Afghanistan outplay Sri Lanka and seal another commanding World Cup win

Afghanistan batsmen again showed incredible composure while chasing as they defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets in their World Cup match on Monday.

Rahmat Shah, who had starred with the bat in their thumping win over Pakistan, scored a timely 62 while captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (58) helped chase down 242 in the company of Azmatullah Omarzai (73).

The Afghans exhibited the same calm demeanour that helped them reach 283 against Pakistan, maintaining the tempo by not getting too aggressive or too slow at any stage in Pune.

On Monday, the target was smaller but Sri Lanka’s bowling was more disciplined. In-form opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was clean bowled for a duck in the first over of the chase, which gave Sri Lanka a big boost.

But Ibrahim Zadran (39) defied the Sri Lankans in the company of Shah and soon Sri Lanka’s limited bowling resources on a good batting surface was exposed.

Omarzai upped the scoring rate as the target approached, taking 63 balls for his knock that included six fours and three sixes.

Without taking many risks, Afghanistan reached the target in 45.2 overs for their third win from six games, that takes them up to fifth in the table and raises hopes of a shot at a semi-final spot.

Earlier, Afghanistan bowlers gave another good account of themselves, with fast-bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi marking his return to the team with a four-wicket haul at the MCA Stadium.

Left-arm quick Farooqi finished with an impressive 4-34 in 10 overs after replacing teenage leg-spinner Noor Ahmad who had taken three wickets in their win over Pakistan in the previous game.

Off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman opened the bowling with Farooqi and was equally effective, picking up 2-38 in 10 overs.

Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka made 46 but