Vishwa Fernando wreaks havoc against Afghanistan
Earlier in the first innings, Afghanistan faced difficulties in setting a competitive total, ultimately managing only 198 runs. Although Rahmat Shah displayed resilience with a top score of 91, it wasn’t enough to stop the potent Sri Lankan bowling attack, spearheaded by Vishwa Fernando with four wickets, who received considerable assistance from Asitha Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya, both securing three wickets each.
Angelo Mathews masterful knock
Sri Lanka’s reply was commanding as they amassed 439 runs, establishing a substantial lead. Angelo Mathews played a pivotal role with a masterful 141, complemented by Dinesh Chandimal‘s fluent 107, while opener Dimuth Karunaratne contributed with a solid 77. Despite Naveed Zadran‘s four-wicket haul for Afghanistan, the depth and diversity of the Sri Lankan batting lineup were on full display.
Also WATCH: Sadeera Samarawickrama outsmarts Rahmat Shah with a phenomenal catch behind the stumps
Prabath Jayasuriya leads Sri Lanka’s fightback in the second innings
In the face of a daunting deficit of 241 runs, Afghanistan’s batting, led by Ibrahim Zadran‘s resilient 114 and Rahmat’s brisk 54, initially displayed determination in their second innings. However, the tide turned as the Sri Lankan bowling attack, spearheaded by Jayasuriya, staged a remarkable fightback.
Jayasuriya’s exceptional bowling performance, resulting in a five-wicket haul, played a pivotal role in curtailing Afghanistan’s momentum. Despite a strong start for the tourists at 217/2, they crumbled under the sustained pressure applied by Jayasuriya and his bowling compatriots. The Afghan innings, which had promised resilience, eventually concluded at 296.
Openers seal the deal for Sri Lanka
Chasing down the 56-run victory target, Sri Lanka’s openers efficiently reached the mark in less than 10 overs, sealing a comprehensive ten wicket triumph with a day to spare. The game unfolded as a testament to Sri Lanka’s cricketing prowess, combining exceptional individual performances with collective strength to secure a dominant victory on home soil. Jayasuriya was named Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Playing his 10th Test, Prabath Jayasuriya records his 7th Test 5-wicket haul..!#SLvAFG #WorldTest pic.twitter.com/PvvizRMgAA
— Thanweer Ahamed(@thannasrilanka) February 5, 2024
Sri Lanka grabs its first test victory for the year 2024
Strong first innings with centuries by Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, and exceptional bowling by Prabath Jayasuriya, a five-wicket haul on a batting pitch.
#SriLanka | #SLvAFG | #CricketTwitter
— Dineth Heshan (@dinethheshan__) February 5, 2024
7th test fifer for Prabath Jayasuriya.! pic.twitter.com/QiIhWMzD2y
— Nawaz(@Rnawaz31888) February 5, 2024
Looks the massive performance and good winning from Sri Lankaon the test cricket
Sri Lanka
Congratulations dhananjaya de silva and team Sri Lanka
— Zaheer Ahmed (@mlzaheerahmed12) February 5, 2024
A clinical performance from the Lions secures the one-off Test series in style! pic.twitter.com/FcmZbcvil7
— Sri Lanka Cricket
RESULT | SRI LANKA WON BY 10 WICKETS
Sri Lanka chased down AfghanAtalan's 56-run target to take the one-off test match by 10 wickets.#AfghanAtalan | #SLvAFG2024 pic.twitter.com/7xd8p1Id8U
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 5, 2024
Also READ: Afghanistan unveil their 15-man squad for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.