Sri Lanka restrict Afghanistan to 266

Rex Clementine at Pallekele

Sri Lanka fought back well in the third ODI against Afghanistan as the tourists were bowled out for 266 in 48.2 overs at Pallekele. The Afghans were well set going into the last ten overs having reached 223 for four but lost six wickets for 43 runs as Sri Lanka turned things around remarkably.

Pramod Madushan was the pick of the bowlers finishing with three wickets. Akila Dananjaya, making his comeback to the side after three years claimed two wickets while Dunith Wellalage and Asitha Fernando also finished with two wickets apiece.

There has been lot of criticism on Sri Lanka’s poor fielding standards and a genuine effort has been put in to address the issue with former Test cricketer Upul Chandana put on the job as Fielding Coach.

Head Coach Chris Silverwood had spoken about the team’s willingness to give Avishka Fernando the long rope despite him being a slow mover on the field and Avishka proved that persevering with him is worthwhile with a direct hit to dismiss opening batter Ibrahim Zadran.

Afghanistan openers had got off to an electric start reaching 39 off 27 balls and the breakthrough helped Sri Lanka to slow down the run rate.

Rahmat Shah top scored with 65 while Azmatullah Omarzai made 54 to help Afghanistan to their total of 266 but at one stage they were looking set to post something in excess of 300.

Sri Lanka’s bowling wasn’t all that disciplined, particularly the seamers as they were wayward.

The game is a dead rubber with Sri Lanka having taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Both sides made two changes to the side that featured in the second ODI.

While Akila Dananjaya replaced Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage took the place of Wanindu Hasaranga. The leg-spinner is said to be nursing an ankle niggle and will have to be fit for the T-20s that will follow where he will be captain.

Sri Lanka’s players were wearing black armbands in memory of late Sri Lanka Cricket Treasurer Trevor Rajaratnam.

Brief Scores:
Afghanistan 266 all out, 48.2 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 48, Rahamat Shah 65, Azmatullah Omarzai 54, Ikram Alikhil 32;  Pramod Madushan 3-45, Dunith Wellalage 2-38, Asitha Fernando 2-44, Akila Dananjaya 2-54) vs Sri Lanka