Afghanistan Tour of Sri Lanka: Afghanistan’s innings was anchored by Ibrahim Zadran’s outstanding performance, scoring an impressive 114 runs. Rahmat Shah also contributed with a fifty, forming a crucial 108-run partnership with Ibrahim. However, what seemed like a promising inning started to unravel for Afghanistan in the face of Sri Lanka’s resurgent bowling attack.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Resurgence
Sri Lanka, with the second new ball in hand, showcased a more threatening bowling performance on the fourth morning. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya emerged as the star, exploiting the drying surface and claiming four wickets. The seamers, Asitha Fernando and Kasun Rajitha, also made significant contributions, each taking a wicket.
Rapid Collapse and Sri Lanka’s Dominance
Afghanistan’s batting order crumbled rapidly, losing five wickets for just 13 runs. Despite wiping out their deficit, their hopes of setting a challenging target for Sri Lanka diminished. The lunch break saw Afghanistan narrowly leading by 10 runs with only three wickets in hand.
Key Moments of Sri Lanka’s Bowling Display
- Kasun Rajitha, a concussion substitute for Chamika Gunasekara, struck early, breaking the formidable partnership between Ibrahim and Shah.
- Prabath Jayasuriya’s spin proved decisive, claiming crucial wickets including the dismissal of Ibrahim Zadran, who fell victim to a deceptive delivery that sneaked through bat and pad.
- Asitha Fernando showcased his skill, inducing an edge from Ikram Alikhil with a well-directed delivery outside off stump.
In the Spin Web
Dominating the morning session, Prabath Jayasuriya’s spin left the Afghan batsmen entangled. His four-wicket haul, including pivotal dismissals, changed the course of the game and put Sri Lanka in a commanding position. With Afghanistan’s batting order hanging by a thread, the final session promises intense cricketing action.