After the end of the group stage, the action shifted to the ‘Super 4’ in the Asia Cup 2022 on Saturday. The first match in Super 4 was played between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan captain, Dasun Shanaka won the toss and invited Afghanistan to bat first. The Afghanistan openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai walked out to the middle to give their side a great start.
They began the innings in incredible fashion, putting up 46 runs in 4.5 overs. Gurbaz looked in fine touch as he sent the ball into the stands right from the word go. The youngster ripped apart the Sri Lankan bowling, striking boundaries all around the park with absolute ease. On the other end, Ibrahim Zadran played the anchor role and scored a solid 40 off 38 balls.
Gurbaz’s onslaught looked like taking Afghanistan past 200 but his knock was finally ended with the score at 139/2 after 15.3 overs. He played a magnificent knock of 84 off just 45 balls, smashing four fours and six sixes in his innings. Following his dismissal, Sri Lankan bowlers made a comeback into the match and didn’t let any batter settle at the crease. Afghanistan managed to reach 175 for the loss of six wickets after 20 overs.
The Sri Lankan openers also gave an electrifying start to their chase, adding 62 runs in just 6.3 overs. Naveen-Ul-Haq drew first blood for Afghanistan, sending Kusal Mendis back on his way to the pavilion. Afghanistan further picked up two more wickets in quick time, making their way back into the game.
Sri Lanka were at 119/4 after 14.1 overs and desperately needed a partnership. Danushka Gunathilaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa came together at the crease and added 32 runs in just 15 balls. It changed the game completely. Danushka lost his wicket to Rashid Khan with 25 runs required from 20 balls.
Wanindu Hasaranga came into bat and played a brilliant cameo of 16 runs of 9 balls, taking Sri Lanka ever so close to the victory. Rajapaksa lost his wicket with just 2 runs needed off 9 balls and departed after playing a brilliant knock of 31 off 14 balls. After much drama in the second last over, Sri Lanka finally reached home with 5 balls to spare and registered a thumping victory.
This is how Twitter reacted to Sri Lanka’s incredible chase:
It's Vintage #SrilankaCricket
Absolute Team effort??#AFGvSL #slvsafg pic.twitter.com/aiddUk8OjN— Ajith Nagappan (@ajith_nagappan) September 3, 2022
There is something beautiful to see Sri Lanka do well! Although hate it's coming agaisnt my new favourite Afg. #SLvsAFG #AsiaCupT20
— Anubhav Kumar (@iam_anubhav) September 3, 2022
When Sri Lanka playing cricket it always thrilling ?#SLvsAFG #AsiaCup2022
— ?????? ?? (@Dagaya_) September 3, 2022
Such a sweet win for SL. IPL so beneficial for their cricket. So happy ?? #SLvsAFG
— Cow Corner (@CowCorner183) September 3, 2022
As the commentator said sri Lankans are entertainers indeed ??#SLvsAFG
— Ruhansi Wedasinghe (@ruhansiweda) September 3, 2022
Such a professional display of chase by the Lankan team #SLvsAFG
— Chetan Kapoor ?? (@chetankkapoor) September 3, 2022
Honestly, todays match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan has proven my point— whoever gets the toss, gets the match. ? #SLvsAFG
— SpongeBob Circlepants ? (@soshal_destance) September 3, 2022
For the very first time AFG fieled like pak?#SLvsAFG
— Jaan ???? (@MD_AhmedJeelani) September 3, 2022
Its all over srilanka wins where are the experts who predicts Afghanistan should play final ab surf khalo yrr bs itni nai hoti.?#SLvsAFG#AsiaCupT20 pic.twitter.com/S3Sr9KCoI5
— CRICKET UPDATES? (@HamidTweets10) September 3, 2022
SRI LANKA ?? has avenged their Ist match defeat against AFGHANISTAN ??
They chased down 176 with 5 balls left,SL bats deep and they will be very dangerous going ahead in the tournament
Spin disappointment and bad fielding cost AFG the game#SLvsAFG— Farooq Alam (@AlamFAR786) September 3, 2022
Another successful chace by Sri Lanka. Congratulations @dasunshanaka1 and the team.#slvsafg#AsiaCupT20
— Ms. Millawitiya (@DMillawitiya) September 3, 2022
Sri Lanka haven't been same ever since that infamous Khaled Mahmud comment on their Bowlers.#SLvsAFG #AsiaCupT20
— Akash Kumar Jha (@Akashkumarjha14) September 3, 2022
A country that has two extreme Rajapakshas. #SLvsAFG
— A L I (@ahmedalitweets) September 3, 2022
