Afghanistan cruised to a three-run victory against hosts Sri Lanka in the third T20 International in Dambulla on Wednesday.
Despite losing the series, Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran expressed his satisfaction, saying, “I am happy with the win.”
The series was a tough test for Afghanistan, losing six consecutive matches, with Sri Lanka clinching the T20 series, the one-off Test match and the One Day International series in a comprehensive 3-0 sweep.
In a dramatic finish, Sri Lanka needed 36 runs from the last two overs, but Afghanistan’s bowlers held their nerve. Dasun Shanaka’s run-out reduced the chase to 24 from eight balls, leaving Sri Lanka with 19 runs needed for the final over. The final six balls saw heightened tension and controversy, with a disputed high full toss not called a ‘no-ball’ leading to exchanges between Sri Lankan captain Waninda Hasaranga and the umpires.
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Despite a valiant effort from Kamindu Mendis, who scored an unbeaten 65 off 39 balls, including his maiden T20 half-century, Sri Lanka fell short by three runs. The openers provided a strong start, adding 64 runs in 35 balls, but Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Noor Ahmad, made the crucial breakthroughs.
Afghanistan owed their big total, crossing the 200-run mark, to their starters, especially Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 70 runs after surviving two dropped catches. Gurbaz acknowledged that he felt the pressure, but attributed his success to playing his natural game and taking responsibility.
Sri Lanka’s efforts to defend were hampered by injuries, with Kusal Mendis retiring hurt after a failed attempt at a boundary and Pathum Nissanka posting a T20 half-century before retiring with a hamstring injury.
Despite Matheesha Pathirana taking two quick wickets, Afghanistan’s total proved insurmountable and secured a hard-fought victory in the final of the T20 international tournament.
