Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, AFG in SL, 3 T20Is, 2024 Full score card

SIX! BANG! Kamindu Mendis finishes with a maximum but that will not be enough. Wafadar Momand lands this back of a length and on middle, Kamindu Mendis clears his front leg away and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 3 RUNS!

A dot! Afghanistan's game now barring any extras! This is full and on middle, Kamindu Mendis swipes it straight to deep square leg and denies the run.

Wafadar Momand bangs in a slower bouncer, but this one is too high, Kusal Mendis leaves it alone. Wided. Still 10 needed in 2 ball snow!

Oh..wow! That is a close call! Wafadar Momand loses his grip and bowls a very high full toss, on off, Kamindu Mendis tries to slog it away but misses. It looks above the waist height to the naked eye but the umpires do not think so. Mendis is not happy and wants to take a review but that is not how it works.

FOUR! Kamindu Mendis finds the fence with his go-to shot again! Wafadar Momand takes pace off this time, and pitches it up, on middle, Kamindu Mendis once again shuffles across and nails his scoop past short fine leg for another boundary. He has played this shot to perfection in this game.

An appeal for LBW, but turned down! Wafadar Momand nails the yorker this time, on leg, Kamindu Mendis tries to heave it away but misses and the ball hits his pads on the full. Afghanistan take the review. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and Ball Tracking indicates the impact is outside leg. The Afghans lose a review but it is a precious dot for them. Sri Lanka needs 15 in 4 now!

MISFIELD AND FOUR! Not what Afghanistan needed at this time. Wafadar Momand lands this on a good length and on middle, Kamindu Mendis swings across the line but gets an inside edge toward short fine leg, Karim Janat tries to rush to the ball but lets it through for a boundary. 15 in 5 now!

The onus lies on Wafadar Momand to defend 19 off the last over. Also, Afghanistan have been penalized as they did not start the last over in the allotted time. Resultant, they will have to keep five fielders inside the 30-yard circle.

FOUR! Akila Dananjaya hits a crucial boundary here! Azmatullah Omarzai lands this back of a length and around off, Akila Dananjaya backs away a bit and swats it over and wide of mid off for four runs. Sri Lanka needs 19 runs in the last over!

Akila Dananjaya is in at number 8.

OUT! RUN OUT! Excellent piece of fielding from the President and the crowd goes absolutely silent here. Azmatullah Omarzai bangs in a sharp short ball here, in the middle, Dasun Shanaka gets hurried and miscues his pull shot in front of deep mid-wicket, he turns around for the second run, but Mohammad Nabi is quick to pounce on the ball and delivers a rocket throw at the batter's end where Mohammad Ishaq does the rest. Shanaka puts in a dive in but that does not save him and the replay confirms it as well. He has to walk back just when he was starting to get going.

FOUR! A boundary now! The crowd is up on their feet here. Azmatullah Omarzai pitches this one up and around off, Dasun Shanaka takes a couple of steps forward and thrashes it over extra covers for four more runs. Sri Lanka needs 24 runs in 8 balls now!

SIX! There she goes! Just what Sri Lanka needed! Azmatullah Omarzai misses his length and bowls a full toss, outside off, Dasun Shanaka throws the kitchen sink at it and slices it over the deep point fence for a biggie.

Another good yorker, on off, Kamindu Mendis jams it out towards mid off for a run.

Right in the blockhole, on middle, Dasun Shanaka digs it out towards extra covers for just a single. Sri Lanka needs 35 runs off 11 balls now.

Azmatullah Omarzai (3-0-25-0) comes back into the attack to bowl the penultimate over.

Sri Lanka now need 36 off the last couple of overs. It's a steep slope to climb from here.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR MENDIS! Sri Lanka gets 10 off the over! Karim Janat pitches this one up and around middle, Kamindu Mendis once again goes down across and scoops it towards the fine leg fence for another boundary. Mendis gets his maiden T20I half-century, but will he be able to take the Lankans home here?

Excellent stuff! Karim Janat nails the wide yorker, outside off, Kusal Mendis fails to dig it out.

Back of a length and on middle, slower too, Dasun Shanaka is early through his heave and misses, the ball goes off his pads to the leg side. A lge bye is taken.

Oh..wow! Dasun Shanaka misses a freebie! Karim Janat serves a juicy full toss around off, Dasun Shanaka swings hard at it but loses his shape and misses.

A low full toss, on middle, Kamindu Mendis drills it towards long on for a single.

FOUR! Cheeky and effective! Karim Janat starts with a full delivery, on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis shuffles across and scoops it over the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

Karim Janat is into the attack for the first time tonight.

DROPPED! It is all happening here in Dambulla! Noor Ahmad bowls this quicker, short and on middle, Kamindu Mendis tries to heave it away but gets a top edge high in the air, Wafadar Momand at short fine leg never really looked comfortable and spills it out. They cross. Sri Lanka needs 46 runs in the last three overs.

Flatter, full and on off, Dasun Shanaka pushes it towards sweeper covers for one.

Goes short and around middle, Kamindu Mendis backs away and punches it through covers for a single.

SIX! BANG! The game is still alive! Noor Ahmad flights this one up, full and on middle, this one is in the slot, Kamindu Mendis goes down on on knee and nails his slog-sweep way over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

FOUR! He finds the fence this time! This is floated, full and on middle, Kamindu Mendis shuffles across to get inside the line of the delivery and slogs it towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Tossed up, full and around off, turns away, Kamindu Mendis has swipe at it but fails to connect.

Slower through the air, full and on middle, Dasun Shanaka tucks it straight short mid-wicket. Just 3 runs and a big wicket of Mathews from the over.

The former Sri Lankan skipper, Dasun Shanaka walks in at number 7.

OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! The bat change did not work fro Angelo Mathews and he holes out now. This is floated, full and around middle, Angelo Mathews goes down to slog-sweep it, connects well but fails to get the elevation and hits it flat and straight into the hands of Qais Ahmad at deep mid-wicket who makes no mistake. Sri Lanka loses half their side now and still needs 59 runs off 25 balls now!

Slider this time, angling into the pads, Kamindu Mendis tucks it towards square leg for another run.

Goes short again, on middle, Angelo Mathews nudges it through square leg for just a run.

Fires in a good yorker, on middle, Angelo Mathews only manages to dig it back to the bowler.

Floated, short and on middle, Angelo Mathews flicks it off the back foot wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Mohammad Nabi to bowl out now.

On a dragged length around middle, Angelo Mathews tucks it across to mid-wicket for a single and gets off the mark. A sensational over from Qais as he concedes just 4 runs from it and also picks an important wicket of Sadeera Samarawickrama.

The player of the match from the last game, Angelo Mathews is the next man in.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A crucial, crucial wicket and Qais Ahmed has just dismissed the man in-form Sadeera Samarawickrama on 23 off 12. Qais Ahmad flattens the trajectory this time and bowls a quicker one slightly outside off on a tad fuller length, Sadeera Samarawickrama with no real foot movement looks to clear the infield over the covers but he plays over the line of the ball and takes a faint inside edge off his blade. The ball magnets to the keeper's gloves in the end, who takes a good reaction catch behind the wickets. Qais Ahmad was brought in as the concussion sub and he did the job quite well for his team and has put Afghanistan in a commanding position now. A few dot balls created more pressure on Sadeera Samarawickrama and he tries to release it  with the big shot but fails dramatically and walks back to the hut.

Well bowled. This is clever bowling. Qais does not provide any room to Sadeera and bowls on fuller on the middle and leg, he carves it back to the bowler.

Only a single this time. Full and on off, Kamindu Mendis drives it along the ground to long off for just one.

Slides it on the middle and off on a fuller length, Kamindu Mendis clears his front foot and lifts it over the mid-wicket and scampers quickly for a second. He reaches home in time. Good fielding there by Gurbaz in the deep.

Down leg on a short length, Kamindu Mendis wears it on the pads in an attempt to pull it over the leg side.

Tad full and aiming the stumps, Kamindu Mendis flicks it off the wrists toward deep mid-wicket for a single. 11 runs from this over. Sri Lanka now need 67 runs off 36 balls. Also, a crucial 50-run stand comes up between the two.

Short and wide of off, Sadeera Samarawickrama advances down the track to manufacture a shot towards the leg side but has a splice of his leading edge that falls safe in front of the cover. They run a single.

WIDE! A tough call! Short and above the batter's head. Wide given.

Straighter and fuller on the stumps, Kamindu Mendis shuffles outside leg and squeezes it through covers for a single.

WIDE! Has to reload that one! Down leg and Kamindu misses on his flick but it is Wide anyways. Too many extras bowled tonight collectively.

On a tad fuller length around off and middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama flicks it to long on for one.

Short and on the middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Good start of the over for Sri Lanka! A top effort in the deep but in vain! Short and on the off, Kamindu Mendis shimmies a couple of steps ahead and slaps it down the ground for a boundary. The long on fielder hard yards running to his right and dives to fetch it before the fence but fails.

FOUR! His intentions are pretty clear and he is batting sublimely. Drops a juicy half-volley on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama covers his off stump and leans on the ball before lofting it inside out over the covers for a boundary. 78 runs needed off the last 7 overs.

On a shorter length around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama goes deep in the crease and cuts it well towards deep backward point for a double. Very good running. A good intent shown there.

FOUR! Cut away nicely! Drops it on top of off on a length, Sadeera Samarawickrama rocks back and middles the cut shot through the point region for a boundary.

Slightly on off and fuller, Kamindu Mendis pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Sliding outside off, Mendis misses to connect the shot.

Slides it on the off stump on a fullish length, Kamindu Mendis reverse sweeps but inside edges towards deep third man and runs a double. Not at all where he intended to hit but will take the double.

Drifts on the middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis tucks it towards long on for a single. A good over for the Lankans as they fetch 15 from it. 91 needed off 48 deliveries.

FOUR! Innovative! Nabi drops it fuller and on the stump line, Kamindu Mendis switches the shot and reverse sweeps getting down on his knee before clearing the deep backward point for a boundary. A pre-meditated shot that from Kamindu and he gets the reward.

Full and on off, Kamindu Mendis leans on the ball and drives it past covers for a brace.

Around the wicket on a length, Sadeera Samarawickrama flicks it towards deep mid-wicket towards Noor and runs a single.

Halt! Noor Ahmad has hurt his lower back putting in that great effort in the deep. The physio checks on him but he is continuing for now, but is clutching his back in some pain.

SIX! Sadeera continues his form! This is flighted on the fuller length and on the stumps, Sadeera Samarawickrama clears his front leg and picks it up over the deep mid-wicket. But Noor Ahmad makes a valiant effort as he dives in the air and throws the ball into the field but after getting on the ground. Six it is.

On off and on a fuller length, Kamindu Mendis punches it to the off side and runs a single.

A great effort by Azmat in the deep! This is on a tad fuller length around off from over the wicket, Sadeera Samarawickrama slaps it towards extra cover and scampers back for the second as Azmatullah Omarzai makes a solid effort in the deep moving to his left and saves a couple.

Drifts it on the middle and leg on a fuller length, Kamindu Mendis flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

On a dragged length turning away from outside off, Kamindu Mendis backs and looks to punch but misses.

Another one which beats Mendis totally. Brings the line a bit outside off and full, it turns away a bit, Kamindu Mendis gets beaten again on the defence.

Absolute beauty! Slides into the batter and turns it away from the off a bit, Kamindu Mendis plays inside the line of the ball and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Noor continues and slides it on off on a fuller length, Kamindu Mendis flicks it with the stride ahead towards long on for a brace. Good running.

Quicker, full and on middle, Kamindu Mendis works it to long on for one more.

Short again and around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama cuts it towards point for one.

Shortish and on middle, Kusal Mendis punches it towards long on for a single.

Slower through the air, full and on middle, turns away, Kusal Mendis tries to block but gets an outside edge past short third man for a brace.

Fires this one full but down the leg side, Kusal Mendis tries to paddle it away but misses.

Kamindu Mendis walks in at number 5.

OUT! TAKEN! Mohammad Nabi gets rid of the opposition skipper here! He floats this one up, full and around leg. Wanindu Hasaranga dances down the track to slog it away but fails to get under it and hits it much straighter and flatter towards long on, Ibrahim Zadran runs forward and pouches it safely. Another big wicket fro Afghanistan as Hasaranga has been in decent form recently. Sri Lanka three down now!

FOUR! A streaky boundary! Mohammad Nabi lands this short and around leg, Wanindu Hasaranga backs away to cut it away but gets cramped for room. However, he manages to get an inside edge that goes between the keeper's leg and races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Short and around off, Wanindu Hasaranga moves back and cuts it towards sweeper covers for one.

FOUR! Nice use of the feet! Noor Ahmad gives this one some air, on middle, Wanindu Hasaranga skips down the track to get to the pitch of the ball and thumps it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Quicker, full and on middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama drills it towards long on for a run.

Ouch! Pathum Nissanka is looking in some discomfort and is unable to continue. Pathum Nissanka is retired hurt and he is walking back to the dressing room. He would be so disappointed with this as he was up and running with a blistering 60 off just 30 rocks.

Sadeera Samarawickrama is the next batter in.

SIX! BANG! Afghanistan having flashbacks of Maxwell from the World Cup here. This is flighted, full and around middle, Pathum Nissanka goes down and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. However, he falls down on the ground right after hitting it and it does not look good for him.

Tossed up, full and on off, Wanindu Hasaranga taps it wide of short covers for a single, the fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end but misses. However, the batters cannot run the overthrow as Nissanka is not able to move at all.

Just short! This is short again and around off, Wanindu Hasaranga tries to cut but gets an outside edge, the ball drops just in front of short third man.

Flatter, short and outside off, way outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga fails to reach it. Wided.

Goes a bit short and on middle, Wanindu Hasaranga moves back and flicks it through square leg for one.

Tossed up, full and on leg, Wanindu Hasaranga goes down to slog-sweep it but fails to connect.

Arm-ball now, on middle, angling away, Wanindu Hasaranga stays back and blocks it out.

Flatter, full and on middle, Pathum Nissanka flicks it towards deep square leh and hobbles across for a single.

Pathum Nissanka has just completed his Fifty but now he has pulled his hamstring and looks in some discomfort. The physio runs to the middle and checks him up. Nissanka is on the ground as he is being treated. He was seen limping while completing the second run and looked immobile. The two Umpires also stand near him while he is being strapped up. He looks fine to continue now. Also, an update on Sharafuddin Ashraf as he has been subbed out due to the concussion rule and Qais Ahmad comes in for him as the concussion substitute. A like-for-like replacement. A spinner comes in for a spinner.

Short again and on middle, Pathum Nissanka moves back and heaves it towards deep mid-wicket and turns around for the second run. Oh..no! This is not looking good for Sri Lanka as he limps back to complete the second run and looks in some discomfort here.

FIFTY FOR NISSANKA! A fine knock from him and this is his first one at home, but he knows that the job is not done here. Mohammad Nabi begins with a short delivery, on middle, Pathum Nissanka pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket where the fielder dives to his left to stop it well. Two runs taken.

Mohammad Nabi replaces Fareed Ahmad.

Tossed up, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka eases it towards long off for one more. Just 5 runs and a wicket from the over!

In the air...safe! Noor Ahmad slows it up this time, full and on off, Wanindu Hasaranga goes down to sweep but gets a top edge, the ball flies in the air but lands well in front of the incoming long on fielder. They cross.

Looped up, full and on leg, Pathum Nissanka tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

Flighted, full and on middle, Wanindu Hasaranga drills it towards long on for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga, the Sri Lankan skipper and the man in-form promotes himself to number 4.

OUT! LBW! Noor Ahmad strikes straightaway! Kusal Perera after scoring over 300 runs in the recently concluded ILT20 has to walk back for a duck here. This is the googly, full and on middle, turns in a bit, Kusal Perera goes down to sweep it away but misses it completely and gets hit on the pads right in front of the stumps. A huge shout for LBW, and up goes the finger. Perera takes the review after consulting with his partner. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows three reds. Sri Lanka lose their second and a review as well!

Noor Ahmad starts with a floated delivery, short and on middle, Pathum Nissanka stays back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Time for spin now as Noor Ahmad is into the attack. He replaces Azmatullah Omarzai.

On a length and around off, Kusal Perera pushes it towards short covers. Sri Lanka are 64/1 at the end of the Powerplay. Not much difference as Afghanistan were 72 for no loss at the same point.

Halt! Sharafuddin Ashraf looks in pain as he hits his head on the ground while completing his catch while backpaddling. He is in tremendous pain and is on the ground. All the Afghan players stand surrounding him. The stretcher is out but good signs as he is on his feet and walks out of the field as two Afghan subs help him. Also, Kusal Perera is in at number 3 for Sri Lanka.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Fareed Ahmad after all that pelting, gets a wicket now! He continues with his fuller length, keeps it away form the batter outside off, Kusal Mendis throws his hands at it but only manages to slice it up in the air, Sharafuddin Ashraf at cover-point back peddles, keeps his eyes firmly on the ball, and pouches it on the reverse-cup diving backward. However, he hits the back of the head hard on the ground, stays down and looks in a lot of pain, but keeps hold of the ball. Sri Lanka lose their first wicket!

FOUR! Kusal Mendis makes full use of the Free Hit! Fareed Ahmad misses his length and bowls a juicy full toss around off, Kusal Mendis reaches out for it and smacks it over extra covers for four more runs. 20 runs off the over and still 2 more balls to go.

Oh...no! Fareed Ahmad has overstepped here and it is going from bad to worse for him. He serves this full again and on off, Pathum Nissanka drills it wide of mid off where the fielder dives to his right to make a fine stop. Only a single taken. Free Hit coming up...

FOUR! TWO IN TWO! Fareed Ahmad comes over the wicket, lands this back of a length and around off, Pathum Nissanka makes room to free his arms and crunches it over point for another boundary.

FOUR! 10 runs off the first 2 balls already! Fareed Ahmad pitches it up around middle this time, Pathum Nissanka stays put in his crease and lofts it through the line and over the bowler's head for a one-bounce four.

SIX! Wow...what a shot! Fareed Ahmad serves this full and on off, angling in, Pathum Nissanka shuffles across, uses the pace of the ball and wristily whips it over the deep backward square leg fence for a biggie. Also, the 50-run partnership comes up between the two openers.

Bowls it outside off on a fuller length, Kusal Mendis looks to clear the in-field over covers but misses to connect and the ball carries to the keeper. A tentative appeal in the field for caught behind. Ibrahim Zadran has a brief chat with the keeper and aborts to take the review.

WIDE! Will have to reload that one. Angles down leg on a length, Kusal Mendis misses out on his flick and the keeper just gets the glove diving to his right. Wide given.

Angling on the pads on a fuller length, Pathum Nissanka flicks it a bit uppishly towards deep backward square leg for one.

On the back of a length around off, Pathum Nissanka cuts it straight off the back foot to point.

FOUR! Shot! On a fuller length angling down leg, Pathum Nissanka shuffles a bit across the leg stump and lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary to the right of long off.

Short and around off at 139 clicks, Pathum Nissanka hits it to mid off.

On top of off on a length, Pathum Nissanka swivels and pull towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

FOUR! A sting won't bother him! Slants it across off on a fuller length, Kusal Mendis clears his front foot and drives it aerially over the covers for a boundary to end the over. 10 runs from the over.

Halt! Kusal Mendis looks in a bit of pain here after getting hit just above his right elbow. The physio is in to check on him and apply some magic spray on the affected area. We are good to go...

On the back of a length and quicker at 136 clicks on the top of middle, Kusal Mendis misses to pull and it thuds his right bicep. He is grimacing in pain as it stings him hard. And the physio is out to treat him.

Fareed pitches it on a fuller length angling across off, Kusal Mendis slaps the drive towards point where Nabi stops it bending low in time.

Full and on the middle and off corridor, Pathum Nissanka hits it with the inside half of the blade to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Misfield! On the back of a length slanting across off, Kusal Mendis cuts it straight to point where the fielder fumbles to collect and allows the batters to cross for a single.

FOUR! In the gap! Short and on the middle from over the wicket from Fareed, Kusal Mendis short-arm jabs at it towards deep square leg for a boundary. Noor Ahmed fails to pull it back before the fence in the deep.

FOUR! Handsomely driven away! Slightly more width on a hard length from Wafadar, Pathum Nissanka cuts it on the up in front of the square towards deep extra cover for a boundary. This is an ordinary bowling. 11 runs from it. Sri Lanka are up and running now.

On the stumps and on a length, Kusal Mendis waits for this pace off delivery and tucks it with soft hands towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

A deceiving slower one on a fuller length around off, Pathum Nissanka gets the leading edge on the flick and eludes the bowler towards mid on for a single.

FOUR! Nissanka looks unstoppable! Classy! Just a bit of width on offer on a length, Pathum Nissanka stays put and cuts it square through the cover-point for a boundary. Sweet timing on that one and the ball races away to the fence.

Angles it into the batter from the off stump on a hard length, Kusal Mendis flicks it across towards long on for a single.

Pace off and outside off on a length, Kusal Mendis cuts it straight towards point off the back foot.

Short and angles into the off stump, Kusal Mendis pulls it on the bounce towards widish long on for a single to end the over.

On the back of a length on the top of off, Pathum Nissanka mistimes the heave straight to mid on and runs a single.

FOUR! Punished with grace! Azmat bowls it down leg on a fuller length, Pathum Nissanka flicks it nicely with the pace through fine leg for a boundary. He looks in a good nick right on.

Absolute beauty! A slower one just outside off, Pathum Nissanka gets beaten on his defence as he plays inside the line of the ball. The ball carries to the keeper on a couple of bounces.

On the back of a length outside off, Pathum Nissanka rides on the bounce and cuts it square but finds the cover fielder.

Straight and full on off, Pathum Nissanka defends it to covers on his front foot.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Azmatullah Omarzai.

Sneaks back in from the off stump line on a fuller length, Kusal Mendis flicks it straight to mid on. End of the first over. Sri Lanka fetch 9 from it.

A pace-off delivery outside off on a fuller length, Pathum Nissanka cuts it square of the wicket and looks to clear the point fielder but he does well to restrict it to just a single with his timely dive to his left.

FOUR! Pulled away nicely! On a shortish length outside off, Pathum Nissanka drags his pull shot on the up and clears the mid on fielder for a boundary toward long on. Not an ideal start from Wafadar Momand.

Goes wider of the crease and offers a bit of width on a length, Pathum Nissanka cuts it on the bounce to cover.

Gets his length correct this time. A considerable inward movement from outside off, Pathum Nissanka drives it straight to mid on off the front foot.

FOUR! A fabulous start for the hosts! Off the mark in style! Swings it into the batter from off on a fuller length, Pathum Nissanka whips across the angle and guides the ball towards deep fine leg for a boundary.

FOUR! Ishaq finishes off in style with a four! Not exactly where he intended to hit but he gets a boundary anyways. On a fuller length outside off with some pace-off on it, Mohammad Ishaq, the debutant slices it over deep point for a boundary and it makes 17 runs off the final over. What a pivotal cameo from him on his debut. Afghanistan end their innings on a high at 209.

SIX! Oh, what a shot! 200 up for Afghanistan in style. Overcooks the yorker and bowls a full toss on the middle and leg, Mohammad Ishaq shuffles a bit outside off and ramps it over the deep fine leg for a maximum. Crucial, crucial six this.

A fantastic yorker again on the stumps, Mohammad Ishaq mistimes his straight drive but scampers back for the double as the fielder is a bit lazy in the deep on the pick-up. 12 deliveries since the last boundary now.

Thushara cannons another perfect yorker which swings in from middle, Mohammad Ishaq flicks it to deep backward square leg off the inside edge for a couple of runs. Three good deliveries barring the Wide so far.

Fuller and tailing into the batter from middle, Mohammad Nabi slaps it towards long on for a single. Still cannot get away with a boundary there Nabi.

Well attempted yorker on the stumps, Mohammad Ishaq squeezes it out to the strip and sneaks a single.

WIDE! Not a good start! 21 extras so far conceded by Sri Lanka. Down leg and signaled Wide.

Can Nuwan Thushara keep Afghanistan under 200 here?

A slower delivery on the stumps, Nabi defends it to the strip to end the over. 10 off the penultimate over.

Full and angling back in on pads, Ishaq fails to connect this one and takes the brush off his pads to the leg side. They run a leg bye.

FOUR WIDES! Now that's really sloppy from the bowler and even the keeper! A yorker angling down leg. Nabi misses to flick it off but misses. Kusal Mendis behind the wickets dives to his right to stop but fails to pick it up, and the ball runs away to short fine leg where the fielder chases and manages to stop it before the ropes and throws back to the keeper. Two taken including a Wide.

A fuller length ball on off, Ishaq drives it to extra cover for a single.

FOUR LEG BYES! Unlucky for Pathirana! Excellent delivery though. Angling down leg, and tails back again, Mohammad Ishaq goes for a flick and misses. The ball brushes his pad and runs away for a boundary down to deep fine leg.

The debutant, Mohammad Ishaq to face the hat-trick ball.

OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! Pathirana has also arrived! Just when Afghanistan were looking to go guns blazing, they have lost two quick wickets.  A pin-point yorker tailing just a bit on the middle and leg stump at 149.4 clicks, Karim Janat has no idea to negotiate that and it goes through his defence and rattles the sticks in a blink as he is too late to jam his bat down. Two in two for Pathirana and now he is on a hat-trick.

Karim Janat is the next man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Fantastic catch by Kusal Perera! And finally, Pathirana gets a breakthrough. Guns it on a fuller length outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to find the gap through the covers but ends up slicing it due to excessive pace. The ball rockets from his bat and Kusal Perera takes a fabulous reaction catch at point. It came in a span of just a couple of milliseconds to him. An excellent knock from Omarzai comes to an end.

A dot to end the over. Another sharp yorker from Thushara on the pads, Mohammad Nabi tries to carve it out again but fails and it carries to the keeper. 11 runs from it.

A toe-crushing yorker aiming on the boots, Mohammad Nabi digs it towards short fine leg where Angelo Mathews fails to cleanly pick it up and the ball rolls towards deep fine leg. They run for a brace. Sri Lanka have been a bit sloppy in the field tonight.

FOUR! The President has arrived! Serves a juicy half-volley on the stumps, Mohammad Nabi simply clears his front leg and smacks it over the bowler's head for a boundary. 18th boundary of the innings so far.

An attempted yorker tailing back on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai squeezes it to long on for a single.

A crucial dot. Pace-off on a length outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai swings to clear the off side but misses as he gets tricked by the slower on.

FOUR! Fine shot that from Azmat! Pace on and wide of off on a length, Azmatullah Omarzai shuffles a bit on the leg stump and cuts it crisply through backward point for a boundary.

Nuwan Thushara (2-0-20-0) comes back into the attack now.

Bangs in short at 146 clicks on the bodyline, Mohammad Nabi pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace as Akila's fumble in the deep allows them to scamper back for the second to end the over. 10 runs from it.

Takes the pace-off on a length outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai adjusts his shot towards widish cover for a quick single.

FOUR! A pressure-releasing boundary from Azmat! Bowls it just around off on a fuller length, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it past cover-point gap for a boundary. Pathirana has been pretty expensive tonight.

On a fuller length in front of the sticks, Azmatullah Omarzai flicks it uppishly with no control and lands it in front off deep square leg for a brace.

Pathirana bowls a pace-off delivery just around off on a fuller length, Azmat swings hard and misses to connect. The ball carries to the keeper whispering his outside edge to the keeper on a couple of bounces.

Fuller and outside off at 133 clicks, Mohammad Nabi slashes it to backward point for a single.

Full and on the stumps, Nabi nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Jaffa! That one turns away and deceives Nabi on his defence. A brutal leg spinner on the middle which turns away from off, Mohammad Nabi gets squared up on his defence as the ball sneaks closely through his outside edge into the gloves of the keeper. Smiles exchanged between Nabi and Hasaranga.

Slides it on the middle and leg channel on a tad fuller length, Azmat pushes it to long on for one.

Googly on a shorter length which turns back in from off, Azmatullah Omarzai tucks it with softer hands towards deep backward square leg for a double.

Flighted ball drifting down leg and full, Mohammad Nabi drives it along the carpet to long on for a single.

Drops a flighted wrong'un on a shorter length down leg, Mohammad Nabi whips it to deep square leg for a brace.

Wanindu Hasaranga to finish off his spell.

FOUR! Gets it through! Matheesha Pathirana lands this back of a length and just around off, Azmatullah Omarzai gets his front foot out of the way and slaps it past mid off for a boundary.

Matheesha Pathirana bangs in a sharp bouncer now, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai tries to ramp it away but misses.

A slower yorker now, on middle, Mohammad Nabi jams it out towardspoint for a run.

Fuller one and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai drills it towards extra covers for a single.

FIVE WIDES! Free runs for Afghanistan! Matheesha Pathirana errs in his line and serves a yorker way down the leg side, Azmatullah Omarzai leaves it alone, Kusal Perera dives to his left but fails to stop it as the ball zips to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Pitched up and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai bunts it down the pitch where Matheesha Pathirana leaps up and grabs it on the bounce.

Right in the blockhole, on le, Mohammad Nabi fails to dig it out as the ball goes off his pads to the leg side. A leg bye is taken.

Matheesha Pathirana (1-0-16-0) is back into the attack.

Short and around off, Mohammad Nabi punches it towards long off for a single and gets off he mark straightaway.

'The President' Mohammad Nabi walks in at number 5.

OUT! TAKEN! Wanindu Hasaranga gets the big fish, Rahmanullah Gurbaz! A much-needed breakthrough for Sri Lanka. This is slower through the air, full and around middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz skips down the track and tries to lift it with a straight bat, but fails to get under it and miscues it high in the air, Sadeera Samarawickrama at long on runs a long way to his left, settles under it and this time holds onto the catch. Gurbaz goes back after a blistering knock but this game has opened up now.

Flatter, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai heaves it towards deep square leg for one.

Flighted, full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it towards mid-wicket for a run, he wants the second but Wanindu Hasaranga is quick to collect it and denies it.

FOUR! A boundary after quite some time for Afghanistan! This is floated, full and around leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes down and swipes it nicely over short fine leg for a boundary. Easy pickings for Gurbaz!

Tossed up, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai lofts it on the bounce to long on for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga (2-0-20-0) is back into the attack.

Flatter, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai comes down the track and drills it towards long on for one more.

Flighted, full and well outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes down and drags it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Goes short again, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz moves back and heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

Floated, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai eases it towards long off for a run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz uses his feet to work it away but gets a leading edge along the ground wide of point for a single.

Short and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz moves back and punches it straight to short covers.

Overpitched and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai drills it wide of long on and comes back for the second run. This is the fourth double of the over. 10 runs form it.

Back of a length and around leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clips it through square leg for one.

DROPPED! Another fine effort! Dasun Shanaka takes pace off again, serves this full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz mistimes his lofted shot off the toe-end of the bat, the ball flies in the air wide of long on, Sadeera Samarawickrama once again runs to his left, puts in a full-length dive, but just fails to hold on to it. Another two runs added to the total. Gurbaz is using all his luck in this game.

Slower again, on a length this time, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it with soft hands towards deep square leg for a brace.

Brilliant fielding in the deep! This is a slower one, full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz backs away and lofts it away wide of long on, Sadeera Samarawickrama runs to his left, dives and flicks it back inside with his weaker left hand. Two runs taken.

Fuller one and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai nugdes it through mid-wicket for a single.

A bit short and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai stays back and punches it down to long on for one more.

Looped up, full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps it to the off side and scampers across for one.

Slower through the air, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Flighted, full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai strides out and drives it firmly wide of long off for a couple of runs and gets off the mark.

Azmatullah Omarzai is in at number 4.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Akila Dananjaya strikes again! Ibrahim Zadran walks back for a rare low score. This is floated, full and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran goes down and tries to slog it away, but gets it from the toe-end of the bat and does not get the distance. As a result, it goes high up in the air, Wanindu Hasaranga runs forward from long on, settles under it, and pouches it safely to send back the Afghan skipper.

Tossed up, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it towards short covers.

A relatively quiet over this! Slower one from Shanaka on a good length outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes to push it through covers but plays it early and gets a thickish outside edge to short third man. Just 6 runs from this over. Halfway stage and Afghanistan are dominating on 113/1.

This one angles on the pads on a length, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it with soft hands and along the ground for a single towards deep mid-wicket.

Another slower one to follow on a length on top of off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives it through the covers for one.

On a nagging length around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it to the cover gap for a brace.

Back of a length and on the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran punches it off the back foot to long on for one.

FIFTY for Rahmanullah Gurbaz. An innings of authority here, despite of him struggling out there with his hamstring! A major relief for him as this is his 7th T20I Fifty! Over the wicket bowls Shanaka on a shorter length, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz cuts it to deep point for a single.

Short and on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz swivels to pull it towards deep square leg for a single to end the over. Another over which goes for double digits. 10 runs from it.

Another wrong'un on offer by Hasaranga on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz works it to long on for another brace.

Flighted delivery around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to deep mid-wicket and scampers back for the double.

FOUR! Poor delivery and rightly punished. 100 comes up for Afghanistan. Drifts it down leg on a fuller length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz helps it with the sweep shot beating short fine leg for a boundary.

Another googly to follow on a dragged length and on the middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to long on for a single.

Continues and bowls a googly on off, Ibrahim Zadran stays in the crease and punches it to mid off.

Slides it on the middle and short in length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls it off the back foot towards deep mid-wicket for a brace. An expensive over from Akila but he gets the wicket of Zazai. 15 runs from it.

On a length and on stumps, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to long on and takes a single.

Turns it back with the googly on shortish length on middle, Ibrahim Zadran steers it off the back foot to long on and scampers back for the double.

FOUR! Now that's some way to get off the mark in style! Slower carrom ball around off on a shorter length, Ibrahim Zadran rocks back and cuts it behind the square to deep backward point for a boundary.

Ibrahim Zadran walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! LBW! A huge confident appeal for LBW but the Umpire turns it down. A review is taken by Wanindu Hasaranga. Around the wicket and on a fuller length in front of the stumps, and angles back into the batter on middle, Hazratullah Zazai goes across, sits on his knee, and looks to sweep but plays outside the line of the ball and wears it around the box area right in front of the stumps. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and the Ball Tracker confirms three reds as the ball is clearly hitting the leg stump. An excellent review by Wanindu Hasaranga. A big wicket for Sri Lanka as they see the back of Hazratullah Zazai who was up and running.

SIX! Goes the distance. Short and on the off stump, Hazratullah Zazai rocks back and pulls it powerfully over cow corner for a maximum.

Flighted ball on the stumps. Gurbaz defends to end the over.

FOUR! Nicely placed. Drops it short and on stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls it nicely in front of the square to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

FOUR! Shot! Width on offer around off and short, Rahmanullah Gurbaz cuts it behind square for a boundary to backward point.

An appeal for LBW but only the keeper looks interested. A googly on the fuller length and turning into the batter from middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz misses to sweep and wears on the pads.

A googly from around the wicket on a fullish length and turning away from off, Hazratullah Zazai watchfully dabs it to the gully region and runs a single.

Halt! It looks like Rahmanullah Gurbaz is struggling with his thighs and has called for the physio. The magic spray comes out and he is being strapped up. We are good to continue now.

Drifts it on pads on a fuller length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to deep square leg for a single. Oh dear, looks like Gurbaz has pulled his hamstring here.

The skipper, Wanindu Hasaranga brings himself into the attack now.

FOUR! Beats the fielder in the deep! Also, this is the highest score inside the Powerplay in this series. Around the middle and leg channel on a fuller length, Hazratullah Zazai flicks it with sheer timing and beats the chasing fielder at deep mid-wicket for a boundary. Afghanistan end the Powerplay on a high note and without losing any wickets. 73/0.

On a fuller length again around off, squeezed to the off side for a single by Gurbaz.

FOUR! Picks it early! Fuller and on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz attacks it straight down the ground for a boundary over the bowler's head.

Drags his length and flats it on the middle and leg channel, Hazratullah Zazai tucks it to long on for one.

Just on off and full, Zazai cuts it to point.

Drops a low fuller delivery on the middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives it straight down the ground to widish long on for one.

Akila Dananjaya is into the attack replacing Matheesha Pathirana.

SIX! BOOM! Nuwan Thushara bangs this into the pitch and around middle, Hazratullah Zazai picks up the length early, gets on top of the bounce and pulls it away powerfully over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Full and on leg again, Rahmanullah Gurbaz misses his flick this time, the ball goes off his pads and rolls to the leg side as the batters get another leg bye.

Goes fuller and on leg, Hazratullah Zazai fails to work it away as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.

DROPPED! A huge chance goes begging here! Nuwan Thushara bangs in a sharp short ball, on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tries to pull it away but gets a top edge, the ball goes in the air towards deep square leg, Akila Dananjaya runs to his right, and gets underneath it but spills out a regulation catch. A single is taken. Gurbaz gets a life here!

Slower one, on a length and on leg, Hazratullah Zazai misses his flick, the ball deflects off his pads towards square leg as the batters crosses for a leg bye.

Back of a length and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pats it down wide of mid on for a single.

Nuwan Thushara (1-0-12-0) switches ends and replaces Angelo Mathews.

FOUR MORE! 16 runs off the over! Matheesha Pathirana errs in his line and lands hits on a good length but down the leg side, Hazratullah Zazai glances it nicely and beats the short fine leg fielder as the ball races to the fence for four more runs. That also brings up the 50-run partnership between the two openers.

FOUR! A bit streaky! Matheesha Pathirana pulls his length back a bit and outside off, Hazratullah Zazai slashes at it but gets a thick outside edge that flies well wide of short third man for another boundary.

Overpitched and outside off, Hazratullah Zazai drills it straight to cover-point.

Pitched up and around off, Hazratullah Zazai pushes it towards covers where the fielder fumbles and allows the second run.

Full again and way outside off, Hazratullah Zazai leaves it alone. Wided.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Matheesha Pathirana serves this full and outside off, Hazratullah Zazai accepts the width on offer, throws his hands at it with not much foot movement and carves it through point for a boundary.

Matheesha Pathirana starts with a hard-length delivery, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tries to cut it away but chops it onto the ground as the ball goes to third man. A single is taken.

Matheesha Pathirana replaces Nuwan Thushara.

Full and angling into leg again, Rahmanullah Gurbaz misses his flick this time as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.

Goes fuller and on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it away wide of deep square leg for a brace.

Length again and on middle, slower too, Hazratullah Zazai goes through his swipe early and forces it towards mid on and scampers across for a run.

On a length and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it towards short mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Fine shot! Angelo Mathews lands this short of a length and around off again, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drags it from there and heaves it wide and over mid on for a boundary.

Back of a length and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it straight to short covers.

A slight halt as Rahmanullah Gurbaz is having some issues with his bat. The Umpire tells him to get back to the crease in time and fix it quickly. He goes back after fixing his grip. Also, he is seen with some discomfort, maybe pulled his muscle a bit on the dive. But he looks good to continue.

FOUR! 12 runs off the over! Nuwan Thushara bowls this in the blockhole, outside off, Hazratullah Zazai once again opens the face of the bat at the last moment, uses the pace and squeezes it past short third man for another boundary.

Risky run! This is on a good length and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pats it in front of short mid-wicket and sets off for the run, the fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end with Gurbaz putting in a desperate dive in. A direct hit and he would have been a goner!

On a length and around off, Hazratullah Zazai opens the face of the bat and steers it towards point for another run.

FOUR! Hazratullah Zazai gets into the act now! Nuwan Thushara serves this a bit too full, on off, Hazratullah Zazai backs away a bit, extends his arms nicely and smacks it past mid off for a boundary.

Fuller one this time, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drills it wide of mid on for a run.

Nuwan Thushara begins with a hard-length delivery, on off, Hazratullah Zazai tries to push it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards point. A single is taken.

Nuwan Thushara to operate from the other end.

SIX! BANG! Right from the middle this time! Angelo Mathews follows the batter and bowls this full, on leg, slower too, Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes room for himself, picks it up, and whips it away over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

EDGED AND FOUR! Angelo Mathews pitches this one up and on middle, shaping away, Rahmanullah Gurbaz uses his feet to flick it away but gets a top edge that flies over short third man for the first boundary of the match.

Angelo Mathews hits the length hard, on middle, swinging in, Hazratullah Zazai only manages to stab it down to mid off for a run.

Back of a length and on middle, Hazratullah Zazai gets a bit cramped up and bunts it to the off side.

Goes fuller and around off, shaping away, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it uppishly but wide of point, Sadeera Samarawickrama dives to his right to make a good stop. They cross.

Hazratullah Zazai and Afghanistan are underway straightaway! Angelo Mathews starts with a good-length delivery, on off, Hazratullah Zazai knocks it towards mid off for a single.

We are all set! The umpires make their way out the middle and so do the fielders of Sri Lanka who spread out in the field. Ibrahim Zadran and Hazratullah Zazai are the two openers for Afghanistan. Angelo Mathews has the new ball and is all in readiness to commence the play. Let's go...

Wanindu Hasaranga, the skipper of Sri Lanka says they would have bowled first anyways. Four changes in the team as the bench strength also needs to be tested. Says that they are playing their natural game and it has generated positive results for them throughout the series. Ends up by saying that they will aim to whitewash the opposition.

Ibrahim Zadran, the skipper of Afghanistan won the Toss and elected to BAT first. He says that they will bat first. Adds that the surface looks good and they will look to put a good total on the board. Tells that they will focus on executing their game plan effectively and if they get it right, they will perform well. Informs that they have made four changes and Ishaq is making his debut.

PITCH REPORT - Tino Mawoyo is at the pitchside. He says that it is very very warm. A nice breeze flows across the ground. He adds the deck looks pretty patchy and dry and hard. There is some grass around the length and says that the bowlers can exploit these conditions. Adds that batters in the first innings will enjoy batting and put pressure on the team batting second.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera (In place of Dhananjaya de Silva), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis (In place of Charith Asalanka), Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga (C), Akila Dananjaya (In place of Maheesh Theekshana), Nuwan Thushara (In place of Binura Fernando), Matheesha Pathirana.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran (C), Mohammad Ishaq (In place of Gulbadin Naib), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf (In place of Najibullah Zadran), Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad (In place of Naveen-ul-Haq), Wafadar Momand (In place of Fazalhaq Farooqi).

TOSS - Afghanistan have won the coin flip for the third time and they elected to BAT first.

Afghanistan's performance in this series has been below par, highlighting the significant impact of missing key players like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Their batting lineup has struggled, with only one notable fifty from Ibrahim Zadran. In the bowling department, they showed promise in the first match but faltered in the second. Players like Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Noor Ahmad will need to step up their game. Azmatullah Omarzai has shown potential as an all-rounder and could be a key player for them. The Afghans will be eager to salvage some pride with a win in this final match. On the other hand, the Lankans will aim to maintain their unbeaten streak and secure a clean sweep. Toss and team news coming up shortly.

The opening match indeed provided a thrilling contest, with Sri Lanka clinching victory thanks to a stellar all-round display from their captain Wanindu Hasaranga and impressive bowling from Matheesha Pathirana. In the second encounter, their batters, in fine form, laid the foundation for victory, with Angelo Mathews shining brightly to seal the series. With the series already secured, the Lankans may opt to make a few changes to provide opportunities to other players. Their success so far has been a collective effort, with every member of the team contributing in some way. They'll be aiming to maintain this momentum and secure a clean sweep against Afghanistan.

Hello and a warm welcome to our coverage of the third and final T20I between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. The battleground for this game will be the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. With the hosts holding a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, they'll be eager to seal the whitewash, while the visitors, known for their fighting spirit, will be determined to salvage a win and end the tour on a high note. Stay tuned for an exciting match ahead!

... MATCH DAY ...

As the last leg of this series is on the cusp of a finish, Sri Lanka has asserted dominance by winning the One-off Test, and also clean sweeping the ODI series and now the final match of Afghanistan's tour to Sri Lanka is on the horizon, marking the third and last T20I between the two teams at the same Dambulla venue. With Sri Lanka already having clinched the series by 2-0, they enter the match with a tremendous winning momentum from their dominant performances in the previous encounters. The first T20I witnessed an impressive display of death bowling by Matheesha Pathirana, who badly dismantled the timber thrice, while the second match saw the hosts clinching victory in a more commanding fashion. In the second match, Sri Lanka's batsmen made significant contributions, with Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Sadeera Samarawickrama posting useful scores. Skipper Wanindu Hasaranga's brisk 22 off just 9 deliveries complemented Samarawickrama's solid 51, but it was Angelo Mathews' quickfire 42 off 22 balls that propelled the hosts to a daunting total of 187. Despite Mohammad Nabi's economical bowling performance, other Afghan bowlers struggled in the slog overs, unable to contain Sri Lanka's onslaught. In their chase, Afghanistan faced early setbacks, losing wickets rapidly with only Karim Janat and Mohammad Nabi managing to cross the 20-run mark. Despite their efforts, Afghanistan couldn't stabilize their innings, losing half their side within the Powerplay overs. Ultimately, they were bowled out in the 17th over, succumbing to a hefty 72-run defeat. Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Mathews, continued their dominance, with Mathews himself dismissing key batsmen Hazratullah Zazai and Ibrahim Zadran. His economical spell of 2 wickets for 9 runs in 2 overs was instrumental, supported by Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, and Wanindu Hasaranga, all claiming two wickets each, while Maheesh Theekshana also chipped in with a wicket. Sri Lanka's batting unit has been firing on all cylinders, while their bowling attack has proven to be lethal throughout the series. Wanindu Hasaranga's remarkable return from injury has been a highlight, showcasing his immense talent. Matheesha Pathirana has garnered praise from the cricketing world, demonstrating his value to the team's bowling lineup despite his relatively young career. Conversely, Afghanistan's batting struggles have left them searching for answers, as they have failed to meet expectations in this series. In the final game, they will be eager to deliver a strong batting performance and address their previous shortcomings. As the series concludes, Sri Lanka will aim to complete a clean sweep, while Afghanistan will seek to salvage pride in the final match of the tour.