Afghanistan has made giant strides in International Cricket and in CWC 2023, they have made huge progress. But in the bilateral series against Sri Lanka in SL, could not make the same impression. They tried their best in the second one and scored over 330 in the chase. They have won the toss and elected to bat first in the third ODI at Pallekele.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz(48), Rahmat Shah(65) have been able to give a good start post Ibrahim Zadran(13) got dismissed. But Afghanistan could not kick on in the next overs. Azmatullah Omarzai(54) and Ikram Alikhil(32) tried their best but in the last overs Afg batters could not end strong. Afghanistan have been bowled out for 266 in 48.2 overs.
Pramod Madushan(3/45) returned with best bowling figures for Sri Lanka. In the chase, SL openers Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando started aggressively. They have taken on the Afg bowlers and took their chances as well. They both have put on 173-run partnership for first wicket. Avishka Fernando missed his century and he got out after scoring 91 runs from 66 balls.
Nissanka went on to score century and scored 118 runs from 101 balls. Captain Kusal Mendis scored 40 runs from 29 balls. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka finished the innings for SL. Sri Lanka scored 267/3 in 35.2 overs and they won by 7 wickets. With this win, they have won the ODI series by 3-0 scoreline. Pathum Nissanka for his 346 runs got Player of the Series and Player of the Match for his century in the third match.
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