Chasing 144, Sri Lanka regarded on the backfoot having misplaced each the openers to Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan earlier than crossing the fifty mark and with the pitch providing assist to the spinners.

Stability was restored for the Asian champions when Dhananjaya stitched collectively a 54-run stand for the third wicket with Charith Asalanka (19). Rashid would come to Afghanistan’s rescue as soon as once more as Asalanka was caught at lengthy on attempting to up the run fee.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa (18) added one other 42 runs with Sri Lanka’s quantity three to all however end the sport earlier than falling to the opposite Afghanistan wicket taker Mujeeb with simply two extra wanted to spherical up the chase. Dhananjaya carved Mujeeb over additional cowl for 4 to wrap up the should win recreation in Brisbane.

Hasaranga shifts the pendulum

Earlier, after successful the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan had received off to a strong begin within the powerplay, courtesy of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (28 off 24) and Usman Ghani (27 off 27) including 42 runs within the first six overs.

It was the primary time in 5 makes an attempt at this world cup {that a} group had remained wicketless in Powerplay at Gabba. However, Lahiru Kumara would clear Gurbaz first ball after the sphere restrictions had been lifted to supply Sri Lanka, and opening. One that event’s main wicket taker, Wanindu Hasaranga didn’t miss out on.

The 25-year-old choked the movement of runs for the Afghans, conceding solely 13 in his spell of 4 overs, choosing a 3fer to take his tally to 13 on the World Cup.

Hasaranga, who was additionally the main wicket taker in final yr’s event in UAE with 16 scalps, ensured Afghanistan didn’t attain the 150 mark, by choosing two wickets within the final over. With each Rashid and Mujeeb keen to come back down the observe and go for large runs, the leggie used the bounce off the floor and pitched it quick to scrub the previous and permit Mendis to stump the latter.