Introduction:

Afghanistan’s chances of qualifying for the Cricket World Cup were enhanced on Monday as they defeated Sri Lanka by 117 runs in a Group 1 match at the MCG. Afghanistan’s victory, their second of the competition, lifted them to fifth place in the standings, two points behind fourth-place Sri Lanka.

Afghanistan bowlers set the tone for the victory, dismissing Sri Lanka for just 105 runs in 25.2 overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi led the way with four wickets, while Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq picked up two wickets each.

Afghanistan’s batsmen then made light work of the Sri Lankan bowling attack, chasing down the target in just 17.5 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai top-scored with an unbeaten 57 runs, while Ibrahim Zadran and Hashmatullah Shahidi made 27 and 26 runs respectively.

Afghanistan’s bowlers set the tone for Victory.

Afghanistan’s bowlers were in devastating form against Sri Lanka, dismissing them for just 105 runs in 25.2 overs. It was the second-lowest total in Cricket World Cup history, and it was a testament to the quality of Afghanistan’s bowling attack.

Fazalhaq Farooqi was the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets for just 22 runs. Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq, who each took two wickets, provided him with strong support.

Afghanistan’s batsmen make light work of the chase.

Furthermore, Afghanistan’s batsmen made light work of the Sri Lankan bowling attack, chasing down the target in just 17.5 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai top-scored with an unbeaten 57 runs, while Ibrahim Zadran and Hashmatullah Shahidi made 27 and 26 runs respectively.

Omarzai was particularly impressive, hitting seven fours and two sixes in his innings. So, he was named the Man of the Match for his performance.

Afghanistan’s batting performance:

Afghanistan’s batting performance was also commendable, with several players contributing to the total. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 58, while Rahmat Shah (49) and Najibullah Zadran (45) also made significant contributions.

Afghanistan’s bowlers dominate Sri Lanka:

Afghanistan’s bowlers then took over, with Farooqi and Mujeeb striking early to reduce Sri Lanka to 2-2. Rashid Khan then got into the act, dismissing Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka in quick succession. Sri Lanka never recovered from the early setbacks and were bowled out for just 105 in the 34th over.

Afghanistan cruise to victory

Afghanistan’s batting was just as impressive as their bowling. Azmatullah Omarzai led the way with a half-century, and the rest of the batsmen chipped in with useful contributions. Afghanistan reached the target without losing a wicket, and they will be full of confidence heading into the rest of the tournament.

Conclusion:

Afghanistan’s win over Sri Lanka was a resounding victory that has kept their Cricket World Cup hopes alive. They will now need to win their remaining two matches against Australia and New Zealand to have a chance of making the semi-finals.