SL vs AFG ICC CWC 2023 Match 30 Report: Afghanistan took it easy, chasing down a modest total of 241, being as calm as any top-order team in the tournament. With a commanding seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka, they plunged Sri Lanka to sit fifth on the table with six points
Fazalhaq Farooqi’s Four For On a Batting Pitch is Impressive
Fazalhaq Farooqi was Afghanistan’s standout bowler, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 34. Interestingly, despite the true pitch offering little lateral movement and turn, both teams struggled to score more than five runs an over.
As per the SL vs AFG ICC CWC 2023 Match 30 Report, Afghanistan’s batting approach was meticulously planned by their head coach Jonathan Trott. The team executed this plan with efficiency, stifling Sri Lanka’s efforts. Even when wickets fell, Afghanistan quickly regained control, ensuring Sri Lanka couldn’t build any momentum.
Key Partnerships Thrived
Key partnerships were the backbone of Afghanistan’s chase, with Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai contributing significantly. The team didn’t chase boundaries but accepted them when offered, preferring to wait for loose balls and avoid unnecessary risks.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, appeared out of sorts as the innings progressed, running out of ideas and steam on a pitch that offered them no advantage. As per the SL vs AFG ICC CWC 2023 Match 30 Report, In the absence of any lateral movement or turn, Sri Lanka’s cautious approach seemed incongruous, especially when compared to their aggressive intent in previous matches.
According to the SL vs AFG ICC CWC 2023 Match 30 Report, Sri Lanka’s innings got off to a timid start, with their openers unable to take advantage of the true batting conditions. Dimuth Karunaratne’s inclusion, instead of Kusal Perera, indicated a more conservative approach, betraying the fear that seemed to be influencing Sri Lanka’s strategy.
Throughout their innings, Sri Lanka’s intent was lacking. They struggled to reach the five-runs-per-over mark, let alone the higher scores seen in the tournament. This lack of ambition, particularly in the middle overs, led to Sri Lanka’s downfall. When quality deliveries from Afghanistan’s bowlers arrived, Sri Lanka’s batsmen failed to capitalize on the opportunities provided elsewhere.
Karunaratne fell early, followed by a 62-run partnership between Nissanka and Mendis. Omarzai then dismissed Nissanka, ending his streak of fifty-plus scores. Mendis, after a cautious innings, perished while attempting a big shot. Sri Lanka then collapsed from 134 for 2 to 185 for 7.
As per the SL vs AFG ICC CWC 2023 Match 30 Report, A late partnership between Mathews and Theekshana helped Sri Lanka reach a respectable total. However, it proved insufficient against Afghanistan’s strong team.
In the chase, Afghanistan adhered to its game plan, staying composed and delivering a clinical performance. This victory moves them up the points table, while Sri Lanka’s hopes of a semi-final spot appear increasingly slim.
SL vs AFG ICC CWC 2023 Match 30 Report: Score Summary
Afghanistan
242 for 3 (Omarzai 73, Rahmat 62, Shahidi 58*)
Sri Lanka
241 (Nissanka 46, Farooqi 4-34, Mujeeb 2-38)
Afghanistan won by seven wickets
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