Afghanistan demonstrated their batting strength in the World Cup, securing their third victory by defeating Sri Lanka by seven wickets. Fueled by half-centuries from Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Azmatullah Omarzai, they easily chased down Sri Lanka’s 241 runs.
Left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi’s four-wicket haul was crucial in limiting Sri Lanka. Despite Pathum Nissanka’s 46, contributions from Angelo Mathews and Maheesh Theekshana fell short.
Afghanistan’s batting prowess has been a standout, winning three of six matches. Their dominant chases against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, losing only five wickets and scoring 528 runs, highlight their batting dominance.
In the annals of cricketing history, there are moments that redefine a team’s identity and establish them as formidable contenders. Afghanistan, in their ODI World Cup journey, recently scripted such a momentous chapter by breaking the Sri Lankan jinx. For years, Sri Lanka had been a formidable opponent, often proving to be a stumbling block for Afghanistan. However, in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan made a resounding statement by securing a historic 7-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.
1. ODI World Cup 2015: Sri Lanka’s Win by 4 Wickets
In the 2015 ODI World Cup, Sri Lanka demonstrated their experience and prowess by defeating Afghanistan with a 4-wicket victory. While Afghanistan showcased their determination, Sri Lanka’s seasoned players managed to clinch the win, setting the stage for a rivalry that would see a dramatic turn of events in the years to come.
2. ODI World Cup 2019: Sri Lanka’s Victory by 34 Runs
In the subsequent World Cup in 2019, Sri Lanka once again proved to be a tough opponent for Afghanistan. Despite Afghanistan’s spirited performance, Sri Lanka secured a 34-run victory. The gap was closing, but Sri Lanka’s experience played a crucial role in maintaining their dominance over their Afghan counterparts.
3. ODI World Cup 2023: Afghanistan’s Historic Triumph
The year 2023 marked a turning point in the Afghanistan-Sri Lanka ODI World Cup rivalry. In a highly anticipated match, Afghanistan overpowered Sri Lanka with a commanding 7-wicket victory. This triumph was more than just a win; it was a statement. Afghanistan’s players displayed exceptional skills, determination, and composure, outclassing Sri Lanka in every department of the game.
This historic victory not only broke the Sri Lankan jinx but also showcased Afghanistan’s evolution as a cricketing powerhouse. The Afghan team’s relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with their ability to learn from past defeats, propelled them to this remarkable win. It sent ripples of celebration throughout Afghanistan and resonated with cricket enthusiasts worldwide, heralding a new era for Afghan cricket.
