Mohammad Nabi, displaying exceptional prowess, achieved Afghanistan’s fastest individual ODI fifty, reaching this milestone in a mere 24 deliveries.
The nail-biting contest between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan unfolded in Lahore, resulting in a thrilling victory for the former by a mere two runs. This triumph secured Sri Lanka’s qualification for the Super 4 stage of the highly anticipated Asia Cup. Afghanistan, on the other hand, faced the daunting task of chasing down a formidable target of 292 runs in just 37.1 overs to keep their hopes alive in the competition. Despite their valiant efforts, they fell agonizingly short, being bundled out for 289 runs in 37.4 overs.
Mohammad Nabi, displaying exceptional prowess, achieved Afghanistan’s fastest individual ODI fifty, reaching this milestone in a mere 24 deliveries. Unfortunately, his impressive innings of 65 runs from 32 balls came to an end, but Afghanistan’s fighting spirit endured until the final moments of the match.
Initially, their chase began at a sluggish pace, as Sri Lankan pacers Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha Pathirana made early breakthroughs. However, Gulbadin Naib’s powerful knock of 45 runs from just 40 balls ensured that Afghanistan remained in contention.
In a remarkable turn of events, Sri Lanka, facing a precarious situation at 227-7, staged a remarkable recovery. Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage unleashed a late blitz, propelling their team to a commendable total of 291 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Wellalage remained unbeaten on 33 runs from 39 deliveries, while Theekshana fell victim to Gulbadin’s bowling prowess on the final ball of the Lankan innings, contributing 28 runs from 24 deliveries. Kusal Mendis emerged as the standout batter from the Sri Lankan camp, accumulating an impressive 92 runs from 84 deliveries.
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