In a riveting inaugural T20I showdown at Dambulla, Sri Lanka set a challenging target of 161 runs for Afghanistan, buoyed by skipper Wanindu Hasaranga's resilient innings of 67 runs.
Despite facing early setbacks, Sri Lanka's batting lineup found stability through Hasaranga's aggressive approach, featuring three sixes and seven boundaries, which proved instrumental in boosting their total.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Afghanistan made early inroads, dismissing opener Pathum Nissanka cheaply and putting Sri Lanka under pressure. However, Hasaranga's valiant effort resurrected the innings, guiding Sri Lanka to a competitive score.
Fazalhaq Farooqi led Afghanistan's bowling attack with figures of three wickets for 25 runs, supported by Naveen-ul-Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai, who contributed with two wickets each.
As Afghanistan prepares to chase down the target, anticipation mounts for an exhilarating second innings as both teams vie for victory in this thrilling encounter.
