Afghanistan emerged victorious against Sri Lanka, securing a 7-wicket win with 28 balls to spare. The match, which took place on October 30, 2023, was part of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, showcasing the high stakes and intense competition that define the tournament.
Also Read: Unpacking the ‘Azhar’ Controversy: Fact and Fiction in the 1994 Wills World Series Match
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first, but their innings got off to a rocky start. Dimuth Karunaratne was dismissed early, caught leg before wicket by Fazalhaq Farooqi, for just 15 runs. The Sri Lankan skipper, Kusal Mendis, played a responsible knock of 39 runs, but his dismissal signalled the start of a series of wickets falling at regular intervals.
Pathum Nissanka was the top scorer for Sri Lanka with 46 runs, and Sadeera Samarawickrama contributed a valuable 36. However, the Sri Lankan batting order struggled to maintain consistency, and they ended their innings at 241 in 49.3 overs, with Farooqi being the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan with impressive figures of 4/34.
World Cup 2023: Afghanistan’s Chase of 242
Chasing a target of 242 runs, Afghanistan’s openers faced some early challenges. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed without scoring, but Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah then steadied the ship. Zadran contributed 39 runs, while Shah played a crucial innings of 62 runs, laying a solid foundation for the chase.
Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain of the Afghan team, remained unbeaten with 58 runs, and Azmatullah Omarzai provided the finishing touches with an explosive 73 not out off 63 balls. Afghanistan reached the target with ease, finishing at 242/3 in 45.2 overs.
On the bowling front, Dilshan Madushanka was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, claiming 2 wickets for 48 runs. Kasun Rajitha provided crucial support, picking up a wicket for 48 runs. However, the rest of the Sri Lankan bowling attack struggled to contain the Afghan batsmen.
Player of the Match: Fazalhaq Farooqi
Fazalhaq Farooqi’s exceptional performance with the ball earned him the Player of the Match award. His figures of 4/34 played a crucial role in restricting Sri Lanka to a manageable total. Farooqi’s consistent line and length troubled the Sri Lankan batsmen throughout their innings.
Afghanistan’s victory against Sri Lanka was a testament to their strong team performance. They showcased their skills with both bat and ball, and the comprehensive win has further solidified their position in the ICC Cricket World Cup. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will need to regroup and come back stronger in their upcoming matches to stay in contention for the coveted title.
This match will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, with its thrilling moments and exemplary performances by players like Fazalhaq Farooqi. Cricket enthusiasts around the world can look forward to more exciting contests as the tournament progresses, with Afghanistan’s strong showing adding to the competition’s intrigue.
