Sri Lanka secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, clinching a 72-run victory in the second T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Monday (February 19).
Opting to bat first, the hosts posted an imposing total of 187/6 in their 20 overs. In response, Afghanistan struggled and could only manage 115 runs in 17 overs. The early stages of their chase were disastrous, with the team reeling at 31/5 after 4.3 overs, losing key wickets including Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gulbadin Naib, and Azmatullah Omarzai. Despite efforts from Mohammad Nabi and Karim Janat, who added 39 runs in 29 balls, Afghanistan fell short as Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Angelo Mathews, Binura Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Matheesha Pathirana, picked up two wickets each.
Sri Lanka’s innings began strongly with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis putting on 45 runs for the first wicket in 23 balls. However, they couldn’t capitalize on their starts, falling to Azmatullah Omarzai and Fazalhaq Farooqi in quick succession. Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, a crucial 66-run partnership between Sadeera Samarawickrama (51 off 42) and Angelo Mathews (42* off 22) rescued Sri Lanka, guiding them to a total of 187/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 2/25 in his 4 overs.
