Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2022: Sri Lanka’s death bowling ruins Gurbaz’s party and other talking points

With the advent of the Super Four stage at the Asia Cup, the tournament has only been more intense. Group B toppers Afghanistan who had beaten Sri Lanka earlier with utmost ease, now lost to the same opponent in a nail-biting match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

After batting first, Afghanistan posted 175 on the back of Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s brilliant 84-run innings that came with a blistering strike rate of 186.67.

Afghanistan could have had a lot more on the board but the Sri Lankan bowlers were excellent at death and restricted their opponents even as they tried to create carnage.

Sri Lanka’s batting was a team effort as four batters scored in thirties and had priceless contributions towards their run chase. The openers built a lovely platform for their middle order to bank on as they registered a 62-run partnership in 6.3 overs before Kusal Mendis was caught at deep mid-wicket.

Stat Attack: Lankans’ record T20I chase in Sharjah, Gurbaz’s fifty and more

Afghanistan fought till the last over, even managed three dot balls and a wicket, but they will rue the dropped chances which gave Sri Lankan batters a lifeline.

Here are some significant talking points from the game:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s sizzling knock

First things first, Gurbaz’s innings was the prime reason for Afghanistan to be able to compete with Sri Lanka and put them on the back foot in the initial part of the match. Gurbaz didn’t get any boundaries in the first three overs as Hazratullah Zazai took the charge. But once his partner got out, Gurbaz fired all guns and ensured the Sri Lankan bowlers were kept under pressure at all times.

The right-hander hit 84 runs in 45 deliveries at a strike rate of 186.67; his innings included four 4s and six maximums.

Highest score in men’s T20 Asia Cup:
84 – Rahmanullah Gurbaz