Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka ICC Men s T20 World Cup, Australia, 2022

FOUR! Dhananjaya de Silva finishes things off in style! Fazalhaq Farooqi serves this full and on off, Dhananjaya de Silva stays there and smashes it over cover for a boundary. SRI LANKA WIN BY 6 WICKETS!

This is on a yorker length and outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva slashes at it but gets an inside edge towards the keeper.

Slight Halt! This does not look good for Afghanistan as Rashid Khan is helped off the field having hurt his knee. He puts his 100% into his fielding even with his team losing and that has resulted in a calamity for his side.

SCORES LEVEL! This is short and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket where Rashid Khan gives his all diving to his right to stop it. Two runs taken! However, it looks like Rashid Khan has injured himself.

The skipper Dasun Shanaka makes his way out to the middle to wrap up the inning.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mujeeb Ur Rahman gets his second wicket, but it is too little too late for Afghanistan. This is quicker, short and on off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa tries to guide it towards third man, but plays it too fine as the ball lobs up off the arms of Gurbaz and he takes the catch running to his left.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva eases it towards long on for a single.

FOUR! Back-to back for DDS! Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowls this short and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

FOUR! Cheeky but effective! This is floated, full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva waits for it and scoops it over the keeper's head for a boundary.

Short and on middle, Bhanuka Rajapaksa pulls it through square leg for a single.

Overthrows! FIFTY FOR DDS! A crucial knock and at a very important time for Sri Lanka. This is short and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva tucks it towards square leg for a run, the fielder throws at the bowler's end and hits the stumps as the ball deflects towards long on. The batters get two extra runs.

Full and on off, Dhananjaya de Silva drives it towards mid off for a single. Sri Lanka need 16 runs from 18 balls now.

On a length and around off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa guides it towards third man for a single.

Short of a length and on leg, slower too, Dhananjaya de Silva helps it towards fine leg for a single.

This is on a good length and on off, angling away, Dhananjaya de Silva slashes at it but misses.

FOUR! Nice shot! This is pitched up, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva thrashes it over cover for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi bowls this short and on middle, Bhanuka Rajapaksa pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Tossed up, full and on off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa pushes it through cover-point for a single.

BEATEN! Rashid Khan bowls the googly, short and on off, turning away, Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to play at it but misses.

This is flatter, full and on off, turning in, Bhanuka Rajapaksa goes for the slog but misses and gets hit on the pads. There is an appeal for LBW, but turned down. Rashid Khan convinces Mohammad Nabi to take the review. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows wickets is umpire's call and Bhanuka Rajapaksa survives.

Floated, full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up, full and on leg, Bhanuka Rajapaksa drives it down to long on for a single.

A googly, on middle, turning away, Bhanuka Rajapaksa blocks it to the off side.

This is bowled on a good length and in line with the stumps, Dhananjaya de Silva flicks this to deep square leg and they run well to complete two runs.

DROPPED! Goes a fraction full this time and outside the off pole, Dhananjaya de Silva hits this back to the right of the bowler who sticks his hand out and gets a bit of the ball. He is unable to hold on though as it was a tough chance.

Bangs this in short and outside off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa mistimes his pull into the vacant deep mid-wicket region for a single.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries and Bhanuka Rajapaksa wants to end this in a hurry. Gulbadin Naib bowls this full and outside off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa picks the slower ball well and lofts it over mid off for four more runs.

FOUR! This has been tickled down fine for four runs! Gulbadin Naib goes 'round the wicket and slips this down leg side on a good length. Bhanuka Rajapaksa gets enough bat on this to work this down to fine leg for a boundary.

Gulbadin Naib bowls a slower delivery short and outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva pulls this towards deep square leg and takes one.

Gulbadin Naib comes into the attack now.

Flighted full and straight, Dhananjaya de Silva hits this aerially towards deep mid-wicket and takes a single to retain strike.

This is full as well and on the pads. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg for a leg bye.

FOUR! Bhanuka Rajapaksa is off the mark with a boundary! Rashid Khan bowls a quick delivery down leg side on a fuller length, Bhanuka Rajapaksa clips this down to fine leg and collects four runs for himself.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa walks out to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Rashid Khan has done it again! He gets the breakthrough Afghanistan need and Charith Asalanka will have to depart. He flights this ball full and outside the off pole, Charith Asalanka finds the ball in his hitting arc and looks to clear the long on fielder. He does not manage to connect well and Azmatullah Omarzai takes a fine catch with both hands over his head. Sri Lanka have lost their third wicket and they will be hoping there is no collapse here.

Bowls this full as well and outside off, Charith Asalanka blocks the ball to the right of the bowler.

Rashid Khan bowls a full delivery in line with the stumps, Dhananjaya de Silva works this to deep point and takes a single. That brings up the 100 for Sri Lanka.

Rashid Khan (2-0-22-1) is back on.

Bangs this in short and outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva pulls this to deep square leg for a single. 10 runs have come from this over.

Angles this one into the batter on a good length, Charith Asalanka taps the ball towards mid on and takes a single.

FOUR! Slashed hard and Sri Lanka get a lucky boundary! Azmatullah Omarzai bowls this short and wide outside off, Charith Asalanka swings his bat at the ball and gets a thick outside edge that flies to the fine leg fence for four runs.

This is full and on the pads, Charith Asalanka clips the ball to fine leg for a run. The throw from the deep hits the stumps and the batters collect an extra run on the over throw.

This is bowled back of a length and outside off, Charith Asalanka pulls this ball towards deep mid-wicket and takes a brace.

Azmatullah Omarzai begins the over with a good-length delivery outside the off pole, Charith Asalanka looks to cut without moving his feet and is beaten.

Azmatullah Omarzai comes back into the attack. He conceded seven runs in his first over.

Flighted full and in line with the stumps, Dhananjaya de Silva shimmies down the wicket and lofts it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

This is on a fuller length and outside the off stump, Charith Asalanka cuts this late to the right of short third man and takes one.

Goes short this time and on the pads, Dhananjaya de Silva tucks this to deep backward square leg and takes a single.

SIX! Dhananjaya de Silva is on the attack here after the break! Mohammad Nabi bowls this full and outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva charges down the wicket and thumps the ball over long off for biggie.

Goes 'round the wicket to the left-hander and angles this into the pads on a fuller length, Charith Asalanka clips this to mid-wicket and takes one.

This is full and in line with the stumps, Dhananjaya de Silva punches the ball down to long on and takes a run.

Short and wide outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva slaps this to deep cover and takes a single to keep strike.

Flights this one full and outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva knocks this straight to mid off.

Goes full on the pads, Dhananjaya de Silva clips this to deep square leg and they run well to complete two.

SIX! This has been thumped away! Rashid Khan bowls this a fraction short and just outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva pulls this over the deep square leg boundary for a massive hit.

FOUR! A bit of luck for Sri Lanka and Rashid Khan has his hands on his head! He flights the ball full and outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva looks to heave but gets an inside edge down to fine leg for a boundary.

Rashid Khan bowls a shortish delivery in line with the stumps, Charith Asalanka rocks back and clips this ball to square leg for a single.

DRINKS! Sri Lanka have done well to preserve their wickets and have scored at a steady pace. They have lost both their openers but have a long batting lineup as well be confident of achieving this target. Afghanistan started well with an early wicket and now the spinners will look to maintain control after the break. This is now a battle between the Sri Lankan batters and Afghanistan spinners with the one coming on top most likely to lead their team to a win. The competition is at stake for both teams and this could be a nail-biting finish. Also, Rashid Khan (1-0-9-1) to bowl after the break.

Gives this one some air, on off, Charith Asalanka miscues his cover drive towards long on for another run. Sri Lanka are 63 for two at the halfway stage.

Slower through the air, on off, angling in, Charith Asalanka blcoks it out.

Floated, full and on off, Dhananjaya de Silva sweeps it towards deep square leg for a single.

Darts this one fuller and on the pads, Charith Asalanka tucks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Dhananjaya de Silva chips it down to long off for a single.

Mohammad Nabi starts with a flighted delivery, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva pushes it towards cover.

Mohammad Nabi has brought himself into the attack now.

Short again and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva pulls it through mid-wicket for one more.

Goes a bit fuller and outside off, Charith Asalanka pushes it past backward point for a single.

WIDE! Azmatullah Omarzai tries the bouncer, on middle, Charith Asalanka misses his pull shot. It is called a wide for height.

Short of a length and on off, Charith Asalanka pulls it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Azmatullah Omarzai bowls a slower delivery, on a length and on off, Dhananjaya de Silva guides it towards third man for a single.

This is short and on middle, Charith Asalanka pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai starts with a fuller delivery, on off, Charith Asalanka knocks it towards point.

A googly, short and on middle, Charith Asalanka punches it towards mid off for a quick single.

FIVE WIDES! Rashid Khan bowls this quicker and down the leg, Charith Asalanka misses and Rahmanullah Gurbaz behind the stumps cannot stop it as well. The ball races towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Charith Asalanka makes his way out to the middle.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Rashid Khan strikes in his very first over and sends the set batter back to the hut. He tosses this up, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis goes for the sweep, but gets top edge as the ball loops up towards the forward short leg region where Rahmanullah Gurbaz calls for it and takes a dolly. Sri Lanka lose their second.

BEATEN! A googly this time on off, turning in a bit, Kusal Mendis looks to drive it away but gets beaten and the ball goes just pass the stumps.

Flatter and around off, Dhananjaya de Silva late-cuts it towards backward point again for a run.

Shorter in length and on off, Kusal Mendis pushes it towards backward point for a quick single.

Rashid Khan starts with a quicker delivery, on off, turning away, Kusal Mendis leaves it alone.

FOUR! SMASHED! Fareed Ahmad serves this full again and around off, Dhananjaya de Silva drives it firmly past the mid off fielder for a boundary.

On a length and on off, Kusal Mendis steers it towards third man for another run.

Fareed Ahmad bowls this short and on middle, Kusal Mendis pulls it hard and wide of deep mid-wicket where Rashid Khan covers his ground well and dives to his left to stop it. Two runs taken!

A slower bouncer now, on middle, Kusal Mendis tries to upper cut it, but misses. It is called a wide for height.

SIX! Stand and deliver! What a shot! Fareed Ahmad serves this full and on middle, Kusal Mendis stays there and smokes it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva waits for it and guides it towards third man for a run.

This is full and outside off, Kusal Mendis misitmes his drive through cover for a single.

Shortish and on leg, Kusal Mendis pulls it towards deep square leg for a run. Sri Lanka are 28 for one after the end of Powerplay.

Slower through the air, on off, Kusal Mendis blocks it out.

Tossed up, full and on leg, Dhananjaya de Silva looks for the slog but gets a top edge over mid-wicket for just a single.

Darted full and around leg, Kusal Mendis drills it down to long on for a single.

Shorter in length and on middle, Kusal Mendis pulls it wide of deep square leg for a brace.

Flatter and quicker, on leg, Kusal Mendis goes for the slog-sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads.

On a good length once again and outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva punches the ball towards cover.

This is on a good length and in line with the stumps, Kusal Mendis plays this with soft hands towards mid on and they take a quick single.

FOUR! Two boundaries in a row now! This is slightly short as well and outside off, Kusal Mendis goes for the pull shot once again but does not time this one as well. The ball still runs away into the deep mid-wicket boundary for four more runs.

FOUR! That should release some pressure! Fareed Ahmad bangs this in short and outside off but the ball does not rise enough and sits up nicely for Kusal Mendis. This has been dispatched to the deep mid-wicket for a much-needed boundary.

This is a touch fuller and just outside the off stump, Kusal Mendis defends this towards cover.

Fareed Ahmad begins with a back-of-a-length delivery just outside off, Kusal Mendis misses his pull and gets hit on the hips.

Fareed Ahmad comes into the attack now.

Bowls a straight delivery on a fuller length, Dhananjaya de Silva defends this back down the pitch.

This is bowled quicker and on the pads on a fuller length, Dhananjaya de Silva blocks this to mid on.

This is flighted full and outside off, Kusal Mendis sweeps this to deep square leg and they take a single.

Flights this one full and outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva knocks this to the left of the bowler who parries it to long off and they take a run finally.

Slightly short and outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva cuts this straight to backward point.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowls this full and angled into the pads, Dhananjaya de Silva taps this to the right of the bowler.

This is full and straight! Kusal Mendis can only block this to the cover fielder and Fazalhaq Farooqi has bowled a lovely maiden to back up the wicket!

This is on a good length and in line with the stumps, Kusal Mendis blocks this to the right of the bowler.

Four dot balls in a row after the wicket! Fazalhaq Farooqi bowls a lovely delivery slightly full and outside off, Kusal Mendis plays inside the line of the ball and is beaten all ends up.

This is on a good length as well and outside off, Kusal Mendis blocks this towards point.

Back of a length and around off, Kusal Mendis pushes it towards point.

Fazalhaq Farooqi bowls this on a good length and just outside off, Kusal Mendis pushes at this but is beaten.

Dhananjaya de Silva walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! TIMBER! Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowls a beauty to dismiss Pathum Nissanka! He serves this in line with the off stump but the ball straightens a fraction after pitching. Pathum Nissanka looks to play for the angle and is beaten on the outside edge as the off pole is pegged back. Afghanistan have drawn first blood and all Pathum Nissanka can do is stare at the pitch.

This is full as well and outside off, Pathum Nissanka blocks this towards cover.

Keeps bowling straight and on a fuller length. Pathum Nissanka looks to work this leg side but gets a leading edge back down the pitch.

This is full and in line with the stumps, Pathum Nissanka blocks this towards mid-wicket.

FOUR! That is a really poor delivery from Mujeeb Ur Rahman! He serves this short and outside off, Pathum Nissanka does not miss out as he slaps this to deep point for four runs.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman starts off with a fullish delivery outside off, Pathum Nissanka knocks this straight to cover.

Afghanistan going with spin now as Mujeeb Ur Rahman is ready to bowl.

Bowls this on a good length and just outside off, Kusal Mendis blocks this towards the point fielder. 8 runs have come from the first over and Sri Lanka are off to a good start.

On a good length this time but still on the pads, Kusal Mendis is unable to beat the short fine leg fielder with a tickle off his pads.

This is on the pads and a touch fuller, Pathum Nissanka clips this to the left of short fine leg and takes a single.

WIDE! Strays down leg side on a good length, Kusal Mendis misses his flick and the keeper does not collect cleanly as well. The umpire calls wide and the run an extra run as well.

Bowls this one full as well but on the pads, Pathum Nissanka clips this into the square leg region and takes a single.

FOUR! Pathum Nissanka is off the mark in style! Fazalhaq Farooqi serves this a touch fuller and outside off, Pathum Nissanka gets forward and strokes this to deep point for a boundary. This should give Pathum Nissanka confidence.

Fazalhaq Farooqi starts with a lovely delivery angled away from the batter outside off on a good length. Pathum Nissanka feels for it and is beaten.

OUT! STUMPED! Wanindu Hasaranga has three wickets under his belt and he will be mighty pleased! This is tossed up, around off, Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes down the pitch to heave it over mid-wicket, but misses it completely and Kusal Mendis takes the bails off in a flash. Afghanistan finish on 144 for 8!

Flighted full and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai knocks this into the air towards long off and they take a single as the ball falls short.

Wanindu Hasaranga bowls this full and outside off, Mujeeb Ur Rahman shapes up for the switch hit but gets it towards point for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman has walked out to the crease.

OUT! TIMBER! Wanindu Hasaranga sends Rashid Khan back to the hut! He bowls the googly this time, on middle, turning in, Rashid Khan skips down the track to slog it away, but plays all over it and the ball goes through to rattle the stumps. This is turning out to be a great decision from Dasun Shanaka to give the last over to Wanindu Hasaranga.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai uses his feet to play at it but gets an inside edge as the ball goes to the off side. A single is taken.

Shorter and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to cut but misses.

A slower one, full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai drievs it towards long off for a single.

OUT! TAKEN! The catch is taken this time and Mohammad Nabi has to go back to the hut. This is full and outside off, Mohammad Nabi reaches for it and tries to go over cover, but slices it up in the air towards th cover region where Dasun Shanaka settles under it and completes the catch.

WIDE! This is on a length but way outside off. Wided.

Sri Lanka's fielding continues to be their kryptonite as they have been unable to take some of their catches in this game as well.

Dropped again! Kasun Rajitha serves this full and on off, Rashid Khan goes for the helicopter shot but hits it straight towards cover where Dasun Shanaka drops a sitter.

This is pitched up, on off, Rashid Khan goes for the big heave but cannot connect.

DROPPED! This is full again and outside off, Rashid Khan slashes at it, but gets a outside edge towards the keeper where Kusal Mendis leaps, but cannot grab it and parries it towards third man. Two runs taken!

FOUR! Brilliant shot! This is full and on off, Rashid Khan smashes it over extra cover for a boundary.

Another full delivery bowled outside the off stump, Rashid Khan knocks this to long off and takes a single to keep strike.

Flights this one full and outside off, Rashid Khan taps this to the left of the bowler.

Maheesh Theekshana bowls this full as well and angling down leg, Mohammad Nabi clips this towards wide long on and the look for two but a misfield in the deep allows them to take three runs.

Maheesh Theekshana fires this one full and into the pads, Rashid Khan clips this to deep square leg and takes a single to get off the mark.

Rashid Khan is the new batter out in the middle.

OUT! RUN OUT! A very unlucky way to get dismissed, but Sri Lanka won't mind. This is short and on off, Mohammad Nabi tucks it towards deep mid-wicket for a run, Naib wants the second run and sets off. However, he is sent back mid-way through, and while going back his bat gets stuck in the ground and he tries to roll over to get to he crease, but by the time he gets in, Kusal Mendis takes the bails off. He has injured his shoulder too. Afghanistan loses half their side now.

A full toss, on off, Gulbadin Naib drives it long off for a single.

FOUR! Mohammad Nabi finds the gap this time! This is full again, on off, slower too, Mohammad Nabi waits for it drills it wide of mid off for a boundary.

This is short and on middle, Mohammad Nabi stays there and pulls it wide of deep square leg where the fielder dives to his right to stop it. Two runs taken!

Kasun Rajitha gets away with it! He bowls another slower one, full and on off, Mohammad Nabi waits for and smashes it straight to cover.

A slower one, full and on middle, Gulbadin Naib drills it down to long on for a single. Oh..no! It is called a no ball for overstepping. Free hit coming up...

Bowls this back of a length and outside off, Mohammad Nabi pulls this to deep mid-wicket and takes a single.

He bowls this one full and angled int the pads, Mohammad Nabi clips this wide of deep mid-wicket and they take two runs.

Kasun Rajitha bowls this one full and outside off, Gulbadin Naib thumps this down the ground towards long on. Wanindu Hasaranga comes running in to attempt a catch but the ball his well short. he does well to stop the ball from going past him as he sticks out his left hand. The batters take just a run.

Mohammad Nabi the captain of Afghanistan makes his way out to the middle and Kasun Rajitha has been brought into the attack.

OUT! TAKEN! Najibullah Zadran tries to be aggressive but holes out! Dhananjaya de Silva gets the breakhtrough. He flights this up, full and on off, Najibullah Zadran goes for the big heave over long off, but hits it with the bottom part of his bat. As a result, the ball goes in the air and Wanindu Hasaranga takes a good catch at long off moving backwards. Afghanistan lose their fourth wicket.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Gulbadin Naib tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Short again and on middle and leg, Gulbadin Naib flicks it towards deep square leg for a brace.

Quicker, short and on middle, Najibullah Zadran works it towards mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! Poor delivery and rightly punished! This is short and on off, Najibullah Zadran goes back and pulls it wide of the deep square leg fielder for a boundary.

Floated and around leg, Gulbadin Naib tucks it towards square leg for a single.

Dhananjaya de Silva has been brought into the attack for his first over.

Back-of-a-length delivery bowled outside the off stump, Najibullah Zadran pulls this into the air and the ball lands in the vacant deep mid-wicket region. They take a couple of runs.

Slower delivery bowled full and in line with the stumps, Gulbadin Naib waits on it and works this down to long on for a single.

Slightly short and wide outside off, Gulbadin Naib cuts this and the ball bounces just short of the point fielder who does well to collect it.

Bangs this in short and wide outside off, Najibullah Zadran pulls this to deep square leg and takes a run.

Delivers this one wide outside off on a fuller length, Najibullah Zadran looks to stroke this through the off side with no feet movement and gets beaten.

Pramod Madushan bowls this one a good length and in line with the stumps. Gulbadin Naib blocks this towards long on and take a single. That brings up the 100 for Afghanistan.

Pramod Madushan (2-0-19-0) is back on.

Goes back to bowing full and just outside the off pole, Gulbadin Naib gets his front foot well forward but gets an inside edge to the right of mid-wicket and they take one.

Bowls this one a fraction short and outside off, Najibullah Zadran pulls this to deep mid-wicket for yet another single.

Flights this one full and outside off, Gulbadin Naib gets on one knee and drags the ball to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Loopy delivery bowled full and pitching outside leg, Najibullah Zadran attempts the reverse sweep but gets an edge to the leg side for a single.

Flights a googly full and wide outside off, Najibullah Zadran pushes at this but is beaten on the outside edge.

Afghanistan have a good foundation for their big hitters to take it on from here. They will look to get near the 160-run mark to give their bowlers the best possible chance to defend it.

Wanindu Hasaranga flights this full and outside off, Najibullah Zadran defends this towards cover.

Bowls this one back of a length and outside off, Najibullah Zadran gets on his toes and cuts this to deep point and they run hard to complete three runs.

This is on a good length as well and angled down leg, Gulbadin Naib mistimes his shot towards fine leg and takes a single to get off the mark.

What a jaffa to follow up the short balls! Bowls this on a good length and gets the ball to nip back in sharply. Gulbadin Naib gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball goes over the stumps.

WIDE! Another short ball banged in and angled down leg. Gulbadin Naib ducks under this one but the umpire decides that this is wide.

Bangs this one in short to welcome the new batter. Gulbadin Naib sways out of the way and lets the ball go through to the keeper.

Gulbadin Naib comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Lahiru Kumara has taken yet another wicket and Ibrahim Zadran has to make the long walk back to the shed. This is bowled on a good length and outside the off pole, Ibrahim Zadran makes room and looks to thump this over the mid off fielder. The length was not right and therefore mistimes his shot straight to Bhanuka Rajapaksa at mid off. Afghanistan have lost their thrid wicket now.

Lahiru Kumara bowls this on a good length and just outside off, Najibullah Zadran pushes at the ball and gets an inside edge towards mid-wicket. They take a quick single though and rotate the strike.

Lahiru Kumara (3-0-24-1) to bowl out now.

Flighted delivery full and on an off stump line, Najibullah Zadran knocks this to long off and takes a single to retain strike.

WIDE! Goes 'round the wicket to the left-hander and fires this one down leg side on a fuller length. Najibullah Zadran misses his clip and this is called wide by the umpire.

Maheesh Theekshana bowls this short again and on leg, Ibrahim Zadran moves back and works it towards the mid-wicket region for a single.

This is angled into the pads on a shorter length, Ibrahim Zadran clips this to deep mid-wicket and they take a brace.

SIX! Ibrahim Zadran has swatted this away! Maheesh Theekshana bowls full once again and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran gets nicely under this one and heaves this over long off for a huge hit.

Shortish and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran makes room and punches it wide of long off for a brace. Good running!

FOUR! This has been crunched away! Maheesh Theekshana flights one full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran gets a stride forward and strokes this to deep cover for a cracking boundary.

Wanindu Hasaranga flights a googly full and in line with the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran misses his flick and the ball goes off the pads to third man and they take a leg bye. Wanindu Hasaranga is convinced this is out and Dasun Shanaka decides to review this. UltraEdge shows no bat is involved and Ball Tracking indicates that the ball is missing the leg stump. The onfield decision stays and Sri Lanka lose their review.

Review time! Sri Lanka have taken a review for a LBW decision.

This is bowled full as well and wide outside off, Najibullah Zadran clips this towards short mid-wicket with soft hands and takes off for another risky run.

Loopy delivery bowled full and outside the off stump, Najibullah Zadran drives this to wide long off and they rush across for two runs. Wanindu Hasaranga does well to flick the throw onto the stumps but the batter has made it back safe.

Wanindu Hasaranga bowls this one full and in line with the stumps, Najibullah Zadran taps the ball to the left of the bowler.

Najibullah Zadran walks out to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Wanindu Hasaranga has the breakthrough right after the break and he will be a relieved man! Gives the ball some air but bowls it short and outside the off pole, Usman Ghani backs himself to clear the short leg side boundary but mistimes his pull shot. The ball flies towards the deep mid-wicket fielder where the captain Dasun Shanaka takes an easy catch. Usman Ghani has to depart after getting off to a good start.

Wanindu Hasaranga begins the over with a shortish delivery outside off, Usman Ghani mistimes his cut to short third man.

DRINKS! Afghanistan will be happy with the start they have with the platform being set for their hitters to come and exploit the death overs. Sri Lanka have managed to get rid of the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz but will be hoping for more wickets after the break. The spinners have managed to keep it tight but this could easily go all wrong if they lose their discipline. There is a lot more action to come our way shortly. Wanindu Hasaranga (1-0-3-0) to bowl after the break.

Flatter delivery, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran looks to block it out, but gets an outside edge towards the third man fence, the fielder from short third man gives chases and keeps it in. Two runs taken!

Quicker one, short and on leg, Usman Ghani flicks it off the back foot through square leg for one.

Slower through the air, on middle, Usman Ghani leans on and blocks it out.

Floated, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran lofts it towards long off with not much timing for just a run.

Shortish and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran stays there and knocks it towards short mid-wicket.

Tossed up, on middle, Usman Ghani uses his feet to work it to the leg side, but gets a leading edge towards cover. A single is taken.

Maheesh Theekshana will bowl the last over before the refreshment break.

Lahiru Kumara bowls this on a good length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran knocks it to the off side.

Back of a length and outside off, Usman Ghani slashes it through point for a single.

Lahiru Kumara bangs in a bouncer, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran ducks under it. Kusal Mendis jumps to collect it, but the batters run a bye.

Short of a length and middle, Usman Ghani works it towards mid on for a run.

SIX! BANG! Usman Ghani connects this time. This is full and on off, Usman Ghani stays there and smokes it over the long off fence for a biggie.

WIDE! Lahiru Kumara loses his line again and serves this length delivery down the leg, Usman Ghani misses his pull shot. Wided.

This is back of a length and on leg, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to the leg side for a single.

Bowls this full as well and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran drives this down to long off and takes a single to keep strike.

Another loopy delivery bowler full and angling down leg, Usman Ghani charges down the wicket and gets an inside edge to deep square leg for one.

Flights this one full and just outside the off pole, Usman Ghani blocks this back to the bowler's left.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran eases it towards long on for a single.

TWO BYES! This is short again and on off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to cut it away, but misses and it goes through to the keeper. However, Kusal Mendis tries to be cheeky and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses and the ball goes towards the long off region. Two runs taken.

Wanindu Hasaranga starts with a short delivery and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran cuts it towards backward point.

Wanindu Hasaranga has been brought into the attack and Sri Lanka will be hoping he gets his mojo back.

Length again and on off, Usman Ghani punches it but finds the point fielder again.

This is on a good length and on off, Usman Ghani pushes it towards point.

Lahiru Kumara serves this on a yorker length and on off, Usman Ghani digs it out towards mid on.

On a length and on off, Usman Ghani looks to cut it but gets an inside edge towards the keeper who lets it through towards fine leg. Two runs taken!

WIDE! This is on a hard length and down the leg again, Usman Ghani misses his hook shot. Wided.

Bowls this one back of a length as well and into the batter, Ibrahim Zadran mistimes his pull towards short fine leg and takes a single to get off the mark.

WIDE! Lahiru Kumara bangs this in short and angling down leg, Ibrahim Zadran looks to pull but misses and is called wide by the umpire.

Ibrahim Zadran makes his way out to the middle at number 3.

OUT! TIMBER! Lahiru Kumara draws first blood! Sri Lanka get the much-needed breakthrough right after the Powerplay. Kumara bowls this full and on middle, angling in, Rahmanullah Gurbaz decides to go for the big shot over mid off but loses his shape and the ball goes through to shatter the stumps. A good cameo from Gurbaz comes to an end.

Lahiru Kumara has been brought back into the attack. He went for 9 runs in his first over.

Floated, full and on off, Usman Ghani pushes it towards cover. Afghanistan are on 42 for none after the end of Powerplay.

Quicker one, short and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes room and smashes it back towards the bowler where Maheesh Theekshana parries it towards the cover region. A single is taken.

Tossed up, full and on off, Usman Ghani drives it through cover for a run.

A bit short and on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz moves back and works it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Slower through the air and on off, Usman Ghani looks to flick it away, but closes the face of the bat early, and gets a leading edge to the off side.

Maheesh Theekshana starts with a low full toss, on off, Usman Ghani drills it towards mid off.

Maheesh Theekshana has been brought into the attack for the last over of the Powerplay.

Slower delivery to end the over as this is served full and outside the off stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays this with soft hands towards point and looks for one but is sent back by Usman Ghani.

Delivers this one a fraction short and outside off, Usman Ghani cuts this to deep backward point and takes one to give Rahmanullah Gurbaz the strike.

This is in line with the stumps on a good length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps this towards mid-wicket and takes a quick single.

SIX! This has been beautifully flicked away! Pramod Madushan decides to bowl full once again and outside the off pole. Rahmanullah Gurbaz does not even need to move and he deposits this into the cow corner boundary for a maximum.

Half a chance here as Pramod Madushan bowls this on a good length and just outside off and he induces an outside edge. Usman Ghani feels for this and the ball just goes past the gully fielder for a single.

FOUR! Afghanistan are getting a move on as they have seen off the early movement! Pramod Madushan bowls this full and outside off, Usman Ghani gets his front foot forward and lofts this towards deep mid-wicket for four more runs.

Change of ends for Pramod Madushan (1-0-6-0).

FOUR! Rahmanullah Gurbaz looking dangerous now! Lahiru Kumara goes full at the stumps after the short ball and Rahmanullah Gurbaz is ready. He thumps this back past the bowler for a straight boundary.

Some extra bounce on offer here! Lahiru Kumara bowls this back of a length and in line with the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to block and gets hit on the gloves as the ball falls into the pitch.

Bowls this a fraction short and wide outside the off stump, Usman Ghani cuts this to the wide third man fielder and takes a single.

Bowls this one on a good length and outside the off pole, Usman Ghani taps this towards the backward point fielder.

FOUR! That is the first boundary for Usman Ghani! Lahiru Kumara bowls a full delivery outside off, Usman Ghani drives this uppishly but in the gap on the offside and finds the deep cover fence for four runs.

Lahiru Kumara begins his spell with a full delivery just outside off, Usman Ghani knocks this back towards the bowler.

Lahiru Kumara comes into the attack now.

Bowls this full and angled into the stumps from outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz defends this back to the bowler's left.

Goes back to bowling on a good length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz guides this to third man and they run well to take a couple of runs.

SIX! BANG! What a shot from Rahmanullah Gurbaz! Kasun Rajitha goes full and angles this one down leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz charges down the wicket but keeps his shape and lofts the ball over long off for a biggie.

Bowls this slightly back of a length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is watchful as he lets it go through to the keeper.

Goes a fraction fuller and wider outside off, Usman Ghani works this to deep backward point and takes a run to get off the mark.

This is on a good length and outside off, Usman Ghani faces his first delivery in the third over and blocks it towards the point fielder.

Bowls this one full and angling down leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clips this straight to short fine leg. 6 runs form the over.

Poor fielding from the captain there! Pramod Madushan bowls this full and outside iff, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives this straight to cover and a misfield allows them to complete a brace.

This is bowled full and aimed for the leg stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hits this uppishly to the right of the bowler and looks for a single as mid on comes and cuts it off He is sent back by Usman Ghani and if the throw had been better to the keeper's end, Rahmanullah Gurbaz was a goner.

FOUR! Afghanistan get their first boundary and it comes from the bat of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Pramod Madushan bowls this short and wide outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets on his toes and spanks it to deep point for four runs.

Bowls this one full and really wide outside the off pole as he sees Rahmanullah Gurbaz making room towards the leg side. The batter is unable to reach it.

Pramod Madushan starts off with a good length delivery in line with the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps this back down the pitch towards the bowler.

Pramod Madushan to share the attack with Kasun Rajitha.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is finally off the mark. Kasun Rajitha serves this on a good length and outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz guides this to deep backward point and takes one.

Really good over so far as this is served full and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks this one towards cover.

Make that four! Kasun Rajitha bowls this on a good length and outside the off pole, Rahmanullah Gurbaz charges down the wicket this time and heaves but misses as it goes through to the keeper.

Bowls this one slightly fuller but still outside the off stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz shoulders his arms to this one and three dot balls to start off.

This is slighter wider outside off on a good length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz chooses to leave this one alone.

Kasun Rajitha begins with a beautiful delivery. Movement straight away as he pitches this on a good length and just outside off. The ball moves away sharply and beats the outside edge of Rahmanullah Gurbaz's bat.

We are done with the pre-match formalities. It is time for some action! The players are walking out to the middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Usman Ghani are the two openers for Afghanistan. Kasun Rajitha to start proceedings with the ball. Let's play...

The umpires and the players have lined up in the middle for the national anthems. It will be Sri Lanka's national anthem first followed by the national anthem of Afghanistan.

PITCH REPORT - Samuel Badree is by the pitch and he says that there have been overnight showers and the ground staff has worked diligently to get a game going. Mentions that there are sizeable boundaries so it would help the bowlers a bit. He is joined by Nasser Hussain who says that it is quite dry for a Gabba pitch but it has held together well. Adds that there are darker areas in the pitch which may interest the spinners it may crumble. Claims that there is little but for the batters, pacers as well as slow bowlers. Ends by saying that a lot will depend on how the spinners are captained and that will be vital.

Dasun Shanaka the skipper of Sri Lanka says that they would have batted first as well. Informs that they have one change. Claims that losses, as they suffered in the last two games, can happen in a tournament like this but they need to come back. Adds that they are a good fielding side and they just need to pick up their confidence in the field. Mentions that they need to win this game and then the next one as well to stand a chance of qualifying for the semi-final.

Mohammad Nabi the captain of Afghanistan says that they will bat first. Adds that it is a used pitch and they will want to put runs on the board and then go on and defend it. Mentions that everyone is fine and the preparation is good except for Hazratullah Zazai who is injured. Tells that Mujeeb Ur Rahman will be important in the Powerplay as he knows this ground well.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Pramod Madushan (In place of Chamika Karunaratne).

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Gulbadin Naib (In place of Hazratullah Zazai), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

TOSS - The captains are out in the middle. The coin is flipped into the air and lands in favor of Afghanistan. They have elected to BAT first.

Sri Lanka on the other hand, have won only one game and lost two but they were in a solid position in both games to go on and win the match. Their lack of experience and poor fielding has cost them big time. They are also short of pace bowlers after many of their frontline pacers got injured and ruled out. Looking at their difficulties, they have played well but that was clearly not enough. Although they avenged their Asia Cup 2022 loss in that tournament, this is going to be a competitive match. Let's see who comes out on top. Toss and team news in a bit.