Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 1st ODI at Kandy, SL vs AFG, Feb 09, 2024 โ Full Scorecard
The match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium was thrilling. Sri Lanka earned the toss and batted first, setting a competitive target of 281/7 in 50 overs. Charith Asalanka played a brilliant knock of 97 runs, barely missing out on a well-deserved century.
Afghanistan’s chase started steadily, but they continued to lose wickets regularly. Despite a combative 63 from Ibrahim Zadran, they could not maintain the required run rate. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, especially Dushmantha Chameera, who took three wickets, maintained reasonable control throughout the innings.
The match ended with Sri Lanka winning by 42 runs while Afghanistan were bowled out for 239 in 43.2 overs. The win gave Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, proving their dominance at home.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Live Score: Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
The live score during the match kept the fans in suspense. Sri Lanka’s innings started slowly, with the loss of wickets early on, but the middle order steadied them. The run rate has increased significantly in the last 15 overs, with aggressive batting from the lower order.
The required runs rate increased after the 30-over mark during Afghanistan’s chase. The Afghan batters tried to speed up, but regular wickets prevented them from establishing partnerships. The live score updates showed the mounting pressure on Afghanistan as the strike rate surpassed 8 runs per over.
The final phase of the match was particularly intense, with Afghanistan needing 80 runs from the last 10 overs with just 3 wickets in hand. The live score helped fans follow this thrilling finale ball by ball.
Sri Lanka national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team
These two teams have had a passionate rivalry since their first meeting in 2014. In the initial matches, Sri Lanka dominated most, but Afghanistan has shown significant improvement over the years, making recent competitions more competitive.
The head-to-head record between these teams shows Sri Lanka’s superiority, but Afghanistan has managed memorable victories. Their most notable victory came at the 2022 Asia Cup, where they stunned Sri Lanka in the group stage.
Outstanding individual performances from both teams marked their encounters. Players like Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan and Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga were often decisive in these matches.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 1st T20I
The T20I format has made for some exciting cricket matches between these two nations. In their last T20I encounter, both teams immediately showed aggression. The shorter format suited Afghanistan’s style of play, with their big batters making good use of the powerplay overs.
Sri Lanka’s experience in handling pressure situations showed during the close matches. Their fielding unit has dramatically improved, stopping crucial runs and taking spectacular catches. The bowling changes the Sri Lankan captain carried out were particularly effective in controlling Afghanistan’s scoring rate. Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
The atmosphere of the match was electric, with good crowd support for both teams. The T20 format brought out the best in the players on both sides, making it an entertaining spectacle for cricket fans.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Today Match
The recent match highlighted the evolution of both teams in modern cricket. The improvement in Afghanistan’s striking technique against spin bowling was noticeable, while Sri Lanka’s quick attack looked more potent than before.
The weather conditions played a crucial role, as humidity affected the bowlers in the later stages. Both teams had to adjust their strategies accordingly, with frequent changes in the batting order and bowling combinations.
The match statistics revealed some interesting patterns in how both teams approached the different phases of the game. The powerplay overs were particularly crucial, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Match Statistics Table: Sri Lanka national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team match scorecard
Statistic | Sri Lanka | Afghanistan |
Total Runs | 281/7 | 239 |
Overs Played | 50 | 43.2 |
Highest Score | 97 | 63 |
Wickets Taken | 10 | 7 |
Run Rate | 5.62 | 5.52 |
Boundaries (4s/6s) | 24/8 | 18/6 |
Extras | 14 | 12 |