Sri Lanka’s journey in the Asia Cup 2018 came to an early close as they lost their second straight game in the tournament to Afghanistan and crashed out.
It was a must-win game for Sri Lanka, who had earlier lost to Bangladesh in dominating fashion. Afghanistan batted first and put on 249 runs on the board on the back of a brilliant 72 from Rahmat Shah and he was well supported by Ihsanullah (45) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (37). Thisara Perera picked 5/55 as SL saw 249 as a decent target to chase down.
However, Mujeeb struck in the first over to remove Kusal Mendis. Though Tharanga (36) and Dhananjaya de Silva (23) tried to rebuild the innings, the Afghanistan spinners ran riot on the SL batting. Mujeeb, Nabi and Rashid picked two wickets each with medium pacer Gulbadin Naib getting two also. SL was bowled out for 158 and Afghanistan went into the super four stages with a 91-run win.
Twitter was ablaze with applause for Afghanistan team which was the better of the two on the given day. Even the cricket fraternity tweeted about the win and praised Afghanistan’s efforts while chiding SL for the lackluster performance.
Here are some tweets:
So Afghanistan ensure #IndvsSL se Aazaadi for the time being atleast by qualifying for the Super 4. A day of so much joy for the people in Afghanistan. Congratulations and enjoy @ACBofficials
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 17, 2018
Congratulations @ACBofficials that was a wonderful performance #Asiacup #SLvAFG really admire the boys !!!
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) September 18, 2018
No doubt a Mature performance by Afghanistan ???????? last night, seem to be improving with every game, but I will hold my horses until they play India ???????? or Pakistan ???????? or Bangladesh ???????? in this #AsiaCup18
— subramani badrinath (@s_badrinath) September 18, 2018
Massive win for @ACBofficials , beating Sri Lanka. Their inspirational rise as a Cricketing nation continues. #AFGvSL
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 17, 2018
The real story of today’s game was Afghanistan’s batting. Whenever they’ll manage 250, they’ll put most teams under pressure...including teams like India and Pakistan. #AsiaCup
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 17, 2018
Outstanding performance by @ACBofficials to defeat Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup and qualify for the Super 4. The more they play, the better they keep getting. Many congratulations to the Afghan boys.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) September 17, 2018
SriLankan misery is complete..1st B’Desh..& now Afg...annihilate the Emerald Isles most crushingly...ex-World Cup winners are in shambles of their own creations..both potbellied Players/SLankan Board contribute generously towards total demise o Lankan Crkt pretty shamelessly..!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) September 17, 2018
Well played @ACBofficials ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) September 17, 2018
Sri Lanka have some serious thinking to do before next years World Cup!