Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets, Ibrahim Zadran scored 98 runs.

Afghanistan is in Sri Lanka for the 3-match ODI series, and in the first match of the series, Afghanistan outclassed Sri Lanka. Ibrahim Zadran‘s 98-run innings was the highlight of the match, though Aslanka also scored 90+ runs, but it was Afghanistan’s day as they chased the target of 269 runs in 46.5 overs. Bowling first, Afghanistan’s bowlers bowled well to restrict the host team to 268 runs. Charith Aslanka was the highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka, who scored 91 runs in 95 balls before getting run out while trying to get on the strike in the last over of their innings.

While chasing, Afghanistan lost its first wicket early, but Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah built the partnership that was needed. The duo together made 146 runs for the second wicket before Ibrahim Zadran got out on a bouncer bowled by Kasun Rajitha. Batters afterwards batted well to chase the target, and Afghanistan chased the target in 46.5 overs, winning the first match of the series. Some of the star players of the team are not playing in the series; Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq are not playing from Afghanistan’s side as of now. Rashid Khan is recovering from a lower back injury, while Naveen-ul-Haq was not selected for the ODI series.

Ibrahim Zadran Post-Match

He says missing out on a century in such a manner is really hard but happy for the victory of the team. He also adds that the credit must go to the bowlers as the bowlers did brilliantly to restrict Sri Lanka below 300. He also adds that 269 was a good score but not that massive and his partnership with Rahmat Shah made the target an easy task. He adds that he and Rahmat Shah planned the situation well and the main motto was to keep rotating the strike and not go out blistering on every delivery but play everything on its merit.

Read More: Why Naveen-ul-Haq is not playing for Afghanistan’s team?