AFG vs SL (Photo Source: X/Twitter)
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are well engaged in the only test of their ongoing multi-format series. Both sides faced off at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, from February 2. Both teams engaged in a gruelling contest on day 1 of the clash, and fans were treated to a masterful moment by Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Sadeera Samarawickrama.
Afghanistan batter Rahmat Shah proved to be quite the problem for Sri Lanka in the first innings of the clash. Scoring 91 runs in 139 deliveries, Shah’s knock was crucial to Afghanistan. However, it was the delivery of Prabath Jayasuriya and the presence of wicketkeeper Sadeera Samarawickrama that helped Sri Lanka dismiss the set batter.
With his razor-sharp instincts and exceptional agility, the wicketkeeper anticipated Rahmat Shah’s shot early and caught the ball. Furthermore, the on-field umpire went to the third umpire to confirm the dismissal, which was indeed confirmed, and Shah was dismissed.
Anticipation on point 👌💯
Brilliant piece of wicket-keeping from #SadeeraSamarawickrama saw Rahmat Shah depart 9 runs short of his century 🧤#SonySportsNetwork #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/SEACw7yvFj
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) February 2, 2024
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 2, 2024
Sri Lanka lead by 212 runs
Speaking of the clash, Afghanistan posted a total of 198 runs in the first innings of the clash. As for Sri Lanka, Vishwa Fernando was the highest wicket-taker with four wickets to his name; Asitha Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya took three wickets each as well.
Aiming to minimise the lead, Sri Lanka put forth a brilliant performance with the bat. Nishan Madushka and Dimuth Karunaratne opened the innings with scores of 37 and 77 runs, respectively.
Furthermore, Angelo Mathews scored 141 runs in 259 deliveries, and Dinesh Chandimal added 107 runs to his name as well. Sri Lanka posted a total of 410 runs in the first innings and managed to take a lead of 212 runs as day 2 of the clash ended.
Having lost six wickets with a score of 410 runs, Sri Lanka will aim to maximise their lead as day 3 approaches. As for Afghanistan, Naveed Zadran and Qais Ahmad were the highest wicket-takers on day 2, taking two wickets each. Nijat Masood took one wicket each as well.