Afghanistan almost pulled off a stunning win against Sri Lanka in their second match of tournament but it was their lack of experience and lack of enough firepower that they succumbed to the their opponents. Sri Lanka managed to hold their nerves till the end to secure their first win in this edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup.
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Batting first Afghanistan were all out for 232 in 49.4 overs. Asghar Stanikzai top scored for the Afghans with a well made 54 which was decorated with 5 fours and 1 hit over the boundary rope. Samiullah Shenwari scored 38 crucial runs but no one could take the attack to their opposition. The Sri Lankan bowlers were bowled to their strengths and got the results in their favour. Lasith Malinga got back amongst the wickets with 3 in his kitty after an off-coloured performance in the first match. Angelo Mathews also picked up 3 wickets and the spinners did their job excellently.
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It looked like a simple chase for the Sri Lankans but they messed it up completely with a horrible start. With just 18 runs on the board, the Lankans had lost 3 wickets in the form of Thirimanne, Dilshan and Sangakkara. Soon they lost Karunaratne to be down at 51-4. Sri Lanka needed someone who could bring some stability in the run chase and send a message to the opposition at the same time. And Sri Lanka found the right man in Mahela Jayawardene. How many times Jayawardene had done that over the past decade! And his team needed him one more time. And he did it once again. He came up with an excellent 100 and made sure that Sri Lanka came very close to the target. He got out leaving his job undone. Thisara Perrera and Jeevan Mendis took the remnants and took Sri Lanka over the line with 4 wickets in hand to save Sri Lanka from humiliation.
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Afghanistan came close, but could not get over the finishing line. Some other day the result could have been different. But they have played well and have won many hearts. There is a long time left in this tournament and who knows we may be up to something special from the debutants.
Tags: ICC World Cup 2015
