Cricket Scorecard

Jonathan Trott, the head coach of Afghanistan, comes up for a chat. The Englishman says that he just told the players to adjust to the conditions. Feels it is a competitive total but they need to bowl well. He hopes to learn from their last game against Bangladesh. Adds that Sri Lanka are a dangerous team and Afghanistan will have to bowl well.

This pitch is not easy for a new batter coming in and that's why the set batters will have to finish the job. Sri Lanka will be pleased with their work in the last few overs and will look to take that confidence into their batting innings. For them, Dilshan Madushanka was impressive but all in all, it wasn't too convincing early on.

It was a show of strength with the bat from Afghanistan in the first 14 overs. The start was bright and breezy from their openers and then Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit top gear. He got a reprieve on 8 when Danushka Gunathilaka took his catch in the deep but made contact with the fence, and Gurbaz made full use of that opportunity. His 93-run stand with Ibrahim Zadran was the chief highlight of the Afghan innings but losing both of them soon after the last five overs started, stifled Afghanistan's

Excellent from Sri Lanka in the last six overs to pull things back. Afghanistan were going great guns and the platform was set but the last six overs went for only 43 runs, resulting in them falling shy of the 200-run mark which at one stage looked possible.

Asitha Fernando to Rashid Khan, ! RUN OUT! A wicket off the final delivery! Too full and outside off. Khan swings his bat and hits it to deep backward point. Pathum Nissanka runs in from deep and throws it to the keeper who removes the bails off. Rashid Khan was always running for two but loses his bat in the process and fails to reach his ground despite a dive. Just a single. Afghanistan finish with 175/6 on the board.

Asitha Fernando to Rashid Khan, ! OFF THE MIDDLE! Short of a length and around off. Khan stays back and swings across. He connects cleanly and it goes all the way over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. Can he hit another one?

Asitha Fernando to Rashid Khan, Run out appeal! Bouncer again, this time Khan connects but not off the middle. It rolls to mid-wicket and the batters take two runs. There is a run-out appeal at the striker's end but Khan is in, as shown in the replays after the decision was referred upstairs.

Asitha Fernando to Rashid Khan, SWING AND A MISS AGAIN! This is excellent from Asitha Fernando! Rashid Khan just can't connect! Sharp bouncer again, outside off. Khan swings across and misses.

Asitha Fernando to Rashid Khan, Another good bouncer from Fernando, Khan tries to pull it but misses.

Asitha Fernando to Rashid Khan, Fernando bangs a bouncer, around middle, it stays low. Khan tries to sit but gets hit on the body. The ball deflects behind, he comes out of the crease for a run but there is confusion. The keeper misses his shy otherwise Khan would have been a goner.

Asitha Fernando to bowl the final over.

Maheesh Theekshana to Karim Janat, Short and outside off, cut to point. End of an incredible over.

Karim Janat is in next.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rashid Khan, ! RUN OUT! Two in two for Sri Lanka! The set batter goes! Maheesh Theekshana serves a full toss, quicker and outside off. Rashid Khan drives it to extra cover and tries to steal a single but Wanindu Hasaranga is quick to the ball. He throws it to the keeper, Kusal Mendis, who whips the bails off in a flash. The replay shows Najibullah Zadran is short and he has to walk back.

Rashid Khan arrives with 8 balls left in the innings. Immediately, there is an appeal for a run out against Najibullah Zadran. He is gone. Massive blow to Afghanistan. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Mohammad Nabi, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Sri Lanka strike again! This is a carrom ball, full and outside off. Nabi opens his body and tries to go downtown but hits off the toe end of the bat. The ball lobs back nicely for Maheesh Theekshana who takes it with ease.

Maheesh Theekshana to Najibullah Zadran, A muted appeal for LBW but the finger stays down! Maheesh Theekshana angles a full ball, quicker and going down leg. Najibullah Zadran misses his sweep and gets hit on the pads. It rolls to square leg for a leg bye.

Maheesh Theekshana to Mohammad Nabi, A low full toss, angling on leg. Nabi sweeps it straight to deep square leg. Just a single. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Najibullah Zadran, On middle, worked to long on for one more.

Dilshan Madushanka to Mohammad Nabi, No run! Short of a length and on middle. Nabi looks to pull but gets a top edge to the keeper who takes it and then misses his shy at the striker's end.

Dilshan Madushanka to Mohammad Nabi, A dot to end but the over goes for 12 runs! Ohh no, it is a no ball as Dilshan Madushanka has overstepped! Shorter and around off. Nabi miscues his pull onto his body and it rolls back on the deck. Free Hit coming up.

Dilshan Madushanka to Najibullah Zadran, On the hips, it is pulled behind square leg for one.

Dilshan Madushanka to Najibullah Zadran, ! Another excellent shot from Najibullah! A low full toss this time, outside off. Najibullah looks to drive but slices it through point and it races away to the fence.

Dilshan Madushanka to Najibullah Zadran, ! BANG! A full toss, around the waist height! Najibullah Zadran goes back in his crease and thumps it in front of square on the leg side for a biggie. That was very close to being a no ball. Dilshan Madushanka gets away with it.

Mohammad Nabi is in next.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, ! TAKEN! The slower ball does the trick! This one is at 93 clicks, the back of the hand delivery. Fuller and outside off. Ibrahim Zadran shuffles across and tries to paddle it away but miscues and Asitha Fernando at short fine leg takes it with ease. Both the set batters are dismissed in the end overs.

Dilshan Madushanka to Najibullah Zadran, On a length and outside off. Najibullah forces it to long on for a single. The third umpire is checking for a no ball and Dilshan Madushanka is fine. 

Dilshan Madushanka is back on. 1 for 24 in his 3 overs so far.

Maheesh Theekshana to Najibullah Zadran, Slants a full ball on middle. Najibullah eases it to cover for one more. 150 up! Sri Lanka have done well in the last couple of overs to keep things under control.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, This is full and on middle. Ibrahim makes room and drives it through covers for one more.

Maheesh Theekshana to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter ball on middle. Najibullah bunts it to deep square leg for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, SAFE! Flatter ball, quicker and around middle, Ibrahim swings across but only manages a bottom edge to the keeper. It goes on a bounce. Mendis collects and whips the bails off as he sees Ibrahim dragging his back leg. The replay shows the batter was in. He dragged his back leg but never lifted it.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, A single as this is hit to long on.

Appeal for a stumping... Ibrahim Zadran is safe in the replays!

Maheesh Theekshana to Najibullah Zadran, Angling on the pads, it is flicked to deep square leg for a single.

Asitha Fernando to Ibrahim Zadran, ! A lucky boundary. This is full and outside off. Ibrahim tries to play it through covers but gets a thick inside edge, past the keeper and to the fine leg fence.

Asitha Fernando to Najibullah Zadran, A full toss, around off, Najibullah pushes it to point. Sloppy fielding allows the batters to cross.

Asitha Fernando to Ibrahim Zadran, A length ball, outside off. Ibrahim cuts it to sweeper cover for one.

Najibullah Zadran walks in next. He is the best option to have at this stage for Afghanistan. 

Asitha Fernando to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! TAKEN! Gurbaz goes! End of an excellent knock from Rahmanullah Gurbaz! A timely wicket for Sri Lanka! This is full and outside off, probably a slower ball. Gurbaz tries to heave it across but toe-ends his shot to deep mid-wicket. Wanindu Hasaranga takes the skier there. The 93-run stand has been broken and Sri Lanka will look to capitalize from here and limit the damage in the end overs.

Asitha Fernando to Ibrahim Zadran, Full again, outside off, it is driven to deep cover for a single.

Asitha Fernando to Ibrahim Zadran, Zadran tries to be innovative! This is full and way outside off. Zadran goes way across as he tries to scoop it over but misses.

Asitha Fernando returns to bowl at the backend.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Turning down the leg side, Gurbaz moves back and knocks it down to long on. They pick up two runs. Brilliant.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Flatter and shorter again, close to off, Ibrahim Zadran goes back and cuts it at the last moment through point for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Stifled appeal for an lbw! Flighted and full, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes down and across to sweep but misses. The impact is outside off.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Goes on the back foot to a short ball and cuts it through point for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Loopy and full, around off, Ibrahim gets on the front foot and drives it to long off for a run.

Change. Wanindu Hasaranga is back for his final over. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flatter and around off, it's forced down to long on for a single.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 21 from the over, 37 in the last two. Afghanistan are motoring. Slower one, on a length and outside off, Gurbaz bunts it down to long on and looks for two. Gets only a run.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! This is massive! Short in length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz camps on the back foot and muscles it down the ground. Clears long on with ease.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs for the Afghans! Chamika Karunaratne sees the batter stepping back to make room and tries to follow him down the leg side. Ends up delivering it way too wide of the batter and the keeper for a boundary at fine leg.

Chamika Karunaratne to Ibrahim Zadran, A leg cutter outside off, Zadran waits and pushes it to covers. Maheesh Theekshana makes a sliding stop near the edge of the circle and the batters cross.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Another slower one, short and wide outside off, Gurbaz drags his attempted pull shot down to wide long on for one.

Chamika Karunaratne to Ibrahim Zadran, Slower delivery, a touch short and on middle, Zadran tucks it to deep mid-wicket and picks up a single.

Chamika Karunaratne to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Up and over, stand and deliver from Zadran. A length ball around off, angling in, Ibrahim Zadran clears his front leg and powers it over long on. The fielder jumps near the fence but it sails over his head.

Slight halt in play as Rahmanullah Gurbaz is getting some attention from the physio. Maybe cramps, it's very hot out there. Chamika Karunaratne is back on.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Top edge but safe! Shanaka digs it in short and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-edges his attempted pull shot over mid-wicket. The ball falls safely and they get two runs. 16 from the over!

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Rahmanullah Gurbaz has decided to hit the top gear again. He picks the slower one early, it's full and in the slot and Gurbaz sends it flying over extra cover for a biggie.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Aeria but safe! Shanaka bowls it short and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets across and swings it over square leg. It lands safely in the deep and they take two runs.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mistimed! Full and around off, angling in, Gurbaz walks forward but mistimes his big shot back towards the bowler.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Wide! Sprays it on a length but quite wide outside off at 128 kph, Gurbaz leaves.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Edgy! A welcome boundary for Afghanistan. Shanaka serves it full and wide outside off at 103 kph, Rahmanullah Gurbaz throws his bat at it and gets a fat outside edge. It loops behind short third man for a boundary.

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, Angles in a length ball on middle, Ibrahim works it to deep mid-wicket for one. The 50-run stand comes up.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, Fullish and on the pads, at 103 kph, Ibrahim clips it to deep mid-wicket and keeps strike with a single.

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On a length and outside off, at 139 kph, it's eased through covers for a single.

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Better this time. Change in pace. At 105 clicks, fuller in length and outside off, Gurbaz is deceived and swings his bat blindly at it.

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Wide! Dilshan sees the batter shuffling across the stumps and delivers a slower full delivery way down the leg side. Rahmanullah Gurbaz swings and misses.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, Identical to the last delivery, this time at 139 kph, Zadran connects with his punch and sends it to sweeper cover for one.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, Beaten this time! Pace up from Dilshan Madushanka. He clocks 138 kph and angles across a good-length ball, Ibrahim Zadran goes on the back foot to force it through the line but misses.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, Wide! Dilshan attempts a slower one but errs in line. He serves it down the leg side and the batter tries to flick but misses.

Change. Dilshan Madushanka (2-0-18-1) is back on. 

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length around leg, Gurbaz helps it in front of square leg and rotates the strike.

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, Fine running between the wickets. Shanaka serves it on a length and around off, Ibrahim Zadran turns it with gentle hands through square leg and returns for the second run.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fuller and around off, it's driven to the right side of the extra cover fielder for a single.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tries to be innovative but fails to middle his shot. Slower and fuller outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz attempts a predetermined slog-sweep but it takes the toe end of his bat and goes to covers. Dot.

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, Full this time, on the pads, Ibrahim eases it down to wide long on for a run.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Width there outside off, short in length, Gurbaz is early into the shot and mistimes it through covers for one.

DRINKS! It's been a wonderful start for Afghanistan! They will be happy with the score right now! Rahmanullah Gurbaz is playing a gem of an innings and will hope to continue. Sri Lanka on the other hand had their opportunities but will look for wickets now and keep Afghanistan under 150, if possible. An interesting passage of play awaits. Dasun Shanaka to bowl after the break...

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, Starts his spell with a length ball around off, Zadran stays back and steers it through point for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Fires it in, flat and short on middle, Ibrahim goes back and punches it down to long off for another single. At the halfway mark, Afghanistan are 83 for 1.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Quicker and on off, defended back to the bowler.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flatter through the air, around off and turning in, Rahmanullah Gurbaz works it in front of square leg for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Gets on the front foot and pushes a full ball down to long off for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Full and flighted, around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes down and sweeps it off the inner edge to the left of deep square leg. One more run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Mistimed! Flatter one, around off and turning in, Ibrahim Zadran goes back and mistimes his punch in the air. It though goes safely to long off, for a run.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Chamika goes short again, around leg, this time Gurbaz perhaps gloves his attempted pull shot and it scoots towards fine leg. The fielder pulls it back near the fence and the batters take two.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Appeal for a caught behind, not given. Nothing from the keeper but Chamika Karunaratne is interested and convinces his skipper to take the DRS. Coming to the delivery - Karunaratne digs it in short, around off at 130 clicks, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays back to pull but fails to middle his shot. It goes behind and the keeper collects it well. Time for the DRS - Nothing on the UltraEdge. Sri Lanka lose one review.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Wide! Slower one goes wrong. This has been served down the leg side. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tries his best to get some bat behind it but misses.

Chamika Karunaratne to Ibrahim Zadran, Slower short ball, around off, Ibrahim Zadran pulls it to deep square leg and gets a single.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FIFTY FOR GURBAZ, off just 22 balls! Sliding down the leg side, on a length, Gurbaz walks across and helps it through square leg for a run. It has been a cracking knock from him so far. Can he make it a big one?

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This time they get two. Short in length and around off, Gurbaz pulls but without much timing and it goes slowly to the deep mid-wicket region. They complete two with ease.

Chamika Karunaratne to Ibrahim Zadran, Angles in a full-length ball around off, Zadran closes the face of his bat and helps it to deep mid-wicket. Calls for two but gets only one run after a bit of hesitation.

Change. Chamika Karunaratne is into the attack.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Short and around off, Zadran plays it to the left of the cover fielder and rushes to the other end. The fielder fails to pick the ball otherwise it could have been close.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Presses forward to a full ball and drives it to covers. Dot.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Spinning in sharply from around off, quicker and shorter, Gurbaz punches it down to long on for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Out of here! Wanindu Hasaranga decides to give some flight to his delivery but pays the price. It's full and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes down on one knee and smokes it over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A hint of away turn there as it lands short and outside off, the batter punches but finds the cover fielder.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, A touch short and around off, staying a bit low, Zadran forces it from the back foot to long on for a run.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller and around off, knocked down to long on for a run. End of a good over for Afghanistan, 12 from it.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Superbly executed! A 140 kph delivery, short and around off, Ibrahim Zadran arches back and uses the pace of the bowler to ramp it down towards third man for a boundary.

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Drop and run. Around off, on a length, Gurbaz plays it down with soft hands towards backward point and steals a single.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, It's on a length and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran tries to loft it over covers but ends up slicing it in the air. It goes square of the wicket on the off side and they cross for a single.

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, on off, Gurbaz taps it down to third man and takes a single.

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Well played! Slower one, a touch short and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz opens the face of his bat at the last moment and guides it fine down to third man for a boundary.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Play and a miss! Shortish and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran goes back to cut but misses. At the end of the Powerplay, Afghanistan are 49 for 1.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Hasaranga continues to bowl quicker through the air. Around off, it's played from the back foot to covers.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Quicker one, around off, Ibrahim goes back and forces it to covers. A good stop by the fielder inside the ring.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Loopy and full around off, Ibrahim defends it off his front foot to the off side.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Flatter and shorter, around off, Ibrahim Zadran goes deep inside the crease and punches it through covers for a couple.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, A direct hit and Zadran was a goner! Length and outside off. Zadran pushes it to the left of point. Zadran wants a single but Gurbaz wasn't interested. The fielder has a shy at the striker's end but misses.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Turning in from around off, shorter in length but not rising much, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes back and tucks it to deep square leg for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Ibrahim Zadran is the new batter.

Dilshan Madushanka to Hazratullah Zazai, ! TIMBER! Finally, Sri Lanka get the opening wicket! Dilshan Madushanka is pumped up! Another excellent delivery! Zazai was struggling a bit here! Dilshan Madushanka bangs it hard on the deck, this is around off. Zazai has a wild swing across the line but he misses. The ball hits the top of off. 

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Too full and around off, it is worked to mid on for a single.

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Bit of room and Gurbaz makes the most of it! This is outside off on a length. Gurbaz opens the face of the bat and guides it past short thrid man for four.

Dilshan Madushanka to Hazratullah Zazai, Again Zazai mistimes it! This is around middle. Zazai looks to flick but mistimes it to fine leg for a single.

Dilshan Madushanka to Hazratullah Zazai, Good bowling! Short in length and around off. Zazai hops as he tries to play on the leg side but gets an inside edge. The ball lobs over the stumps and goes to the right of the keeper. 

Dilshan Madushanka to have a go now.

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, Length and outside off. Zazai pushes with soft hands and gets a faint inside edge. It doesn't carry to the keeper and he makes a half-stop. A single.

Play halted! Sri Lanka have some issue with the ball! 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is just told to wait as the on-field umpire wants to get it checked by the third umpire. The replay shows Danushka Gunathilaka has touched the ropes. Gurbaz can continue batting...

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, Fuller ball, around off. Zazai pushes it to the right of the man at covers who makes a solid stop. 

Asitha Fernando to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Length and outside off. Gurbaz taps it to covers for a run.

Asitha Fernando to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Gurbaz will make the most of the life he has been given! On a length and outside off, a bit of width and Gurbaz cuts it through point for a boundary.

Asitha Fernando to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Two runs! Full and on middle, it is flicked past mid-wicket for two runs.

Asitha Fernando to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Bang! A length ball on the pads. Gurbaz gets across and whacks it behind square on the leg side for a huge biggie.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Full and on off, pushed through covers for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Gurbaz survives! This is full and outside off, turning a bit away. Gurbaz tries to go downtown over long off but his one hand comes off and the ball goes high and to Danushka Gunathilaka who takes a skier near the fence at long on. Okay, hold on! It's a six! Danushka Gunathilaka has just touched the ropes as the umpires get it checked upstairs! His back foot was in contact with the ropes. The replay confirms it and Rahmanullah Gurb

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! First of the innings! What a shot though! Gurbaz shows his power here! This is full and outside off. Gurbaz slog-sweeps it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flatter again, around leg. Gurbaz makes room and plays it back to the bowler.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hazratullah Zazai, Another single! Flatter, quicker and on middle, Zazai flicks it to deep square leg for a run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up on middle, it is drilled down to long on for one.

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, Excellent comeback from Asitha Fernando after going for four! Touch fuller, outside off, it is chopped to backward point.

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, Make it four dots now! Fernando hits the deck hard but the ball stays low after hitting the pitch. Zazai tries to play towards third man but misses.

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, Three dots now! Good bowling from Fernando! Short in length, angling across, outside off. Zazai swings across the line and misses.

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, On a length and just outside off. Zazai drops it to covers.

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, Pitched up, outside off, it is pushed to covers.

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, ! Welcomes Asitha Fernando with a boundary! Afghanistan are playing with intent! Not off the middle though! A length ball, outside off. Zazai has a feel for it, he tries to push but gets an outside edge, past the keeper to third man for four. 

Who will bowl from the other end? It is Asitha Fernando.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up, around off, drifts a bit in. Gurbaz stays back and defends. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Hazratullah Zazai, Around off, fuller, it is eased down to long on for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up, outside off, Gurbaz drives it to mid off and calls for a single. It was hit straight to the fielder but the batters were quick to make their ground. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Hazratullah Zazai, Flatter ball, outside off. Zazai punches off the back foot to the left of point for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hazratullah Zazai, ! First boundary of the game! This is floated, full ball, outside off. Zazai lofts it high over covers for a boundary. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Hazratullah Zazai, Theekshana starts with a shorter ball, around off, it skids through, Zazai inside-edges it towards short fine leg.

We are all set for the action to start. The players from both teams walk out to the middle for their respective national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's first followed by Sri Lanka's. All done with the pre-match formalities. It's time for cricket to do the talking. All set now. Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are the openers for Afghanistan. Maheesh Theekshana to start with the ball. 

The skipper of Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi says that they would have bowled first as well,  but they will look forward to putting a good score on the board. Mentions that he is really happy with the way the bowlers have performed and hopefully they bowl well today as well. Adds that they had a good game against Bangladesh and they want to continue doing the same. Informs that they have one change - Azmatullah Omarzai misses out as he is sick and is replaced by Samiullah Shinwari.

Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Sri Lanka says that they are going to bowl first, as they are good at chasing and so it's a good toss to win for them. Mentions that in the previous game the openers got them to a good start, and they had some good partnerships in the middle, which helped them control the game. Informs that they are playing with the same team.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (C), Samiullah Shinwari (In for Azmatullah Omarzai), Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Sri Lanka (Unchanged Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

TOSS - Sri Lanka have won the toss and they will BOWL first!

Against all odds, Afghanistan have punched above their weight and showed the progress they have made in the recent past. They no longer are mere pushovers. One of the two unbeaten teams of this edition, Afghanistan, have made an impact, but they cannot rest on their laurels. Sri Lanka are like a wounded lion, and a backlash could be on the cards. That said, the Lankans have massive improvements to make in both departments of their game. The last win would have lifted the confidence of the team a

Jonathan Trott, the head coach of Afghanistan, comes up for a chat. The Englishman says that he just told the players to adjust to the conditions. Feels it is a competitive total but they need to bowl well. He hopes to learn from their last game against Bangladesh. Adds that Sri Lanka are a dangerous team and Afghanistan will have to bowl well.

This pitch is not easy for a new batter coming in and that's why the set batters will have to finish the job. Sri Lanka will be pleased with their work in the last few overs and will look to take that confidence into their batting innings. For them, Dilshan Madushanka was impressive but all in all, it wasn't too convincing early on.

It was a show of strength with the bat from Afghanistan in the first 14 overs. The start was bright and breezy from their openers and then Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit top gear. He got a reprieve on 8 when Danushka Gunathilaka took his catch in the deep but made contact with the fence, and Gurbaz made full use of that opportunity. His 93-run stand with Ibrahim Zadran was the chief highlight of the Afghan innings but losing both of them soon after the last five overs started, stifled Afghanistan's

Excellent from Sri Lanka in the last six overs to pull things back. Afghanistan were going great guns and the platform was set but the last six overs went for only 43 runs, resulting in them falling shy of the 200-run mark which at one stage looked possible.

Asitha Fernando to Rashid Khan, ! RUN OUT! A wicket off the final delivery! Too full and outside off. Khan swings his bat and hits it to deep backward point. Pathum Nissanka runs in from deep and throws it to the keeper who removes the bails off. Rashid Khan was always running for two but loses his bat in the process and fails to reach his ground despite a dive. Just a single. Afghanistan finish with 175/6 on the board.

Asitha Fernando to Rashid Khan, ! OFF THE MIDDLE! Short of a length and around off. Khan stays back and swings across. He connects cleanly and it goes all the way over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. Can he hit another one?

Asitha Fernando to Rashid Khan, Run out appeal! Bouncer again, this time Khan connects but not off the middle. It rolls to mid-wicket and the batters take two runs. There is a run-out appeal at the striker's end but Khan is in, as shown in the replays after the decision was referred upstairs.

Asitha Fernando to Rashid Khan, SWING AND A MISS AGAIN! This is excellent from Asitha Fernando! Rashid Khan just can't connect! Sharp bouncer again, outside off. Khan swings across and misses.

Asitha Fernando to Rashid Khan, Another good bouncer from Fernando, Khan tries to pull it but misses.

Asitha Fernando to Rashid Khan, Fernando bangs a bouncer, around middle, it stays low. Khan tries to sit but gets hit on the body. The ball deflects behind, he comes out of the crease for a run but there is confusion. The keeper misses his shy otherwise Khan would have been a goner.

Asitha Fernando to bowl the final over.

Maheesh Theekshana to Karim Janat, Short and outside off, cut to point. End of an incredible over.

Karim Janat is in next.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rashid Khan, ! RUN OUT! Two in two for Sri Lanka! The set batter goes! Maheesh Theekshana serves a full toss, quicker and outside off. Rashid Khan drives it to extra cover and tries to steal a single but Wanindu Hasaranga is quick to the ball. He throws it to the keeper, Kusal Mendis, who whips the bails off in a flash. The replay shows Najibullah Zadran is short and he has to walk back.

Rashid Khan arrives with 8 balls left in the innings. Immediately, there is an appeal for a run out against Najibullah Zadran. He is gone. Massive blow to Afghanistan. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Mohammad Nabi, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Sri Lanka strike again! This is a carrom ball, full and outside off. Nabi opens his body and tries to go downtown but hits off the toe end of the bat. The ball lobs back nicely for Maheesh Theekshana who takes it with ease.

Maheesh Theekshana to Najibullah Zadran, A muted appeal for LBW but the finger stays down! Maheesh Theekshana angles a full ball, quicker and going down leg. Najibullah Zadran misses his sweep and gets hit on the pads. It rolls to square leg for a leg bye.

Maheesh Theekshana to Mohammad Nabi, A low full toss, angling on leg. Nabi sweeps it straight to deep square leg. Just a single. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Najibullah Zadran, On middle, worked to long on for one more.

Dilshan Madushanka to Mohammad Nabi, No run! Short of a length and on middle. Nabi looks to pull but gets a top edge to the keeper who takes it and then misses his shy at the striker's end.

Dilshan Madushanka to Mohammad Nabi, A dot to end but the over goes for 12 runs! Ohh no, it is a no ball as Dilshan Madushanka has overstepped! Shorter and around off. Nabi miscues his pull onto his body and it rolls back on the deck. Free Hit coming up.

Dilshan Madushanka to Najibullah Zadran, On the hips, it is pulled behind square leg for one.

Dilshan Madushanka to Najibullah Zadran, ! Another excellent shot from Najibullah! A low full toss this time, outside off. Najibullah looks to drive but slices it through point and it races away to the fence.

Dilshan Madushanka to Najibullah Zadran, ! BANG! A full toss, around the waist height! Najibullah Zadran goes back in his crease and thumps it in front of square on the leg side for a biggie. That was very close to being a no ball. Dilshan Madushanka gets away with it.

Mohammad Nabi is in next.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, ! TAKEN! The slower ball does the trick! This one is at 93 clicks, the back of the hand delivery. Fuller and outside off. Ibrahim Zadran shuffles across and tries to paddle it away but miscues and Asitha Fernando at short fine leg takes it with ease. Both the set batters are dismissed in the end overs.

Dilshan Madushanka to Najibullah Zadran, On a length and outside off. Najibullah forces it to long on for a single. The third umpire is checking for a no ball and Dilshan Madushanka is fine. 

Dilshan Madushanka is back on. 1 for 24 in his 3 overs so far.

Maheesh Theekshana to Najibullah Zadran, Slants a full ball on middle. Najibullah eases it to cover for one more. 150 up! Sri Lanka have done well in the last couple of overs to keep things under control.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, This is full and on middle. Ibrahim makes room and drives it through covers for one more.

Maheesh Theekshana to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter ball on middle. Najibullah bunts it to deep square leg for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, SAFE! Flatter ball, quicker and around middle, Ibrahim swings across but only manages a bottom edge to the keeper. It goes on a bounce. Mendis collects and whips the bails off as he sees Ibrahim dragging his back leg. The replay shows the batter was in. He dragged his back leg but never lifted it.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, A single as this is hit to long on.

Appeal for a stumping... Ibrahim Zadran is safe in the replays!

Maheesh Theekshana to Najibullah Zadran, Angling on the pads, it is flicked to deep square leg for a single.

Asitha Fernando to Ibrahim Zadran, ! A lucky boundary. This is full and outside off. Ibrahim tries to play it through covers but gets a thick inside edge, past the keeper and to the fine leg fence.

Asitha Fernando to Najibullah Zadran, A full toss, around off, Najibullah pushes it to point. Sloppy fielding allows the batters to cross.

Asitha Fernando to Ibrahim Zadran, A length ball, outside off. Ibrahim cuts it to sweeper cover for one.

Najibullah Zadran walks in next. He is the best option to have at this stage for Afghanistan. 

Asitha Fernando to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! TAKEN! Gurbaz goes! End of an excellent knock from Rahmanullah Gurbaz! A timely wicket for Sri Lanka! This is full and outside off, probably a slower ball. Gurbaz tries to heave it across but toe-ends his shot to deep mid-wicket. Wanindu Hasaranga takes the skier there. The 93-run stand has been broken and Sri Lanka will look to capitalize from here and limit the damage in the end overs.

Asitha Fernando to Ibrahim Zadran, Full again, outside off, it is driven to deep cover for a single.

Asitha Fernando to Ibrahim Zadran, Zadran tries to be innovative! This is full and way outside off. Zadran goes way across as he tries to scoop it over but misses.

Asitha Fernando returns to bowl at the backend.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Turning down the leg side, Gurbaz moves back and knocks it down to long on. They pick up two runs. Brilliant.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Flatter and shorter again, close to off, Ibrahim Zadran goes back and cuts it at the last moment through point for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Stifled appeal for an lbw! Flighted and full, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes down and across to sweep but misses. The impact is outside off.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Goes on the back foot to a short ball and cuts it through point for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Loopy and full, around off, Ibrahim gets on the front foot and drives it to long off for a run.

Change. Wanindu Hasaranga is back for his final over. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flatter and around off, it's forced down to long on for a single.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 21 from the over, 37 in the last two. Afghanistan are motoring. Slower one, on a length and outside off, Gurbaz bunts it down to long on and looks for two. Gets only a run.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! This is massive! Short in length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz camps on the back foot and muscles it down the ground. Clears long on with ease.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs for the Afghans! Chamika Karunaratne sees the batter stepping back to make room and tries to follow him down the leg side. Ends up delivering it way too wide of the batter and the keeper for a boundary at fine leg.

Chamika Karunaratne to Ibrahim Zadran, A leg cutter outside off, Zadran waits and pushes it to covers. Maheesh Theekshana makes a sliding stop near the edge of the circle and the batters cross.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Another slower one, short and wide outside off, Gurbaz drags his attempted pull shot down to wide long on for one.

Chamika Karunaratne to Ibrahim Zadran, Slower delivery, a touch short and on middle, Zadran tucks it to deep mid-wicket and picks up a single.

Chamika Karunaratne to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Up and over, stand and deliver from Zadran. A length ball around off, angling in, Ibrahim Zadran clears his front leg and powers it over long on. The fielder jumps near the fence but it sails over his head.

Slight halt in play as Rahmanullah Gurbaz is getting some attention from the physio. Maybe cramps, it's very hot out there. Chamika Karunaratne is back on.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Top edge but safe! Shanaka digs it in short and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-edges his attempted pull shot over mid-wicket. The ball falls safely and they get two runs. 16 from the over!

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Rahmanullah Gurbaz has decided to hit the top gear again. He picks the slower one early, it's full and in the slot and Gurbaz sends it flying over extra cover for a biggie.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Aeria but safe! Shanaka bowls it short and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets across and swings it over square leg. It lands safely in the deep and they take two runs.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mistimed! Full and around off, angling in, Gurbaz walks forward but mistimes his big shot back towards the bowler.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Wide! Sprays it on a length but quite wide outside off at 128 kph, Gurbaz leaves.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Edgy! A welcome boundary for Afghanistan. Shanaka serves it full and wide outside off at 103 kph, Rahmanullah Gurbaz throws his bat at it and gets a fat outside edge. It loops behind short third man for a boundary.

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, Angles in a length ball on middle, Ibrahim works it to deep mid-wicket for one. The 50-run stand comes up.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, Fullish and on the pads, at 103 kph, Ibrahim clips it to deep mid-wicket and keeps strike with a single.

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On a length and outside off, at 139 kph, it's eased through covers for a single.

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Better this time. Change in pace. At 105 clicks, fuller in length and outside off, Gurbaz is deceived and swings his bat blindly at it.

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Wide! Dilshan sees the batter shuffling across the stumps and delivers a slower full delivery way down the leg side. Rahmanullah Gurbaz swings and misses.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, Identical to the last delivery, this time at 139 kph, Zadran connects with his punch and sends it to sweeper cover for one.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, Beaten this time! Pace up from Dilshan Madushanka. He clocks 138 kph and angles across a good-length ball, Ibrahim Zadran goes on the back foot to force it through the line but misses.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, Wide! Dilshan attempts a slower one but errs in line. He serves it down the leg side and the batter tries to flick but misses.

Change. Dilshan Madushanka (2-0-18-1) is back on. 

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length around leg, Gurbaz helps it in front of square leg and rotates the strike.

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, Fine running between the wickets. Shanaka serves it on a length and around off, Ibrahim Zadran turns it with gentle hands through square leg and returns for the second run.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fuller and around off, it's driven to the right side of the extra cover fielder for a single.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tries to be innovative but fails to middle his shot. Slower and fuller outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz attempts a predetermined slog-sweep but it takes the toe end of his bat and goes to covers. Dot.

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, Full this time, on the pads, Ibrahim eases it down to wide long on for a run.

Dasun Shanaka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Width there outside off, short in length, Gurbaz is early into the shot and mistimes it through covers for one.

DRINKS! It's been a wonderful start for Afghanistan! They will be happy with the score right now! Rahmanullah Gurbaz is playing a gem of an innings and will hope to continue. Sri Lanka on the other hand had their opportunities but will look for wickets now and keep Afghanistan under 150, if possible. An interesting passage of play awaits. Dasun Shanaka to bowl after the break...

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, Starts his spell with a length ball around off, Zadran stays back and steers it through point for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Fires it in, flat and short on middle, Ibrahim goes back and punches it down to long off for another single. At the halfway mark, Afghanistan are 83 for 1.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Quicker and on off, defended back to the bowler.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flatter through the air, around off and turning in, Rahmanullah Gurbaz works it in front of square leg for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Gets on the front foot and pushes a full ball down to long off for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Full and flighted, around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes down and sweeps it off the inner edge to the left of deep square leg. One more run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Mistimed! Flatter one, around off and turning in, Ibrahim Zadran goes back and mistimes his punch in the air. It though goes safely to long off, for a run.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Chamika goes short again, around leg, this time Gurbaz perhaps gloves his attempted pull shot and it scoots towards fine leg. The fielder pulls it back near the fence and the batters take two.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Appeal for a caught behind, not given. Nothing from the keeper but Chamika Karunaratne is interested and convinces his skipper to take the DRS. Coming to the delivery - Karunaratne digs it in short, around off at 130 clicks, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays back to pull but fails to middle his shot. It goes behind and the keeper collects it well. Time for the DRS - Nothing on the UltraEdge. Sri Lanka lose one review.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Wide! Slower one goes wrong. This has been served down the leg side. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tries his best to get some bat behind it but misses.

Chamika Karunaratne to Ibrahim Zadran, Slower short ball, around off, Ibrahim Zadran pulls it to deep square leg and gets a single.

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FIFTY FOR GURBAZ, off just 22 balls! Sliding down the leg side, on a length, Gurbaz walks across and helps it through square leg for a run. It has been a cracking knock from him so far. Can he make it a big one?

Chamika Karunaratne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This time they get two. Short in length and around off, Gurbaz pulls but without much timing and it goes slowly to the deep mid-wicket region. They complete two with ease.

Chamika Karunaratne to Ibrahim Zadran, Angles in a full-length ball around off, Zadran closes the face of his bat and helps it to deep mid-wicket. Calls for two but gets only one run after a bit of hesitation.

Change. Chamika Karunaratne is into the attack.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Short and around off, Zadran plays it to the left of the cover fielder and rushes to the other end. The fielder fails to pick the ball otherwise it could have been close.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Presses forward to a full ball and drives it to covers. Dot.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Spinning in sharply from around off, quicker and shorter, Gurbaz punches it down to long on for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Out of here! Wanindu Hasaranga decides to give some flight to his delivery but pays the price. It's full and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes down on one knee and smokes it over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A hint of away turn there as it lands short and outside off, the batter punches but finds the cover fielder.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, A touch short and around off, staying a bit low, Zadran forces it from the back foot to long on for a run.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller and around off, knocked down to long on for a run. End of a good over for Afghanistan, 12 from it.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Superbly executed! A 140 kph delivery, short and around off, Ibrahim Zadran arches back and uses the pace of the bowler to ramp it down towards third man for a boundary.

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Drop and run. Around off, on a length, Gurbaz plays it down with soft hands towards backward point and steals a single.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, It's on a length and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran tries to loft it over covers but ends up slicing it in the air. It goes square of the wicket on the off side and they cross for a single.

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, on off, Gurbaz taps it down to third man and takes a single.

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Well played! Slower one, a touch short and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz opens the face of his bat at the last moment and guides it fine down to third man for a boundary.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Play and a miss! Shortish and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran goes back to cut but misses. At the end of the Powerplay, Afghanistan are 49 for 1.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Hasaranga continues to bowl quicker through the air. Around off, it's played from the back foot to covers.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Quicker one, around off, Ibrahim goes back and forces it to covers. A good stop by the fielder inside the ring.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Loopy and full around off, Ibrahim defends it off his front foot to the off side.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Flatter and shorter, around off, Ibrahim Zadran goes deep inside the crease and punches it through covers for a couple.

Dilshan Madushanka to Ibrahim Zadran, A direct hit and Zadran was a goner! Length and outside off. Zadran pushes it to the left of point. Zadran wants a single but Gurbaz wasn't interested. The fielder has a shy at the striker's end but misses.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Turning in from around off, shorter in length but not rising much, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes back and tucks it to deep square leg for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Ibrahim Zadran is the new batter.

Dilshan Madushanka to Hazratullah Zazai, ! TIMBER! Finally, Sri Lanka get the opening wicket! Dilshan Madushanka is pumped up! Another excellent delivery! Zazai was struggling a bit here! Dilshan Madushanka bangs it hard on the deck, this is around off. Zazai has a wild swing across the line but he misses. The ball hits the top of off. 

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Too full and around off, it is worked to mid on for a single.

Dilshan Madushanka to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Bit of room and Gurbaz makes the most of it! This is outside off on a length. Gurbaz opens the face of the bat and guides it past short thrid man for four.

Dilshan Madushanka to Hazratullah Zazai, Again Zazai mistimes it! This is around middle. Zazai looks to flick but mistimes it to fine leg for a single.

Dilshan Madushanka to Hazratullah Zazai, Good bowling! Short in length and around off. Zazai hops as he tries to play on the leg side but gets an inside edge. The ball lobs over the stumps and goes to the right of the keeper. 

Dilshan Madushanka to have a go now.

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, Length and outside off. Zazai pushes with soft hands and gets a faint inside edge. It doesn't carry to the keeper and he makes a half-stop. A single.

Play halted! Sri Lanka have some issue with the ball! 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is just told to wait as the on-field umpire wants to get it checked by the third umpire. The replay shows Danushka Gunathilaka has touched the ropes. Gurbaz can continue batting...

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, Fuller ball, around off. Zazai pushes it to the right of the man at covers who makes a solid stop. 

Asitha Fernando to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Length and outside off. Gurbaz taps it to covers for a run.

Asitha Fernando to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Gurbaz will make the most of the life he has been given! On a length and outside off, a bit of width and Gurbaz cuts it through point for a boundary.

Asitha Fernando to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Two runs! Full and on middle, it is flicked past mid-wicket for two runs.

Asitha Fernando to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Bang! A length ball on the pads. Gurbaz gets across and whacks it behind square on the leg side for a huge biggie.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Full and on off, pushed through covers for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Gurbaz survives! This is full and outside off, turning a bit away. Gurbaz tries to go downtown over long off but his one hand comes off and the ball goes high and to Danushka Gunathilaka who takes a skier near the fence at long on. Okay, hold on! It's a six! Danushka Gunathilaka has just touched the ropes as the umpires get it checked upstairs! His back foot was in contact with the ropes. The replay confirms it and Rahmanullah Gurb

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! First of the innings! What a shot though! Gurbaz shows his power here! This is full and outside off. Gurbaz slog-sweeps it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flatter again, around leg. Gurbaz makes room and plays it back to the bowler.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hazratullah Zazai, Another single! Flatter, quicker and on middle, Zazai flicks it to deep square leg for a run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up on middle, it is drilled down to long on for one.

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, Excellent comeback from Asitha Fernando after going for four! Touch fuller, outside off, it is chopped to backward point.

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, Make it four dots now! Fernando hits the deck hard but the ball stays low after hitting the pitch. Zazai tries to play towards third man but misses.

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, Three dots now! Good bowling from Fernando! Short in length, angling across, outside off. Zazai swings across the line and misses.

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, On a length and just outside off. Zazai drops it to covers.

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, Pitched up, outside off, it is pushed to covers.

Asitha Fernando to Hazratullah Zazai, ! Welcomes Asitha Fernando with a boundary! Afghanistan are playing with intent! Not off the middle though! A length ball, outside off. Zazai has a feel for it, he tries to push but gets an outside edge, past the keeper to third man for four. 

Who will bowl from the other end? It is Asitha Fernando.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up, around off, drifts a bit in. Gurbaz stays back and defends. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Hazratullah Zazai, Around off, fuller, it is eased down to long on for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up, outside off, Gurbaz drives it to mid off and calls for a single. It was hit straight to the fielder but the batters were quick to make their ground. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Hazratullah Zazai, Flatter ball, outside off. Zazai punches off the back foot to the left of point for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hazratullah Zazai, ! First boundary of the game! This is floated, full ball, outside off. Zazai lofts it high over covers for a boundary. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Hazratullah Zazai, Theekshana starts with a shorter ball, around off, it skids through, Zazai inside-edges it towards short fine leg.

We are all set for the action to start. The players from both teams walk out to the middle for their respective national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's first followed by Sri Lanka's. All done with the pre-match formalities. It's time for cricket to do the talking. All set now. Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are the openers for Afghanistan. Maheesh Theekshana to start with the ball. 

The skipper of Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi says that they would have bowled first as well,  but they will look forward to putting a good score on the board. Mentions that he is really happy with the way the bowlers have performed and hopefully they bowl well today as well. Adds that they had a good game against Bangladesh and they want to continue doing the same. Informs that they have one change - Azmatullah Omarzai misses out as he is sick and is replaced by Samiullah Shinwari.

Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Sri Lanka says that they are going to bowl first, as they are good at chasing and so it's a good toss to win for them. Mentions that in the previous game the openers got them to a good start, and they had some good partnerships in the middle, which helped them control the game. Informs that they are playing with the same team.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (C), Samiullah Shinwari (In for Azmatullah Omarzai), Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Sri Lanka (Unchanged Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

TOSS - Sri Lanka have won the toss and they will BOWL first!

Against all odds, Afghanistan have punched above their weight and showed the progress they have made in the recent past. They no longer are mere pushovers. One of the two unbeaten teams of this edition, Afghanistan, have made an impact, but they cannot rest on their laurels. Sri Lanka are like a wounded lion, and a backlash could be on the cards. That said, the Lankans have massive improvements to make in both departments of their game. The last win would have lifted the confidence of the team a