"Thrilling World Cup 2023 Highlights: Afghanistan Dominates Sri Lanka with a Stunning 7-Wicket Victory!
World Cup 2023: Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka by 7 wickets
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| Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka |
On Monday, Afghanistan's cricket team, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, pulled off a stunning upset by defeating Sri Lanka, the 1996 World Cup champions, by seven wickets. This victory marked a significant moment in their remarkable journey at the 50-overs World Cup.
The foundation for this impressive win was laid by Afghanistan's bowlers, who bowled out Sri Lanka for a modest 241 runs in 49.3 overs. This victory was Afghanistan's third win in six matches, pushing them up to the fifth position on the points table.
Notably, three of Afghanistan's top five batsmen, including Shahidi, displayed their prowess by scoring half-centuries during a clinical chase, which they executed in just 45.2 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai's remarkable innings of 73 not out ultimately sealed the victory, with Shahidi (58) offering valuable support from the other end.
Afghanistan's journey in the 2023 World Cup has been nothing short of extraordinary. Prior to this win over Sri Lanka, they had already surprised cricket enthusiasts worldwide by defeating the defending champions, England, and the 1992 World Cup winners, Pakistan. These victories solidified their reputation as a rising force in international cricket.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, had their moments during their innings. Several of their batters appeared to be getting settled but couldn't capitalize on their starts. After the early dismissal of Dimuth Karunaratne in the sixth over, Kusal Mendis (39) formed half-century partnerships with Pathum Nissanka (46) and Sadeera Samrawickrama (36), steadying the Sri Lankan innings.
With the score at 134-2 in the 28th over, Sri Lanka seemed poised to reach the 275-run mark. However, Afghanistan's spirited bowlers struck at regular intervals, keeping the Sri Lankans in check. Although Angelo Mathews and Maheesh Theekshana put up a quick 45-run partnership for the eighth wicket, Sri Lanka fell just short of the 250-run mark.
Afghanistan's innings began with the early loss of Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the very first over. However, Rahmat Shah (62) and Ibrahim Zadran (39) joined forces, calming the nerves with a pivotal 73-run partnership. Shah managed to achieve his second successive fifty of the tournament before being dismissed by Kasun Rajitha.
Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai demonstrated a balanced approach, combining caution with occasional aggression in their unbroken century stand. This partnership brought Afghanistan closer to their target, and with victory in sight, both batsmen decided to unleash their shots. It was Azmatullah who ultimately scored the winning run, attempting a six that was dropped at deep midwicket.
This exhilarating match showcased Afghanistan's determination and the thrill of cricket on the world stage. Their memorable campaign in the 2023 World Cup continues to captivate cricket fans, leaving them eager to see what's next for this emerging cricketing nation.
Key Points: HighLights
1. Bowlers Set the Stage:
Afghanistan's bowlers laid a solid foundation for their success, dismissing Sri Lanka for a below-par 241 in 49.3 overs.
2. Clinical Batting Display:
In response, Afghanistan's top five batters, including Hashmatullah Shahidi, delivered with exceptional half-centuries, culminating in a clinical chase completed in just 45.2 overs.
3. Azmatullah Omarzai Shines:
Azmatullah Omarzai, who scored 73 runs, sealed the deal with Hashmatullah Shahidi (58) providing vital support from the other end.
4. Continuing the Upsets:
Afghanistan's performance was no fluke, as they had previously stunned England, the defending champions, and Pakistan, the 1992 World Cup winners.
Sri Lanka's Batting:
5. Promising Starts, Unfulfilled Potential:
Several Sri Lankan batters showed promise by getting their eye in but failed to capitalize on their starts.
6. Partnerships to Steady the Innings:
After the early loss of Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (39) established half-century partnerships with Pathum Nissanka (46) and Sadeera Samrawickrama (36) to stabilize the innings.
7. Afghanistan's Fightback:
With Sri Lanka looking well-placed at 134-2 in the 28th over, Afghanistan's spirited bowlers struck at regular intervals, pushing the Lankans on the back foot.
8. Late Flourish, Short of 250:
Angelo Mathews and Maheesh Theekshana contributed with a quick 45-run partnership for the eighth wicket, but Sri Lanka still fell short of the 250-run mark.
Afghanistan's Batting:
9. Early Blow and Nerves Calmed:
Afghanistan faced an early setback when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed in the first over. However, Rahmat Shah (62) and Ibrahim Zadran (39) steadied the ship with a vital 73-run partnership.
10. Hashmatullah Shahidi's Leadership:
Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai demonstrated a balanced approach, mixing caution with occasional aggression in their unbroken century stand, steering Afghanistan closer to their target.
11. Dramatic Finish:
With victory in sight, both batsmen decided to play their shots, and Azmatullah Omarzai scored the winning run when his attempted six was dropped at deep midwicket.
Afghanistan's relentless pursuit of success in the 2023 World Cup continued to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Their impressive victory over Sri Lanka added another remarkable chapter to their campaign, highlighting their rising stature in international cricket.
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