Rain ruins Sri Lanka’s chances in second ODI | Daily News

Rain ruins Sri Lanka’s chances in second ODI

The second ODI between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan ended in a no decision due to heavy rain at the Pallekele International cricket Stadium yesterday.

Sri Lanka chasing 229 runs were 10 for no loss in 2.4 overs when the rain interrupted the game and ground staff covered the full ground. However, rain continued to pour and the two on field umpires Nitin Menon from India, Raveendra Wimalasiri and match referee Ranjan Madugalle called off the game officially at 9 pm.

With the second ODI ending without a decision, Afghanistan lead 1-0 after winning the first match and Sri Lanka has to battle it out in the third and final ODI to equal the series.

Sri Lanka bowlers did much better in the second ODI to bowl out Afghanistan for 228 in 48.2 overs.

It was once again a much good start from Afghanistan with opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz leading the way to score 68 in 73 balls with 4 fours and 4 sixes while deputy skipper Rahmat Shah played a fine supporting role by scoring 58 in 78 balls with 7 fours and they were associated in a productive second wicket partnership of 113 runs to build up the innings.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz was in an attacking mood during his superb innings was finally caught by Maheesh Theekshana at long-off off the bowling of spinner Dhananjaya de Silva in 28th over.

Earl ier, the first-match centurion Ibrahim Zadran was the first wicket to fall scoring 10 in 18 balls with paceman Lahiru Kumara making an early breakthrough in the 6th over.

Skipper Hasmatullah Shahidi scored 28 in 45 balls but was unfortunately run out at the non-striker’s end when Dhananjaya Lakshan made a direct hit from extra cover.

Former skipper Mohammed Nabi made a quick-fire 41 in 34 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes. At one stage Afghanistan were 195 for 6 wickets but Sri Lankan bowlers fought back stronglytaking wickets at regular intervals to bowl them out for 228.

Paceman Kasun Ranjitha was the most successful bowler taking 3 for 31 in his 9-over spell including two maiden overs while Maheesh Theekshana and Lahiru Kumara captured two wickets each. The two teams will meet in the third and final ODI on November 30 at the same venue commencing at 2.30 pm.


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