World T20: Sri Lanka defeat Afghanistan by 6 wickets to win match
Winning the toss and batting first, Afghanistan posted a competitive 153 runs for the loss of seven wickets, riding on the back of their skipper Asghar Stanikzai's 47-ball 62.
Stanikzai hit three boundaries and four maximums.
The Lankan bowlers bowled tight lines up front to restrict their lesser known opponents at 51 runs for the loss of 4 wickets at the half way mark but a 61-run stand between Stanikzai and Samiullah Shenwari took their score past the 100-run mark within the next five overs.
Shenwari played a quickfire knock of 31 runs off 14 deliveries and hit three boundaries and two sixes.
Among the Sinhalese bowlers, Thisera Perera was the pick of the bowlers, picking up three wickets. Spinner Rangana Herath picked up two wickets followed by Nuwan Kulasekhara and skipper Angelo Mathews with one each.
Coming out to bowl, the Afghan bowlers conceded runs up front as the Lankans score 41 runs for the opening stand. However they were quick to remove Lahiru Thirimanne for 6, as the batting team was left reeling at 58 runs for the loss of 2 wickets.
Needing 60 odd runs in seven overs, Sri Lanka won the game with a over to spare as seasoned campaigner Tilakaratne Dilshan played a crucial knock of 83 runs.
His unbeaten 56-ball innings was laden with eight fours and three sixes.
He was ably supported by Mathews, who score 21 runs off 10 balls.
Dilshan was adjudged the player of the match.
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