Mendis Shines with 92 as Afghanistan Chase 292 for Qualification

Sri Lanka falls short of desired total, giving Afghanistan a chance at qualification

Sri Lanka ended their innings against Afghanistan at 291 for 8, thanks to a resilient knock of 92 runs by Kusal Mendis. However, a series of unconverted starts meant that Sri Lanka were unable to post a higher total, giving Afghanistan a glimmer of hope to qualify for the Super Fours in the Asia Cup. Afghanistan will need to successfully chase down the target of 292 runs in just 37.1 overs to secure their qualification.

Afghanistan faces steep required run rate

While the required run rate of nearly eight per over is quite steep, it could have been much worse for Afghanistan had it not been for the strong partnership between Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka during the middle overs. The duo put on a 102-run stand for the fourth wicket, providing a platform for a late-overs assault that did not materialize.

A testament to Afghan bowlers’ quality

The inability of Sri Lanka to execute their plans throughout their innings is not only a reflection of their own shortcomings but also a testament to the quality of the Afghan bowlers, particularly Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan. Naib ended with figures of 4 for 60 in a marathon seven-over spell, while Rashid took 2 for 63.

Strong start followed by a consolidation

Sri Lanka got off to a threatening start with an opening partnership of 63 between Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka. However, Naib struck to deceive Karunaratne with a slower ball outside off, leading to his dismissal. Naib went on to claim two more wickets, including dismissing Nissanka who slashed a loose delivery straight to point.

After losing three quick wickets, Sri Lanka needed to consolidate and that’s exactly what Mendis and Asalanka did. They intelligently rotated the strike and occasionally found the boundary, taking Sri Lanka to a solid position at the halfway mark of the innings.

Mendis shines but loses wicket in unfortunate fashion

Kusal Mendis continued his strong form by aggressively attacking Rashid Khan’s bowling, hitting three consecutive boundaries in the 27th over. Even after the dismissal of Asalanka, Mendis continued to score freely, hitting Mujeeb and Rashid for massive sixes.

However, a moment of misfortune led to Mendis being dismissed as Dasun Shanaka chipped one back to Rashid, who dropped the catch but deflecting it onto the non-striker’s stumps, leaving Mendis short of his crease. Shanaka himself was later bowled by Rashid, putting Sri Lanka’s 50-over target in jeopardy.

Wellalage and Theekshana rally to push target close to 300

In a crucial phase of the innings, Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana stepped up to the challenge. They calmly rotated the strike and found crucial boundaries, pushing Sri Lanka’s total closer to the 300-run mark. Wellalage’s maturity and ability to perform under pressure, combined with Theekshana’s gritty lower-order knock, resulted in a partnership of 64 runs from 63 balls.

This partnership ensured that Sri Lanka’s bowlers will have a decent target to defend against Afghanistan in their quest for qualification in the Asia Cup.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka fell short of their desired total due to unconverted starts and the impressive bowling performance by Afghanistan, particularly by Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan. However, Kusal Mendis‘ knock of 92 and the resilient partnership between Wellalage and Theekshana have set up an exciting chase for Afghanistan as they aim to qualify for the Super Fours. Sri Lanka’s bowlers will need to be at their best to defend their target of 292 runs in 37.1 overs.

As the match continues, the outcome of this clash between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will have significant implications for the Asia Cup, and both teams will be eager to give their all to secure their place in the next stage of the tournament.