It has been a wretched tour for the Afghans — losing six matches in a row — but skipper Ibrahim Zadran said he was “feeling great” after his team held their nerve in a dramatic close with a hard-fought win.
I am happy with the win,” Zadran said. “Unfortunately, we lost the series.
Sri Lanka already won the three-match T20 series by winning the first two games, the first by four runs and the second by 72 runs. They also claimed victory in the one-off Test match and the one-day international series with a clean sweep of 3-0.
In the third T20 match, Afghanistan aimed for a win. Sri Lanka needed 36 runs in the last two overs, but Dasun Shanaka’s run-out increased the pressure, requiring 24 off eight balls. Ultimately, Sri Lanka fell short, managing only 15 runs in the last over. The match saw controversy when a high full toss wasn’t called a no ball, leading to tensions and exchanges of words between Captain Wanindu Hasaranga and the umpires.
We played good cricket in the first two games,” Hasaranga said.
“Credit goes to our bowlers and the batters .
Kamindu Mendis fought until the end, hitting a six off the last ball, but Sri Lanka fell short by three runs. Mendis scored an unbeaten 65 off 39 balls, achieving his first T20 half-century with seven fours and two sixes.
Sri Lanka’s openers had a strong start, adding 64 runs in 35 balls. However, the partnership broke when Kusal Mendis attempted a boundary but was caught by Sharafuddin Ashraf, who later had to be replaced due to a concussion.
Afghanistan took two quick wickets, with Noor Ahmad dismissing Kusal Perera for a duck. Pathum Nissanka scored his tenth T20 half-century but had to retire due to a hamstring injury after reaching 60 off 30 balls.
Afghanistan’s openers played a crucial role, posting 88 runs in 44 balls, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz made 70 after being dropped twice.
I was under pressure but I tried to go in today and play my natural game,” Gurbaz said. “I took responsibility and I think that was the reason.
Sri Lanka fought back as Matheesha Pathirana took two wickets in two balls, but Afghanistan still managed to score over 200 runs.
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