket of Samarawickrama.
- In the end, when it was looking like M Theekshana would be making the biggest damage, that is when Gubadin Naid, went on to cleanly bowl him.
The main issue of the bowling attack of Afghanistan was that there was no depth in bowling. It means apart from Naib, no other bowler was able to make damage on the batting lineup of Sri Lanka.
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