Sri Lanka Secures ODI Series Victory Over Afghanistan as Kusal Mendis Assumes Captaincy
- Posted on February 12, 2024
- Sports
- By Arijit Dutta
- 196 Views
Sri Lanka, led by Kusal Mendis, triumphed over Afghanistan in the ODI series, showcasing dominance with a 155-run win in the second match, securing an unassailable lead. Mendis, along with teammates, displayed remarkable performances, overpowering Afghanistan's efforts, and ultimately sealing the series victory.
In
a stunning display of cricket prowess, Kusal
Mendis marked the beginning of his captaincy with a resounding triumph as
Sri Lanka swept Afghanistan aside in the ODI series. The second match witnessed
an extraordinary performance from the Lankan Lions, securing an unassailable
lead with a monumental 155-run win, showcasing their dominance on the field.
Despite
a shaky start, with early wickets tumbling, Sri Lanka rallied back, propelled
by an exceptional batting effort from Mendis and his compatriots. Sadeera
Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Janith Liyanage emerged as crucial
pillars in Sri Lanka's resurgence, each delivering vital contributions with the
bat. Asalanka's explosive innings, in particular, proved to be the turning
point, as he relentlessly attacked the Afghan bowlers, amassing runs at a
remarkable strike rate and guiding Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 308 runs.
While Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai managed to pose some threat with a commendable three-for, the rest of their bowling unit faltered in the face of Sri Lanka's aggressive onslaught. In response, Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah showed resilience, stitching together a promising partnership that briefly raised hopes for their team. However, their efforts were thwarted by the precision bowling of Asitha Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga, who dismantled Afghanistan's batting lineup with skillful deliveries, leaving them reeling.
Hasaranga
emerged as the standout performer, claiming four crucial wickets and spearheading
Sri Lanka's bowling attack with finesse. His exceptional display not only
stifled Afghanistan's batting momentum but also paved the way for Sri Lanka's
comprehensive victory as Afghanistan crumbled under pressure, eventually
getting bundled out for a mere 153 runs.
Sri Lanka's commanding performance not only sealed the series win but also served as a testament to Mendis's promising leadership at the helm. As Afghanistan now faces an uphill battle to salvage pride in the remaining matches, Sri Lanka's dominance on the field underscores their status as a formidable force in the world of cricket.