Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: Matheesha Pathriana Gets Maiden ODI Wicket
The Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathriana has achieved a remarkable feat in his debut ODI match against Afghanistan. He got rid of the well-set Rahmat Shah to give Sri Lanka a breakthrough and put them in a good position. However, Afghanistan is still leading the game with less than 4.5 runs per over needed.
Charith Asalanka’s 91 Propels Sri Lanka to a Competitive Total
The match is being played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota. With the ICC ODI World Cup scheduled to take place later this year in India, both teams are viewing this series as a great opportunity to prepare for the tournament. Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan batsman, played an instrumental role in propelling the team to a competitive total on a tricky pitch. His 91 runs were a major factor in helping the team reach a good score.
Playing XI for Sri Lanka and Afghanistan
The playing XI for Sri Lanka included Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana and Lahiru Kumara.
The Afghan team’s playing XI was Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are using this series as a great opportunity to prepare for the ICC ODI World Cup 2021. Matheesha Pathriana’s maiden ODI wicket on his debut was a great achievement for the team. Charith Asalanka’s 91 propelled SL to a competitive total on a tricky pitch. Both teams have put up strong performances in the match so far and the result is yet to be seen.