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Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, AFG in SL, Only Test, 2024 Full score card
One-off Test, Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, 02 Feb, 2024
![Afghanistan](https://images.tv9hindi.com/images/large_flags/afghanistan.png)
Afghanistan
AFG
198/10
(62.4) overs
296/10
(112.3) overs
![Sri Lanka](https://images.tv9hindi.com/images/large_flags/sri-lanka.png)
Sri Lanka
SL
439/10
(109.2) overs
56/0
(7.2) overs
Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan by 10 wickets
Player Of The Match
Prabath Jayasuriya,
Sri Lanka
![Sri Lanka](https://images.tv9hindi.com/images/large_flags/sri-lanka.png)
Sri Lanka • 56/0 (7.2 overs)
D Karunaratne 32 (22)
N Madushka 22 (23)
ur Rehman 0/12 (3)
N Masood 0/5 (1)
Afghanistan • 296/10 (112.3 overs)
I Zadran 114 (259)
R Shah 54 (119)
P Jayasuriya 5/107 (47)
A Fernando 3/63 (21.3)
Sri Lanka • 439/10 (109.2 overs)
A Mathews 141 (259)
D Chandimal 107 (181)
N Zadran 4/83 (22.5)
N Masood 2/76 (19.2)
Afghanistan • 198/10 (62.4 overs)
R Shah 91 (139)
Ali Zadran 31 (46)
V Fernando 4/51 (12)
A Fernando 3/24 (14.4)
Commentary
For Sri Lanka, Prabath Jayasuriya was the star! He bagged yet another fifer and was well supported by Asitha Fernando! They bowled well in tandom and picked 8 wickets between them. Lanka should chase tihs down quickly. Afghainstan on the other hand, would love to pick a few wickets and make it tough for the hosts. Chase coming up in a bit.
Brilliant work from Lanka today and they just need the 56 runs to win this one-off Test! Afghanistan fought back really well on Day 3 thanks to Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah but once the latter fell, it was a procession. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals. They slipped from 246 for 3 to 250 for 7. Nasir Jamal did show some fight but he hardly got support from the lower and the middle order. Afghanistan will be very disappointed on how they just surrendered to the Lankan bowling attack.
OUT! TAKEN! There is the end of the innings! This is short and on middle, Mohammad Saleem looks to pull, it goes off the top edge and the third slip fielder takes it. AFGHANISTAN BOWLED OUT FOR 296!
Fuller and on middle, this is pushed to mid on.
A loud appeal but not given! Review taken but it seems to be going down leg. NOT OUT! It indeed is. Poor review and Lanka have lost both their reviews now. A yorker on the pads. Mohammad Saleem fails to jam it out. It hits the pad.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 112 overs : 296/9
N Jamal41 (67)
M Saleem2 (6)
P Jayasuriya47-10-107-5
SIX! Over the fence. Out comes the slog sweep and it sails over the mid-wicket fence.
Steps out and hits it but straight to mid on.
On middle, blocked.
Around off, defended.
Around off, blocked.
On the pads, this is swept through square leg.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 111 overs : 290/9
M Saleem2 (6)
N Jamal35 (61)
K Rajitha20-5-59-2
Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg. Two taken.
On off, kept out.
On middle, blocked.
Around off, kept out.
Fuller and on the pads. Saleem looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Solid! On a good length and around off, defended.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 110 overs : 288/9
N Jamal35 (61)
M Saleem0 (0)
P Jayasuriya46-10-101-5
FOUR! Smashes it to the fence. On middle, this is hit wide of the fielder at mid on and it goes to the fence.
Around off, just the one ball to go.
Around off, kept out.
Tossed up on off, this is pushed to cover.
Around off, kept out.
On middle, kept out.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 109 overs : 284/9
N Masood0 (15)
N Jamal31 (55)
K Rajitha19-5-57-2
Is there an edge? Has that bounced after hitting the bat? Lanka do feel there is an edge and it has bounced before. Review taken. By the first replay, it seems to have missed the bat. Ultra Edge coming up. OUT! The umpire feels there is a clear deviation and Nijat Masood has to walk back. Good review in the end. It was a tough one for the umpire and he rules it in favor of Lanka. Fuller and around off, Nijat Masood looks to jam it out but there is a noise as the ball passes the bat. Ultra Edge does show a spike but the bat is also hitting the ground. There though is a deviation as it passes the bat. Number 9 down.
Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one.
Outside off, left alone.
Around off, defended.
Makes room! This is fuller and on off, Nasir Jamal looks to drive but finds cover.
Around off, defended.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 108 overs : 283/8
N Masood0 (14)
N Jamal30 (50)
P Jayasuriya45-10-97-5
On the stumps, this is pushed to cover.
Commentary
Welcome back for Afghanistan's reply! The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Noor Ali Zadran and Ibrahim Zadran are the two openers for Afghanistan. Vishwa Fernando to start with the ball. Lets go...
... THIRD INNINGS ...
With Chamika Gunasekara retired and not opting for a Concussion sub as of now, the Sri Lankan inning comes to a close on 439 for 9. The hosts now lead by 241 runs and the visitors will need to put up a performance with a bit of gritty nature to turn this around in their favor. A couple of big knocks from Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva has helped the hosts achieve this lead as they now hold a firm grip on this game and would be dictating terms.
Naveed Zadran was brilliant and aggressive to start the day with the ball as he removed a couple and it was his delivery that hit Chamika Gunasekara on the helmet forcing him to retire. Nijat Masood took a wicket as well this morning. The bowlers managed to wrap up things with Naveed Zadran picking up 4 in total while Qais Ahmad and Nijat Masood picked up a couple each.
OUT! CASTLED! This one lands on a length and on off, Asitha Fernando looks to defend in the line but misses it completely as the ball hits the off pole. Asitha Fernando walks out for a duck.
The umpires have also called for drinks with this halt. Afghanistan has been performing well so far, with Zadran taking two wickets. Sri Lanka has scored 439/8 in 109.1 overs, giving them a lead of 241 runs. It will be challenging for Afghanistan to surpass Sri Lanka's score. Lets see how it pans out...
Chamika Gunasekara is looking in some discomfort and is unable to continue. A blow to the batting team as Chamika Gunasekara is walking back. Not to forget he was hit on the helmet a while back and he has complained to the umpire about having a blurred image. Will there be a concussion sub? for now NO as Asitha Fernando walks out.
FOUR! On a length outside off, Chamika Gunasekara looks to block but gets a genuine edge going past the first slip cordon for a boundary towards third man region. The lack of an attacking field with no slip costs Afghanistan here.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 109 overs : 435/8
V Fernando0 (2)
C Gunasekara12 (26)
N Zadran22.5-4-83-4
Good length on off, Vishwa Fernando defends this off the front foot.
On of a length outside off, Vishwa Fernando leaves it alone.
OUT! TIMBER! This one lands on off which means Jayasuriya had to play this shot. He rocks back and looks to play at it but misses and the ball clips the top of off. Prabath Jayasuriya is now back into the Hut as the Lankans go eight down in a jiffy.
On a length outside off, Chamika Gunasekara punches this to deep point for a single.
On a length outsde off, Chamika Gunasekara plays the on drive but the bowler saves this from going for runs. Naveed Zadran gets hit on the wrist and the physio comes in to check on the bowler.
Short-pitched on leg, Chamika Gunasekara ducks down on this.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 108 overs : 434/7
P Jayasuriya2 (7)
C Gunasekara11 (23)
N Masood19-3-72-1
Back of a length on top of off, Prabath Jayasuriya taps this to gully for no run.
Total waste of delivery as Nijat Masood darts a bouncer down leg. The batter did not even think of playing this.
Short-pitched outside off, Prabath Jayasuriya ducks down on this.
Good length on off, Chamika Gunasekara leans low and flamboyantly cuts away for a single towards deep point.
Good length in middle, Chamika Gunasekara solidly pushes this to the off side.
Good length on pads, Prabath Jayasuriya tucks it to the right of the mid on fielder and takes a single.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 107 overs : 432/7
C Gunasekara10 (21)
P Jayasuriya1 (3)
N Zadran21.5-4-82-3
Good length in middle, Chamika Gunasekara tucks it away towards mid-wicket for no run.
The physio rushes in for a mandatory concussion check. Chamika Gunasekara looks fine though.
FOUR LEG BYES! Short-pitched on leg, Chamika Gunasekara ducks down but the ball doesn't bounce enough and deflects of the back of the helmet and hits the fence for four towards fine leg.
Good length on off, Prabath Jayasuriya pushes this towards cover and takes a single.
Back of a length around the pads, Prabath Jayasuriya jams this into the surface.
Good length on off, Prabath Jayasuriya defends this solidly off the front foot.
Prabath Jayasuriya comes out next to bat.
OUT! The first one of the day and Afghanistan removes the dangerous-looking Sadeera Samarawickrama. On a length just outside off, tempting the batter to go for that expensive drive with empty pockets at cover. Sadeera Samarawickrama lures into the shot and edges this to Rahmat Shah at gully for his dismissal.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 106 overs : 427/6
C Gunasekara10 (19)
S Samarawickrama27 (32)
N Masood18-3-70-1
Short-pitched outside off, Chamika Gunasekara leaves ti all alone.
Back of a length outside off, Chamika Gunasekara pushes it into the ground towards point.
Commentary
We are all set for the second innings to begin and we have around 90 minutes of play left for today. The two Umpires make their way out to the middle. Afghanistan fielders can be seen near the ropes and some players are warming up as well. Nishan Madushka and Dimuth Karunaratne are the two batters to open the innings for Sri Lanka. Nijat Masood has the new cherry in his hand and is all in readiness to commence the proceedings. Let's play...
... Second Innings ...
Right then, we still have more than an hour's play left on Day1 as the extra half hour will be used and this could be the best time for Afghanistan and their bowlers to make a mark. The Lankan openers will need to be watchful and make sure they remain unscathed as the pitch is great for batting and they can press home the advantage on Day 2. Let's see how Day 1 eventually pans out as Sri Lanka's reply is up next.
Sri Lanka will be very pleased to have bowled out the opposition on Day 1 itself but for about half of the day, they weren't up to the mark with the ball. Asitha Fernando gave them a solid start with a wicket in the first over but they couldn't quite build on it. Vishwa Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya were able to pick up two quick wickets but Rahmat Shah stood strong. They bowled well in the second session, picking up three wickets in total but the crucial wicket of Shah in the latter part of that session was the turning point. Asitha Fernando ran through the tailenders after the Tea break and ended with three wickets so did Prabath Jayasuriya but it was Vishwa Fernando who picked up four wickets.
A fruitful first hour and ten minutes for Sri Lanka after the Tea break as they have reduced Afghanistan from 168/5 at the break to 198 all out. It was always going to be difficult for the visiting team once they lost Ikram Alikhil in the very first over after the interval but the lower-order batters managed to string a few more runs together and Qais Ahmad was the chief contributor with 21 runs. It was an up-and-down batting display overall with Rahmat Shah standing out and a couple of batters got in and got out which sot them dearly. They will now look to make early inroads late on Day 1 and come back on Day 2 with more intent.
OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! BULL'S EYE! And it's curtains for Afghanistan. Guns a fantastic yorker on the off stump line, Mohammad Saleem looks to play it late but gets beaten by the pace. The ball bamboozles the off-pole. Sri Lanka have managed to bundle out Afghanistan below 200. Asitha Fernando finishes with an excellent 3-fer.
An appeal by the keeper and the bowler for LBW and Dhananjaya de Silva goes upstairs after chatting with the fielders just before the clock runs out. Cannons a fantastic fuller-length ball on the leg stump line that slants across leg, Mohammad Saleem clears his front foot to go big over the leg side with a wild swing of the bat, but the ball passes through his inside edge. The keeper thinks that there is some noise. The UltraEdge comes up and shows that no bat is involved when the ball passes the bat before carrying to the keeper. NOT OUT.
Mohammad Saleem is the last man in for Afghanistan.
OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Afghanistan are 9 down now. A soft dismissal for Nijat Masood. Bowls a full toss on the middle, Nijat Masood hits it straight to the bowler holding his pose, and dollies a catch to Asitha Fernando who grabs it nicely on his follow-through. A dramatic collapse for Afghanistan.
On a hard length outside off, Nijat Masood is late on the cut shot to the off side.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 62 overs : 198/8
N Zadran0 (6)
N Masood12 (22)
P Jayasuriya25-7-67-3
Bowls it fuller in length and at off, Naveed Zadran drives it to the bowler.
Arrows it in at the stumps, Nijat Masood heaves it to long on for one.
Fires it wide outside off does Prabath Jayasuriya, Nijat Masood somehow reaches out to the ball charging ahead and is on the ground as he loses his balance.
Full and on middle, misses the slog sweep.
Around the middle and off channel, defended well.
SIX! How about that? Bowls a slowish delivery on the off stump line, Nijat Masood advances down the track and picks it up over the mid on region for a maximum clearing long on.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 61 overs : 191/8
N Zadran0 (5)
N Masood5 (17)
A Fernando14-1-24-1
Nails a brilliant yorker on middle, Naveed Zadran brings the bat down in time and hits it to the mid on fielder to end the over.
Fires it on a shorter length into the bodyline, Naveed Zadran sways out of the way.
Fuller in length on the fourth stump line, Naveed Zadran drives it straight to short cover.
Fuller and sneaking into the middle stump, Nijat Masood somehow manages to jam it towards the off side and runs a single.
Bangs in short and down leg, ducked by Nijat Masood.
Nails a yorker on the middle, Nijat Masood jams his bat in time and under edges to the leg side.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 60 overs : 190/8
N Zadran0 (2)
N Masood4 (14)
P Jayasuriya24-7-60-3
Drifts it in with the angle from off, Naveed Zadran gets cramped up for room but somehow manages to block it off the back foot to end the successful over for Sri Lanka.
Just around off and on a fullish length, Naveed Zadran prods ahead and defends it.
Naveed Zadran is the new man in.
OUT! LBW! Qais Ahmad does go upstairs but this looks absolutely plumb. This is fuller in length and drifts in with the angle. Qais Ahmad tries to be extra innovative with that sweep shot and misses to get the connection on it. The ball sneaks over his outside edge and the umpire does not hesitate to give it Out. The UltraEdge comes up and shows that no bat is involved when the ball passes near the bat. Follows up with the Ball Tracker which also confirms three reds. Qais Ahmad departs and the decision stays. Afghanistan lose a review and also, Qais Ahmad who looked good. Afghanistan are 8 down now have lost wickets in clusters. Prabath Jayasuriya gets his third wicket.
Loops it at leg, Qais Ahmad looks to nudge but gets struck on his pad.
Excellent effort in the deep by Kamindu Mendis as he times his jump in time. Slower through the air and on a fuller length, Qais Ahmed shimmies down a bit and lifts it over mid off, Kamindu Mendis in the long off region jumps with perfection to prevent the six and also throws the ball back in the field.
Slower and on the fourth stump, Qais Ahmad pats it to the off side.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 59 overs : 190/7
N Masood4 (14)
Q Ahmad21 (40)
A Fernando13-1-23-1
Bowls it on the middle and leg channel on a length, Nijat Masood wears on the pads to the leg side.
Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
D Karunaratne not out | 32 | 22 | 3 | 1 | 145.45 |
N Madushka not out | 22 | 23 | 4 | 0 | 95.65 |
Extras
(b 0,lb 1,w 0,nb 1,Penalty 0) |
2 | ||||
Total
7.2 (RR: 7.64)
|
56/0 |
Did not bat: K Mendis, A Mathews, D Chandimal, de Silva, S Samarawickrama, C Gunasekara, P Jayasuriya, V Fernando, A Fernando, K Rajitha
Fall of wickets:
Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ur Rehman |
3 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 4.00 |
N Zadran |
3 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 10.00 |
N Masood |
1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5.00 |
Q Ahmad |
0.2 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 24.00 |
Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
I Zadran b P Jayasuriya |
114 | 259 | 12 | 0 | 44.01 |
Ali Zadran lbw b A Fernando |
47 | 136 | 5 | 0 | 34.55 |
R Shah c S Samarawickrama b K Rajitha |
54 | 119 | 5 | 0 | 45.37 |
H Shahidi c S Samarawickrama b P Jayasuriya |
18 | 37 | 3 | 0 | 48.64 |
N Jamal not out | 41 | 67 | 5 | 1 | 61.19 |
I Alikhil c K Mendis b A Fernando |
1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 16.66 |
Q Ahmad c de Silva b P Jayasuriya |
1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
ur Rehman b P Jayasuriya |
0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
N Zadran b P Jayasuriya |
4 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 28.57 |
N Masood c S Samarawickrama b K Rajitha |
0 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
M Saleem c de Silva b A Fernando |
2 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 22.22 |
Extras
(b 1,lb 6,w 6,nb 1,Penalty 0) |
14 | ||||
Total
112.3 (RR: 2.63)
|
296/10 |
Did not bat:
Fall of wickets:
(Ali Zadran, 42.5 ov) (R Shah, 81.2 ov) (I Zadran, 89.5 ov) (H Shahidi, 93.2 ov) (I Alikhil, 94.4 ov) (Q Ahmad, 95.1 ov) (ur Rehman, 97.4 ov) (N Zadran, 103.3 ov) (N Masood, 109 ov) (M Saleem, 112.3 ov)Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
V Fernando |
14 | 3 | 37 | 0 | 2.64 |
A Fernando |
21.3 | 2 | 63 | 3 | 2.93 |
K Rajitha |
20 | 5 | 59 | 2 | 2.95 |
P Jayasuriya |
47 | 10 | 107 | 5 | 2.27 |
de Silva |
10 | 1 | 23 | 0 | 2.30 |
Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
N Madushka c Ali Zadran b N Zadran |
37 | 53 | 6 | 0 | 69.81 |
D Karunaratne c I Zadran b Q Ahmad |
77 | 72 | 12 | 0 | 106.94 |
K Mendis c ur Rehman b N Masood |
10 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 45.45 |
A Mathews hit wicket b Q Ahmad |
141 | 259 | 14 | 3 | 54.44 |
D Chandimal c I Alikhil b N Zadran |
107 | 181 | 10 | 1 | 59.11 |
de Silva run out (H Shahidi) |
0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
S Samarawickrama c R Shah b N Zadran |
27 | 33 | 4 | 1 | 81.81 |
C Gunasekara retired out |
16 | 27 | 2 | 0 | 59.25 |
P Jayasuriya b N Zadran |
2 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
V Fernando not out | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A Fernando b N Masood |
0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Extras
(b 5,lb 9,w 5,nb 3,Penalty 0) |
22 | ||||
Total
109.2 (RR: 4.02)
|
439/10 |
Did not bat:
Fall of wickets:
(N Madushka, 16.2 ov) (K Mendis, 21.1 ov) (D Karunaratne, 29.1 ov) (D Chandimal, 92.3 ov) (de Silva, 92.4 ov) (A Mathews, 101.2 ov) (S Samarawickrama, 106.1 ov) (P Jayasuriya, 108.4 ov) (A Fernando, 109.2 ov) (C Gunasekara, 109.2 ov)Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
N Masood |
19.2 | 3 | 76 | 2 | 3.93 |
M Saleem |
12.1 | 0 | 57 | 0 | 4.68 |
N Zadran |
22.5 | 4 | 83 | 4 | 3.63 |
ur Rehman |
28 | 2 | 90 | 0 | 3.21 |
Q Ahmad |
22 | 2 | 98 | 2 | 4.45 |
R Shah |
3 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 3.33 |
H Shahidi |
2 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 5.50 |
Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
I Zadran lbw b A Fernando |
0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Ali Zadran c & b V Fernando |
31 | 46 | 5 | 0 | 67.39 |
R Shah c S Samarawickrama b P Jayasuriya |
91 | 139 | 13 | 0 | 65.46 |
H Shahidi c S Samarawickrama b V Fernando |
17 | 45 | 1 | 0 | 37.77 |
N Jamal b P Jayasuriya |
0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
I Alikhil c N Madushka b V Fernando |
21 | 50 | 3 | 0 | 42 |
Q Ahmad lbw b P Jayasuriya |
21 | 44 | 1 | 1 | 47.72 |
ur Rehman lbw b V Fernando |
4 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 36.36 |
N Masood c & b A Fernando |
12 | 24 | 1 | 1 | 50 |
N Zadran not out | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
M Saleem b A Fernando |
0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Extras
(b 0,lb 0,w 1,nb 0,Penalty 0) |
1 | ||||
Total
62.4 (RR: 3.16)
|
198/10 |
Did not bat:
Fall of wickets:
(I Zadran, 0.2 ov) (Ali Zadran, 14.3 ov) (H Shahidi, 32.2 ov) (N Jamal, 33.5 ov) (R Shah, 45.1 ov) (I Alikhil, 50.5 ov) (ur Rehman, 54.3 ov) (Q Ahmad, 59.4 ov) (N Masood, 62.2 ov) (M Saleem, 62.4 ov)Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
A Fernando |
14.4 | 1 | 24 | 3 | 1.63 |
V Fernando |
12 | 1 | 51 | 4 | 4.25 |
C Gunasekara |
9 | 1 | 50 | 0 | 5.55 |
P Jayasuriya |
25 | 7 | 67 | 3 | 2.68 |
de Silva |
2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 3.00 |
Commentary
That is it from this game! Dhananjaya de Silva has been handed the trophy and now he celebrated with his side. We hope you enjoyed our company. Until next time, goodbye and take care!
Dhananjaya de Silva says it was a good experience captaining the side and he enjoyed it. Mentions he is happy with the bowlers, they stuck to their plans and built pressure. Adds there was grass on the wicket and they knew it won't turn much and hence, they played more fast bowlers. On his run out, he says it was his fault.
Hashmatullah Shahidi says the boys played well but he is disappointed with how they performed on Day 1 but fought well on Day 3. Adds the lack of experience showed and they will learn from this and he hopes to do better going ahead. Ends by saying, they do not have a lot opportunities with the red ball and he hopes they can get it and he hopes they can do well.
Prabath Jayasuriya, MAN OF THE MATCH! He says he is very happy, it was tough to take wickets as it is a good batting track here. Adds they were trying to follow the basics and he is very pleased it worked.
... PRESENTATION TIME ...
In reply, Lanka feasted on the very good batting conditions! They managed to take a lead of over 200 courtesy Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal. Both scored tons and we felt then, the Lankans were going to win by an innings but that was no the case. The Afghainstan top order showed great fight on Day 3. Ibrahim Zadran scored an exellent ton and was well-supported by Rahmat Shah and Noor Ali Zadran. However, the effort with the bat was equally poor on Day 4 as the lower and the middle order failed to show some fight and Lanka just needed over 50 to chase which they did in no time.
A dominating win for the hosts! Right from Day 1, they have bossed this game. The Lankans elected to field and bowled Afghanistan out for a very low score. Three bowlers shared 10 wickets between them, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya! For Afghanistan, only Rahmat Shah put up a fight with the bat. He was unlucky to miss out on a ton but courtesy his effort they did not end up being bowled out for an embarassing score.
FOUR! Dimuth Karunaratne finishes it off in style! On middle, the sweep comes out, it is hit through square leg and it races away to the fence. SRI LANKA WIN BY 10 WICKETS!
FOUR! Another one of those and the game will be done. On middle, this is worked down to long on for a boundary.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 48/0
N Madushka22 (23)
D Karunaratne24 (20)
N Masood1-0-5-0
Around off, defended.
On the pads Dimuth Karunaratne looks to flick but misses, it hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.
Around off, Dimuth Karunaratne looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. A late review taken by Afghanistan and not sure why! There was a massive inside edge.
On the pads, this is nudged around the corner for one.
Three! On the pads, this is worked through square leg. Three taken.
On middle, this is nudged on the leg side for one.
Runs Scored 13 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 42/0
D Karunaratne21 (17)
N Madushka20 (20)
N Zadran3-0-30-0
SIX! Gets hold of this one. Short and on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne rocks back and pulls it well over the square leg fence for a biggie.
This is banged in short and on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne leaves it alone.
Two! Shorter and outside off, this is guided through point for two.
Shorter and outside off, this is played to cover.
Short again and outside off, Dimuth Karunaratne looks to cut but misses. No ball as Naveed Zadran oversteps.
Outside off, left alone.
FOUR! Top edge and a boundary! Lanka in a hurry! Shorter and on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne looks to pull, it goes off the top edge and down to the fine leg fence.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 29/0
N Madushka20 (20)
D Karunaratne9 (10)
ur Rehman3-0-12-0
Around off, blocked.
Around off, kept out
FOUR! Up and over! This is tossed up around off, Nishan Madushka lofts it over cover for a boundary.
Around off, defended.
On middle, kept out.
FOUR! Cut away! Shorter and outside off, this is cut past point and it races away.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 21/0
D Karunaratne9 (10)
N Madushka12 (14)
N Zadran2-0-17-0
Two! Outside off, this is guided through point for two.
Around off, defended.
Around off, this is pushed towards cover for one.
Pulled away! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for two.
Fuller and on off, Dimuth Karunaratne pushes it towards mid off for one.
Just wide! On middle, fuller, this is flicked uppishly but wide of mid-wicket. Two taken.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 13/0
N Madushka9 (12)
D Karunaratne4 (6)
ur Rehman2-0-4-0
Angled into the off pole. Defended.
Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.
Around off, this is pushed to cover.
On middle, this is worked towards mid on for one more.
Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.
Flatter and on off, defended.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 10/0
N Madushka8 (10)
D Karunaratne2 (2)
N Zadran1-0-9-0
FOUR! Two boundaries in the over. Short again and outside off, this is cut past point. This one races away too.
Around off, defended.
FOUR! Cut away! Shorter and outside off, this is cut past point. This races away.
Shorter and outside off, this is cut but to point.
Around off, kept out.
On off, this is pushed towards cover for one.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 1/0
N Madushka0 (5)
D Karunaratne1 (1)
ur Rehman1-0-1-0
Around off, defended.
On off, this is pushed to cover.
On the stumps, defended.
Around off, kept out.
Around off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Lanka and Dimuth are underway! On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Commentary
For Sri Lanka, Prabath Jayasuriya was the star! He bagged yet another fifer and was well supported by Asitha Fernando! They bowled well in tandom and picked 8 wickets between them. Lanka should chase tihs down quickly. Afghainstan on the other hand, would love to pick a few wickets and make it tough for the hosts. Chase coming up in a bit.
Brilliant work from Lanka today and they just need the 56 runs to win this one-off Test! Afghanistan fought back really well on Day 3 thanks to Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah but once the latter fell, it was a procession. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals. They slipped from 246 for 3 to 250 for 7. Nasir Jamal did show some fight but he hardly got support from the lower and the middle order. Afghanistan will be very disappointed on how they just surrendered to the Lankan bowling attack.
OUT! TAKEN! There is the end of the innings! This is short and on middle, Mohammad Saleem looks to pull, it goes off the top edge and the third slip fielder takes it. AFGHANISTAN BOWLED OUT FOR 296!
Fuller and on middle, this is pushed to mid on.
A loud appeal but not given! Review taken but it seems to be going down leg. NOT OUT! It indeed is. Poor review and Lanka have lost both their reviews now. A yorker on the pads. Mohammad Saleem fails to jam it out. It hits the pad.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 112 overs : 296/9
N Jamal41 (67)
M Saleem2 (6)
P Jayasuriya47-10-107-5
SIX! Over the fence. Out comes the slog sweep and it sails over the mid-wicket fence.
Steps out and hits it but straight to mid on.
On middle, blocked.
Around off, defended.
Around off, blocked.
On the pads, this is swept through square leg.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 111 overs : 290/9
M Saleem2 (6)
N Jamal35 (61)
K Rajitha20-5-59-2
Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg. Two taken.
On off, kept out.
On middle, blocked.
Around off, kept out.
Fuller and on the pads. Saleem looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Solid! On a good length and around off, defended.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 110 overs : 288/9
N Jamal35 (61)
M Saleem0 (0)
P Jayasuriya46-10-101-5
FOUR! Smashes it to the fence. On middle, this is hit wide of the fielder at mid on and it goes to the fence.
Around off, just the one ball to go.
Around off, kept out.
Tossed up on off, this is pushed to cover.
Around off, kept out.
On middle, kept out.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 109 overs : 284/9
N Masood0 (15)
N Jamal31 (55)
K Rajitha19-5-57-2
Is there an edge? Has that bounced after hitting the bat? Lanka do feel there is an edge and it has bounced before. Review taken. By the first replay, it seems to have missed the bat. Ultra Edge coming up. OUT! The umpire feels there is a clear deviation and Nijat Masood has to walk back. Good review in the end. It was a tough one for the umpire and he rules it in favor of Lanka. Fuller and around off, Nijat Masood looks to jam it out but there is a noise as the ball passes the bat. Ultra Edge does show a spike but the bat is also hitting the ground. There though is a deviation as it passes the bat. Number 9 down.
Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one.
Outside off, left alone.
Around off, defended.
Makes room! This is fuller and on off, Nasir Jamal looks to drive but finds cover.
Around off, defended.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 108 overs : 283/8
N Masood0 (14)
N Jamal30 (50)
P Jayasuriya45-10-97-5
On the stumps, this is pushed to cover.
Around off, this is pushed to cover.
On middle, kept out.
Around off, defended.
Good leave in the end. This is just outside off. It comes in with the arm. He leaves it alone. Goes just past the off pole.
A single as this is pushed down to long off for one.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 107 overs : 282/8
N Masood0 (9)
N Jamal29 (49)
K Rajitha18-5-56-1
Down the leg side. Nijat Masood leaves it alone.
Fuller and on off, Nijat Masood pushes it back to the bowler.
On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
On the stumps, blocked.
Around off, blocked.
On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 106 overs : 281/8
N Masood0 (7)
N Jamal28 (45)
P Jayasuriya44-10-96-5
Shorter and on off, Nijat Masood pushes it to covers.
On off, defended.
Around off, kept out.
Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.
FOUR! Down the ground! Steps out and gets to the pitch of it, he hits it down the ground and to the long on fence.
On middle, kept out.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 105 overs : 276/8
N Masood0 (4)
N Jamal23 (42)
K Rajitha17-5-55-1
A harmless nut! Outside off, shortish, left alone.
Fuller and on off, this is driven through covers for one. Nijat Masood has one ball to play out.
Fuller and on middle, tailing back in. Nasir Jamal looks to flick but misses.
FOUR! Off the outside edge. In the gap though. Good length and around off, Nasir Jamal looks to defend but this goes off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.
Fuller and on middle, this is driven down to long on. Only one taken.
On middle, kept out.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 104 overs : 271/8
N Masood0 (3)
N Jamal18 (37)
P Jayasuriya43-10-91-5
On off, blocked.
Good length and around off, defended.
Around off, defended.
OUT! TIMBER! That is lovely bowling. Slows it up, it takes a lot of time to arrive. Lands around middle and then spins away. Naveed Zadran is through his attempt to go big. The ball goes past the bat and hits the top of off. Fifer for Prabath Jayasuriya. He really relishes these conditions. Some bowler in this part of the world.
On middle, defended.
Around off, this is lofted towards deep cover for one.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 103 overs : 270/7
N Jamal17 (36)
N Zadran4 (12)
A Fernando21-2-63-2
Shorter and on the body, this is worked down to fine leg for one.
FOUR! That is nicely played! Fuller and on off, this is lofted over cover and it races away to the fence.
Outside off, shorter, this is chopped on the off side.
Fuller and on off, this is pushed to cover.
Around off, kept out.
Around off, Nasir Jamal is solid in defense.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 102 overs : 265/7
N Zadran4 (12)
N Jamal12 (30)
P Jayasuriya42-10-90-4
On middle, defended.
Outside off, slower one. Not played at.
Around off, defended.
Outside off, left alone.
Goes for it again! On middle, Naveed Zadran looks to go over mid off. It goes more off the toe-end towards mid off.
FOUR! He has given that everything. On middle, tossed up. Naveed Zadran swings, it goes more off the toe-end towards the mid-wicket fence. It trickles over the boundary.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 101 overs : 261/7
N Jamal12 (30)
N Zadran0 (6)
A Fernando20-2-58-2
Does not get a run which means Naveed Zadran will be on strike! On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.
Shortish again, this is nudged to leg gully.
Goes short again and on middle, ducked under.
Around off, defended.
On the shorter side, this is tucked down to fine leg for two.
FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs! Shorter, way too short actually. Goes well above the batter's head and then swings away from the keeper who dives but in vain. Boundary.
Shorter and on the body, this is nudged on the leg side.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 100 overs : 254/7
N Zadran0 (6)
N Jamal10 (24)
P Jayasuriya41-10-86-4
Tossed up around off, defended.
Flatter and on middle, Naveed goes back and defends.
On middle, defended.
Tossed up on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.
Tossed up on off, defended.
Straightaway looks to score! Brings out the paddle sweep, this is played fine on the leg side for two.
We are back for what could be the final session of the game! Nasir Jamal and Naveed Zadran walk out to resume their innings. Prabath Jayasuriya to begin.
... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...
What a session for Sri Lanka! They are optimistic that the result could arrive in the next session itself. Afghanistan bossed the first hour. Both Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah started well as the ball wasn't doing much however, once Sri Lanka took the second new ball, the momentum shifted towards their side. Rahmat Shah fell after his fifty, Ibrahim Zadran went as well after his ton. Hashmatullah Shahidi played a couple of strokes but he too fell and after that it was just a procession. Wickets kept on falling. Credit to Sri Lanka though, the seamers swung the ball and got wickets but the man of the hour was Prabath Jayasuriya who bowled from one end consistently and took four wickets. He has to toil hard again in the next session which could be the final session as well. Stay tuned.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 99 overs : 251/7
N Zadran0 (3)
N Jamal7 (21)
A Fernando19-2-51-2
A length ball on top of off. Zadran makes a solid block. That will be LUNCH.
A length ball on off, Jamal nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.
This is short and on middle, Jamal ducks under it.
Short of a length and on middle, this is blocked out.
Length ball, around off, Jamal blocks it out.
This is full and on middle, it is eased to mid on.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 98 overs : 250/7
N Zadran0 (2)
N Jamal6 (16)
P Jayasuriya40-10-83-4
Flat and outside off, spins away. Zadran looks to punch but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Tossed up on off, this is blocked out.
Naveed Zadran is the new man in.
OUT! BOWLED! This is extraordinary from Prabath Jayasuriya and Zia ur Rehman is in disbelief! Tossed up, around off, the one which comes with the arm. Zia ur Rehman thought this would spins past the stumps and shoulders arms but it skids through and hits the stumps.
Outside off and it spins away. Zia ur Rehman offers no shot.
This is full and on middle, Jamal tucks it to fine leg for a single.
Tossed up on off, this is kept out.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 97 overs : 249/6
ur Rehman0 (9)
N Jamal5 (14)
A Fernando18-2-50-2
Angling on middle, this is blocked out.
This is full and outside off, it is driven to mid off.
Shorter and outside off, Zia ur Rehman shoulders arms to it.
On middle, this is blocked out.
Length ball, around off, nips in. Jamal inside edges his block to square leg for a single.
Short and outside off, Jamal lets it go.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 96 overs : 248/6
ur Rehman0 (5)
N Jamal4 (12)
P Jayasuriya39-10-82-3
Tossed up on off, this is defended out.
On middle, this is played back to the bowler.
Fuller and outside off, this is driven to cover.
Short but down leg. Zia ur Rehman pulls but misses. An appeal follows but no support for the keeper.
This is full and on middle, blocked out.
OUT! Wonderful, wonderful catch by Dhananjaya de Silva and Afghanistan lose another. Tossed up, outside off and it spins away. Qais Ahmad goes for the drive but it takes the outside edge and goes to first slip. Dhananjaya de Silva gets his right hand out, doesn't catch it cleanly but does enough to pluck just above the ground. Superb!
Another clean catch appeal has been taken upstairs! Looks out yet again!
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 95 overs : 248/5
Q Ahmad1 (2)
N Jamal4 (12)
A Fernando17-2-49-2
Length ball, outside off, Ahmad punches it through point for one.
Length ball, outside off. Ahmad leaves it alone.
OUT! Another one bites the dust! Sri Lanka are on top now. Asitha Fernando angles across a length ball, outside off. Alikhil went for it, flashes his blade and edges it to second slip where Kusal Mendis takes it. The ball was dying but Mendis got his fingers under the ball. Third umpire is convinced as well.
Is that a clean catch? Sri Lanka are celebrating.
Well bowled! A bumper on off and shoots up as well. Alikhil hops and gets away from the line of the delivery.
Length and outside off, angled across. Alikhil leaves.
Fuller and wide of off, Alikhil shoulders arms to it.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 94 overs : 247/4
N Jamal4 (12)
I Alikhil1 (2)
P Jayasuriya38-9-82-2
Tossed up on off, lands and spins away. Jamal defends the wrong line and gets beaten.
Fuller and on middle, this is defended out.
CLOSE! This one spins on middle, Alikhil flicks on the up but wide of short mid-wicket for one.
Very full on middel, blocked out.
Ikram Alikhil comes to the middle.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Prabath Jayasuriya strikes again! Tossed up, outside off and it spins in. Hashmatullah Shahidi went on the back foot on the last ball but comes in front for this one, tries to defend but it brushes his edge and goes to the keeper. Afghanistan losing the plot here.
Tossed up on off. Hashmatullah Shahidi tries to defend back but edges it softly wide of first slip.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 93 overs : 246/3
N Jamal4 (10)
H Shahidi18 (35)
V Fernando14-3-37-0
Fuller and on middle, Nasir Jamal eases it to mid on.
Short again, outside off. Nasir Jamal shoulders arms.
Short of a length and on off, Nasir Jamal keeps it out.
On off, this is driven to covers for a single.
Short in length and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi lets it go.
Fuller and wide of off. Hashmatullah Shahidi shoulders arms.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 92 overs : 245/3
N Jamal4 (7)
H Shahidi17 (32)
P Jayasuriya37-9-81-1
Flat and on off, this is blocked out.
FOUR! OFF THE MARK! Tossed up, outside off. Nasir Jamal skips down and smashes it over the bowler for a boundary.
Length ball, outside off, Nasir Jamal leaves it alone.
Arounnd off, this is pushed to cover.
Fuller and on middle, Nasir Jamal pushes it to mid on.
Fuller and outside off, this is left.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 91 overs : 241/3
H Shahidi17 (32)
N Jamal0 (1)
V Fernando13-3-36-0
Outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi lets it go.
Tossed up, around off, this is defended out.
On middle, this is blocked out.
Fuller and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to push but misses.
FOUR! This is full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi sweeps it well through square leg for a boundary.
Length ball, outside off, this is left alone.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 90 overs : 237/3
N Jamal0 (1)
H Shahidi13 (26)
P Jayasuriya36-9-77-1
Length and on off, blocked out.
Nasir Jamal is the new man in.
OUT! BOWLED! How has that gone through? WOW! Tossed up on middle, this one comes with the arm. Ibrahim Zadran defends for the spin but misses, there is a small gap through bat and pad and the ball slips past through and hits the stumps. The ball is spinning now, Prabath Jayasuriya could come in big. End of an excellent knock from Ibrahim Zadran.
On middle, blocked out.
Tossed up on middle, lands and spins away. Ibrahim Zadran prods to defend but misses.
Fuller and outside off, this is driven to covers for a single.
Was that a chance? This is full and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi flicks on the up and to mid-wicket who dives forward but fails to hold on.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 89 overs : 236/2
I Zadran114 (256)
H Shahidi12 (24)
V Fernando12-3-32-0
Length ball on middle, defended out.
On middle, blocked out.
Fuller and outside off, this is pushed to cover for a single.
Very full and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi lets it go.
On middle, this is clipped to mid-wicket for a single.
FOUR LEG BYES! This is full and down leg, Ibrahim Zadran misses his flick and it goes off the pads and past the diving keeper for four.
Drinks! First hour of the day gone and Afghanistan have lost only one wicket. Rahmat Shah fell after his fifty. Sri Lanka have done well with the new ball, with the swing available but would love another couple of wickets here. Still, the pitch is flat and you expect Afghanistan to go inroads.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 88 overs : 230/2
H Shahidi11 (22)
I Zadran113 (252)
K Rajitha16-5-50-1
Goes very full and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it alone.
Fuller and wide of off. Hashmatullah Shahidi lets it go.
Outside off, this is left alone.
A length ball, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi taps it to point.
This is close to off, on a length. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to push but misses.
Way outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi lets it go.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 87 overs : 230/2
I Zadran113 (252)
H Shahidi11 (16)
de Silva10-1-23-0
Too full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran is happy to block.
Tossed up on middle, Ibrahim Zadran prods and blocks.
Flatter and on off, this is punched to covers for a single.
On middle, defended out.
Flat and on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi tucks it to mid-wicket.
This one comes with the arm on leg, Blocked out.
Dhananjaya de Silva to bowl now.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 86 overs : 229/2
I Zadran113 (250)
H Shahidi10 (12)
K Rajitha15-4-50-1
Length ball, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran leaves.
Fuller and wide of off, Ibrahim Zadran shoulders arms.
Well outside off, this is left alone.
On middle, this is defended out.
FOUR! DROPPED! Sri Lanka need to take their chances. This is full and angling on middle. Ibrahim Zadran flicks on the up and to deep square leg. Dimuth Karunaratne was standing inches ahead of the ropes and had to back-peddle but fails to hold on. Hard one.
Length and on middle, this is blocked.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 85 overs : 225/2
H Shahidi10 (12)
I Zadran109 (244)
A Fernando16-2-48-1
FOUR! A bit of freebie. Pitched up, outside off and angled away. Hashmatullah Shahidi drives it through covers for four.
On off, this is kept out.
On middle, this is punched to mid on for a quick single.
A length ball, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to defend but outside edges it to gully who dives to his right and stops.
Outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi guides it to third man for a single.
A length ball, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi hangs back and keeps it out.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 84 overs : 219/2
I Zadran108 (242)
H Shahidi5 (8)
K Rajitha14-4-46-1
Maiden over! On a length and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it out.
Fuller and around off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to cover.
Short of a length and on middle. Ibrahim Zadran gets across and blocks it out.
Length and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran offers no shot.
On middle, this is blocked out.
Fuller and wide of off, Ibrahim Zadran lelts it go.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 83 overs : 219/2
H Shahidi5 (8)
I Zadran108 (236)
A Fernando15-2-42-1
FOUR! Superb shot. This is very full and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi drives it down past mid off and it goes to the fence.
Outside off, left alone.
Angles it way outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi shoulders arms.
Fuller and on off, defended out.
Fuller and shaping away again, outside off. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to defend but misses.
Angles a length ball across the batter. Hashmatullah Shahidi lets it go.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 82 overs : 215/2
I Zadran108 (236)
H Shahidi1 (2)
K Rajitha13-3-46-1
Length and on middle, shapes in. Ibrahim Zadran blocks.
Length and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi shoulders arms to it.
Fuller and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi plays it through covers for one.
Outside off, this is left alone.
Hashmatullah Shahidi walks in next.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! The new ball does the trick. Just what Sri Lanka needed in the first hour. The last ball lit up Kasun Rajitha's eyes and he bowls it full again, outside off, Shah looks to drive but it swings away and takes the edge to the keeper.
BEAUTY! Kasun Rajitha goes full and around off, it lands and shapes away sharply. Shah tries to drive but misses.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 81 overs : 214/1
I Zadran108 (234)
R Shah54 (117)
A Fernando14-2-38-1
RIPPER! Short of a length and around off. Ibrahim Zadran had to play that, tries to defend but it whizzes past his edge.
Outside off, Ibrahim Zadran guides it t third man for a couple of runs.
Length and outside off, this is tapped to third man for a single.
Positive signs for the Lankans. Short of a length and outside off, swings in. Shah shoulders arms to it.
Length and on middle, this one swings away. Shah is squared up as he looks to defend and it goes off the splice to gully.
On a length on middle and shapes in.Shah looks to work it away but gets hit on the pads. Good shape there.
Second new ball is available now! Sri Lanka have taken it straightaway and Asitha Fernando will have a go first.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 80 overs : 211/1
I Zadran106 (232)
R Shah53 (113)
P Jayasuriya35-9-76-0
Fuller and outside off, it is pushed to cover.
Flatter and on middle, this is nudged to mid-wicket.
Tad short and angles in on off, Shah hits it to deep cover for a single.
Fuller and outside off, this is driven through covers for a single.
Too full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran defends on the front foot.
Tossed up, outside off, this is driven to cover.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 79 overs : 209/1
R Shah52 (112)
I Zadran105 (227)
K Rajitha12-3-45-0
On middle, fuller and Shah defends it out. Not much movement but the off ball is doing. Sri Lanka have to be patient here.
Shorter and outside off, Shah cuts it to deep point for a couple of runs.
Length and on middle, shapes in. Shah blocks it out.
Outside off, Shah knocks it to cover.
Angles in a full ball on off, Shah pushes it to mid off.
Short in length and on middle, Shah gets inside the line and blocks.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 78 overs : 207/1
I Zadran105 (227)
R Shah50 (106)
P Jayasuriya34-9-74-0
This is outside off, no spin and Ibrahim Zadran leaves it alone.
Tossed up on middle, Ibrahim Zadran defends.
Flighted, full on middle, blocked.
Tossed up on middle, Ibrahim Zadran prods and blocks.
Three runs! Solid shot. Fuller and outside off, Shah drives it through covers. Deep cover runs across to his left and stops with his foot. Man from mid off runs back and does the sweeping work. Excellent from both. FIfty for Rahmat Shah as well. Afghanistan have started well.
Flighted on off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it to long off for a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 77 overs : 203/1
R Shah47 (105)
I Zadran104 (222)
K Rajitha11-3-43-0
Maiden to start from the other side. On middle, Shah works it to mid on.
Short of a length and outside off. Shah looks to punch it away but misses.
A length ball on middle, Shah blocks.
This is full and down the leg side. Shah misses his flick and it goes to the keeper.
On a length and on off, Shah defends.
A length ball on middle, Shah defends it on the deck.
Kasun Rajitha to bowl from the other side.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 76 overs : 203/1
I Zadran104 (222)
R Shah47 (99)
P Jayasuriya33-9-70-0
On a length and on off, Zadran blocks.
This is short and outside off, Zadran cuts it late and to third man for a couple of runs.
Shorter and outside off, Shah cuts it to point for a single. 200 up
First run of the day. Outside off, Zadran slaps it to cover for a single.
Fuller and outside off, Zadran drives it to cover.
Tossed up, outside off. Zadran prods across and blocks it out.
All set for action. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah are out in the middle. Spin to start, here is Prabath Jayasuriya.
Hello and welcome to the action of Day 4. The visitors have did a commendable job with the bat as they cut the deficit almost within a day. Zadran along with Noor Ali added more than 100 runs. The latter fell three short of his fifty but Zadran found another partner in Shah. The opener has scored a brilliant ton and the first thing Afghanistan will look good do is take the lead. Sri Lanka had to toil hard with the ball. Nothing went well for them and need an inspiration to take flurry of wickets. The hosts might be ahead in the game but a good start is very crucial for them. Can they break the stand in the first hour or so? Stay tuned to find out.
...Day 4, Session 1...
So the game seems evenly poised as of now! Afghanistan trail by 42 runs and they will look to bat well and put on a good lead. Sri Lanka on the other hand will want to forget what happened today and come back stronger on Day 4. They will look to pick some early wickets and put the Afghans under pressure. Can they do it? Or will Afghanistan continue to bat as they did today? To find out, do join us tomorrow for Day 4's action at 10 am IST (4.30 am GMT). Cheers!
Sri Lanka then came with a dominant reply as Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews stitched a partnership of 232, and they closed their innings at 439 for 9, leading by 241 runs. They were well in the driver's seat, but the Afghan openers had other plans. They showed resilience and grit and batted all the way. Noor Ali Zadran fell on 47, but Ibrahim Zadran went on to score his maiden test ton, and he was well supported by Rahmat Shah, who is unbeaten on 46.
A day that was totally dominated by the Afghans! They were trailing by a mammoth 241 runs which has come down to just 42 runs and they have 9 wickets in their bank! So, Sri Lanka bowled out Afghanistan on Day 1 of the match, with Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, and Prabath Jayasuriya taking multiple wickets. Rahmat Shah stood out for Afghanistan with a strong batting performance, but the lower-order batters struggled as Afghanistan was eventually all out for 198.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 75 overs : 199/1
R Shah46 (98)
I Zadran101 (217)
A Fernando13-2-35-1
Fuller one, on off, Rahmat Shah taps it to the fielder at mid off. That will be STUMPS on day 3.
Lands it fuller and on off, Rahmat Shah flicks it to the fielder at mid on.
Short, on middle, Rahmat Shah ducks under it.
Lands it down leg, Ibrahim Zadran fends it to square leg for one.
Lands it on middle, Rahmat Shah taps it to covers for one.
HUNDRED UP FOR IBRAHIM ZADRAN! On a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to deep covers for one. A maiden test ton for Ibrahim Zadran! Excellent knock!
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 74 overs : 196/1
R Shah45 (94)
I Zadran99 (215)
P Jayasuriya32-9-66-0
Bowls it down leg, Rahmat Shah blocks it block it but gets a hit on his body.
Lands it on middle, Rahmat Shah rocks back and cuts it to covers. That was close to the stumps!
Some turn and bounce, outside off, Rahmat Shah punches it to short covers.
Bowls it on middle, Rahmat Shah moves forward and blocks it back.
Short, on middle, Rahmat Shah rocks back and punches it to short covers.
Bowls it on middle, Rahmat Shah moves forward and blocks it.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 73 overs : 196/1
I Zadran99 (215)
R Shah45 (88)
A Fernando12-2-32-1
Dot to end! He stays on 99! Lands it on leg, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it solidly.
Fuller one, on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to the mid on fielder.
Lands it on middle as this goes off the inside half of Rahmat Shah's bat towards mid-wicket. They cross.
Short again, Rahmat Shah ducks again.
Short, on leg, Rahmat Shah ducks under it.
Length and on leg, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to mid-wicket for one. He moves to 99 now!
Asitha Fernando is back on.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 72 overs : 194/1
R Shah44 (85)
I Zadran98 (212)
P Jayasuriya31-8-66-0
Well bowled! Some turn and bounce again as this goes past the outside edge of Rahmat Shah's blade again!
Full, on off, Rahmat Shah blocks it to covers.
Peach! This one lands on off and turns away, Rahmat Shah looks to block it but gets beaten o the outside edge.
Short, on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to covers for one.
Full, on off, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to mid off.
Lands it on middle, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to mid on.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 71 overs : 193/1
I Zadran97 (209)
R Shah44 (82)
K Rajitha10-2-43-0
Fuller one, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it to deep square leg for one.
Length and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran looks to play at it bit gets an inside edge onto his pads. Dot!
Lands it on middle, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to mid off.
FOUR! Fine shot! Full and on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran picks it well and flicks it over mid-wicket for a boundary. He moves to 96 now!
Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to covers.
Lands it on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to hort covers.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 70 overs : 188/1
I Zadran92 (203)
R Shah44 (82)
P Jayasuriya30-8-65-0
Short, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to mid-wicket for one.
Too full, on off, Rahmat Shah knocks it to long off for one.
Lands it down leg again, Rahmat Shah pads it away.
Lands it down leg, Rahmat Shah pads it away.
Short and on leg, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to mid-wicket for one.
Lands it on middle, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 69 overs : 183/1
R Shah43 (79)
I Zadran88 (200)
K Rajitha9-2-38-0
Bowls it on off, Shah blocks it to mid off.
Lands it on off, Shah blocks it back.
Another one wide outside off, Shah leaves it alone.
Short and wide, Shah leaves it alone.
Bowls it on off, Shah eases it to covers.
Length and on off, Shah blocks it to mid off.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 68 overs : 183/1
I Zadran88 (200)
R Shah43 (73)
P Jayasuriya29-8-60-0
Tossed up, on off, this is defended towards point.
Lands it on off, this is defended towards point.
Outside off, this is played towards covers.
Lands in on middle, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back.
Bowls it on leg, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to short leg.
Bowls it on middle, Ibrahim Zadran defends it back.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 67 overs : 183/1
I Zadran88 (194)
R Shah43 (73)
de Silva9-1-22-0
Tossed up, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran tickles it fine for one.
Short, on off, Rahmat Shah rocks back and slaps it to covers for one.
Bowls it on middle, Rahmat Shah defends it to mid on.
Too full, this is defended back again.
Full, on middle, Rahmat Shah blocks it back.
Lands it on middle, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it to square leg for one.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 66 overs : 180/1
R Shah42 (69)
I Zadran86 (192)
P Jayasuriya28-7-60-0
Lands it on middle, Rahmat Shah blocks it to the right of the bowler.
Short, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to mid-wicket for one.
Tossed up, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to square leg.
Halt! The ball hit Nishan Madushka at short leg and he looks in some pain. The physio is out in the middle to have a look. He looks fine and we are good to go...
Short, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it to the fielder at short leg. It hit his hands and he looks in some pain.
Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it forward.
Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to mid off.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 65 overs : 179/1
R Shah42 (68)
I Zadran85 (187)
de Silva8-1-19-0
Lands it on of, Rahmat Shah taps it to mid off for one.
Short and on off, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to mid-wicket for one.
Too full, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it forward.
Full, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.
Short, on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to mid off.
Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it forward.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 64 overs : 178/1
I Zadran84 (182)
R Shah42 (67)
P Jayasuriya27-7-59-0
Full, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it to mid-wicket for one.
Full, on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back.
Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to mid off.
Full, on off, Rahmat Shah knocks it to mid off for one.
Bowls it down leg, Rahmat Shah pads it away.
Lands it on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to covers for one.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 63 overs : 175/1
I Zadran82 (178)
R Shah41 (65)
de Silva7-1-18-0
Lands it on off, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it to square leg for one.
Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to the right of the bowler.
Quicker one, on off, Rahmat Shah drives it to covers for one.
Lands it on off, Rahmat Shah blocks it back.
Full, on off, this is defended towards mid off.
A single as this is punched towards covers.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 62 overs : 172/1
R Shah40 (62)
I Zadran80 (175)
P Jayasuriya26-7-56-0
Short and wide, this is defended towards covers.
Bowls it on off, Rahmat Shah taps it to the cover fielder.
FOUR! Fine shot! Full, outside off, Rahmat Shah opens the face of the ball and times it perfectly through extra covers for a boundary!
Lands it on middle, Rahmat Shah blocks it to covers.
Lands it on middle, Rahmat Shah eases it to short covers.
Bowls it on off, Rahmat Shah blocks it to mid off.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 61 overs : 168/1
R Shah36 (56)
I Zadran80 (175)
de Silva6-1-15-0
Bowls it on off, Rahmat Shah knocks it to long on for one.
Lands it on off, Rahmat Shah blocks it solidly.
Fuller one, on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to mid off for one.
Short again, Rahmat Shah punches it to covers for one.
Full, on middle, Rahmat Shah blocks it back.
Short and wide, Rahmat Shah cuts it to deep point for a brace.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 60 overs : 163/1
I Zadran79 (174)
R Shah32 (51)
P Jayasuriya25-7-52-0
Lands it on middle, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to mid on.
Too full, on off, Ibrahim Zadran digs it to the left of the bowler.
Tossed up, on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to mid off.
Lands it down leg, Rahmat Shah looks to flick it but miscues it to point for one.
Bowls it on off, this is defended towards covers.
Short, on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to covers for one.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 59 overs : 161/1
R Shah31 (49)
I Zadran78 (170)
de Silva5-1-10-0
Quicker one, on middle, Rahmat Shah defends it to mid on.
Fuller one, on off, Rahmat Shah flicks it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.
Bowls it on middle, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it fine for one more.
Short, on middle, Rahmat Shah tucks it to mid-wicket for one.
Quicker one, on off, Rahmat Shah eases it back.
Tossed up, on middle, Rahmat Shah covers his line and blocks it forward.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 58 overs : 159/1
R Shah30 (44)
I Zadran77 (169)
P Jayasuriya24-7-50-0
Flatter one, on off, Rahmat Shah drives it to covers for one.
Fuller one, on off, Rahmat Shah leans forward and defends it back.
Too full this time, Rahmat Shah blocks it to mid on.
Bowls it on off, this is defended towards mid off.
Lands it on middle, Rahmat Shah eases it back.
FOUR! What a beautiful shot! Short and on middle and leg, Rahmat Shah rocks onto the back foot and cracks a through long on for a boundary!
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 57 overs : 154/1
I Zadran77 (169)
R Shah25 (38)
de Silva4-1-8-0
Bowls it on middle, this is defended well.
Full, Rahmat Shah moves forward and eases it to extra covers for one.
Lands it on middle, Rahmat Shah leans forward and blocks.
Another single as this is drilled down towards long on.
Bowls it on middle, Rahmat Shah flicks it to mid-wicket for one.
Full, on middle, Rahmat Shah blocks.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 56 overs : 151/1
I Zadran76 (167)
R Shah23 (34)
P Jayasuriya23-7-45-0
Tossed up outside off, Ibrahim Zadran drives this back to the bowler.
Arm delivery in middle, Ibrahim Zadran strides to the pitch of it and blocks it out.
Fuller one off, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it towards mid on for no run.
A bit of turn and bounce and it just beats the outside edge of Ibrahim Zadran.
Looped up on off, Rahmat Shah drives this to long off for a single.
Short of a length outside off, Rahmat Shah cuts it to point for no run.
The umpires have called for drinks. A brilliantly balanced phase of cricket for both side. Afghanistan will be happy that yet another partnership has started to grow this time between Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah. While the hosts would be relieved to see the back of Noor Ali Zadran.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 55 overs : 150/1
I Zadran76 (163)
R Shah22 (32)
de Silva3-1-5-0
Tossed up on off, Ibrahim Zadran defends this of the front foot.
Tossed up in middle, Ibrahim Zadran defends this right on top of it.
That bounced a bit more. Short of a length in middle, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it out.
Fuller in middle, Rahmat Shah pushes it away for a single.
Tossed up on off, Rahmat Shah defends this one.
Short of a length in middle, Ibrahim Zadran rolls it to long on for a single.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 54 overs : 148/1
I Zadran75 (159)
R Shah21 (30)
P Jayasuriya22-7-44-0
Yorker wide of off, Ibrahim Zadran drills this towards deep cover for a single.
Much fuller on off, Ibrahim Zadran defends this off the front foot yet again.
Fuller one on off, Ibrahim Zadran defends this off the front foot.
Tossed up on off, Rahmat Shah advances down the track and rives this to long off for a single.
Short of a length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran goes deep and punches this towards deep cover for a single.
FOUR! Elegantly tucked away for four. Tossed up in middle, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it gently but the ball races away to fence towards deep mid-wicket region.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 53 overs : 141/1
R Shah20 (29)
I Zadran69 (154)
V Fernando11-3-30-0
Good length on off, Rahmat Shah defends this off the front foot.
Good length outside off, Rahmat Shah blocks it out off the front foot.
Over-pitched on off, Rahmat Shah drills this towards deep cover and collects a couple as Prabath Jayasuriya does well to save this just before the fence.
FOUR! On a length in middle, Rahmat Shah gets behind the line of this and drives this back past the bowler for a boundary down the ground.
On a length outside off, Rahmat Shah leaves it all alone.
Good length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran punches this to deep point for a single.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 52 overs : 134/1
R Shah14 (24)
I Zadran68 (153)
P Jayasuriya21-7-37-0
Short of a length on off, Rahmat Shah goes deep and looks to cut this but chops it onto the pads of the keeper and then to the stumps. Umpires as for a review here to check if it is bowled or a deflection of the keeper. The replay clearly shows it came off the keeper's pad onto the stumps and Rahmat is safe.
Arm delivery on off, Ibrahim Zadran drives this to deep cover for a single.
Full and wide outside off, Rahmat Shah drives this to deep point for a single.
Tossed up wide of off, Ibrahim Zadran goes deep and cuts it towards deep point for a single.
Tossed up on off, Ibrahim Zadran defends this off the front foot.
Flighted on off, Rahmat Shah advances down the track and drives this to long off for a single.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 51 overs : 130/1
I Zadran66 (150)
R Shah12 (21)
V Fernando10-3-23-0
Good length on off, Ibrahim Zadran drives this to mid off for no run.
Good length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran leaves it all alone.
On a length in middle, Ibrahim Zadran drills this to mid off for no run.
Good length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran punches this back towards the bowler.
Full and wide outside off, Ibrahim Zadran drives this towards deep cover for a couple.
On a length around off, Ibrahim Zadran defends this off the back foot.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 50 overs : 128/1
I Zadran64 (144)
R Shah12 (21)
P Jayasuriya20-7-33-0
Length dragged back on off, Ibrahim Zadran hops back and drives this to long off for a single.
Quicker and flatter in middle, Ibrahim Zadran defends this off the back foot.
Arm delivery in middle, Ibrahim Zadran goes deep and pushes this back to the bowler.
Tossed up on off, much slower, Ibrahim Zadran strides to the pitch of it and keeps it down.
Short of a length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran punches this to cover for no run.
Tossed up outside off, Ibrahim Zadran defends this off the front foot.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 49 overs : 127/1
R Shah12 (21)
I Zadran63 (138)
V Fernando9-3-21-0
On a length around middle and leg, Rahmat Shah tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple.
On a length outside off, Rahmat Shah leans to the pitch of it and punches it to gully.
Good length outside off, Rahmat Shah leaves it.
Good length outside off, Rahmat Shah leaves it all alone.
On a length outside off, Rahmat Shah strides to the pitch of it and defends this.
Good length on off, Rahmat Shah defends this off the front foot.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 48 overs : 125/1
I Zadran63 (138)
R Shah10 (15)
P Jayasuriya19-7-32-0
Tossed up on off, Ibrahim Zadran strides to the pitch of it and blocks it out.
Tossed up on off, Ibrahim Zadran defends this off the front foot.
DROPPED! Nishan Madushka has dropped it. Short of a length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran hops back and looks for the lofted drive but gets it off the toe end straight to Nishan Madushka at short mid off but he drops it.
Short of a length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran punches this to extra-cover.
Much fuller one off, Ibrahim Zadran defends this towards silly point.
Tossed up in middle, Ibrahim Zadran defends this off the front foot.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 47 overs : 125/1
R Shah10 (15)
I Zadran63 (132)
A Fernando11-2-30-1
Good length around leg, Rahmat Shah leaves it all alone.
WIDE! Short-pitched down leg, Rahmat Shah leaves it.
Back of a length outside off, Rahmat Shah defends this off the back foot.
FOUR! On a length in middle, Rahmat Shah nails the on drive to perfection for four. The balance of Rahmat Shah was picture perfect on this one.
On a length outside off, Rahmat Shah drives this to extra-cover for no run.
Yorker in middle, Rahmat Shah tucks it towards short mid-wicket for no run.
On a length outside off, Rahmat Shah drives this to wide mid off for no run.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 46 overs : 120/1
I Zadran63 (132)
R Shah6 (9)
P Jayasuriya18-6-32-0
tossed up in middle, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it away towards the leg side for no run.
Short and wide of off, Rahmat Shah punches this to deep cover for a single.
Much fuller in middle, Ibrahim Zadran drills this to long off for a single.
Tossed up in middle, Rahmat Shah punches it in the deep on off for a single.
Tossed up on off, Rahmat Shah leans low and blocks it out.
Tossed up on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches this to deep cover for a single.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 45 overs : 116/1
I Zadran61 (129)
R Shah4 (6)
A Fernando10-2-25-1
Good length in middle, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it away towards deep square for a single.
Good length in middle, Ibrahim Zadran pushes this to the on side for no run.
On a length in middle, Ibrahim Zadran punches this straight to short mid on for no run.
Good length around leg, Ibrahim Zadran leaves it.
FOUR! Over-pitched outside off, Ibrahim Zadran strides to the pitch of it and drives this with an elegance away for four through cover.
Back of a length in middle, Ibrahim Zadran defends this off the front foot.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 44 overs : 111/1
R Shah4 (6)
I Zadran56 (123)
P Jayasuriya17-6-28-0
Short of a length, a bit quicker, Rahmat Shah goes deep and blocks it out.
Fuller one on pads, Rahmat Shah dances down and pushes this to mid on.
Tossed up in middle, Rahmat Shah pushes this to mid-wicket for no run.
Tossed up on pads, Rahmat Shah pushes this to the leg side.
Much fuller on pads, Rahmat Shah defends this off the front foot.
Short a length on pads, Ibrahim Zadran punches this to the leg side for a single.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 43 overs : 110/1
R Shah4 (1)
I Zadran55 (122)
A Fernando9-2-20-1
FOUR! Juicy half-volley outside off, Rahmat Shah leans to the pitch of it and drives this through cover region for four.
Rahmat Shah walks out next.
OUT! TRAPPED IN FRONT! On a length in middle and leg, tails in on the batter, Noor Ali Zadran looks for the drive but gets beaten and the ball clatters into the back pad. Loud appeal and the umpire gives it out. Noor Ali Zadran opts for a DRS but the ball tracker shows umpires call with the ball clipping the leg. Asitha Fernando strikes for Sri Lanka.
On a length in middle, Noor Ali Zadran flicks this towards the left of deep square leg for a couple.
The reverse is getting tough for Noor Ali Zadran to cater. Yorker on off, Noor Ali Zadran jams the bat down and manages an inside edge onto the pads.
Good length in middle, Noor Ali Zadran defends this off the front foot to short mid-on.
On a length pitching in middle, tails in on the batter a bit late, Noor Ali Zadran looks to flick but misses out. Loud appeal but the umpire turns it down.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 42 overs : 104/0
Ali Zadran45 (131)
I Zadran55 (122)
P Jayasuriya16-6-27-0
Short of a length on leg, Noor Ali Zadran goes deep and punches this to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Length dragged back a bit, on leg, Noor Ali Zadran looks for the paddle but misses out.
Fuller one on pads, Noor Ali Zadran defends this off the front foot.
Tossed up on pads, Noor Ali Zadran defends this off the front foot.
Fuller one in middle, Ibrahim Zadran moves to his leg and drills this to long off for a single.
Tossed up on pads, Noor Ali Zadran sweeps this towards long leg for a single.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 41 overs : 101/0
I Zadran54 (121)
Ali Zadran43 (126)
A Fernando8-2-14-0
On a length around off, Ibrahim Zadran punches this towards mid on for no run.
On a length in middle, Noor Ali Zadran tucks it o the leg side for a single.
Yorker in middle, Ibrahim Zadran inside edges this towards fine leg for a single.
LEG BYE! The reverse swing foxes Noor here. On a length tail back, taking it down leg, Noor Ali Zadran looks for the flick but misses. Loud appeal but the umpire has turned it down. The batters take a single as the fielder had a sigh and missed with no backup.
Good length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran punches this on the up towards deep point for a single.
Hint of reverse as this tails in a bit, late on the batter. Ibrahim Zadran drives it to mid off.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 40 overs : 97/0
Ali Zadran42 (124)
I Zadran52 (117)
P Jayasuriya15-6-24-0
Flighted on pads, Noor Ali Zadran defends this off the front foot.
Much fuller but way down leg, Noor Ali Zadran leaves it all alone.
Much fuller in middle, Noor Ali Zadran defends this off the front foot.
Fuller one outside leg, Noor Ali Zadran offers only the pad and no stroke at this as well.
Tossed up on pads, Noor Ali Zadran doesn't offer any stroke on this.
Tossed up around the pads, Noor Ali Zadran sweeps it to short fine leg.
We are back live. The duo of the nephew and a niece will continue proceeding with the older Zadran taking the strike. Prabath Jayasuriya will bowl the first over post-tea.
... DAY 3, THIRD SESSION ...
Sri Lanka will be upset with how this session panned out for them. They haven't troubled the Afghan batters much, and they need to regroup now and pick some quick wickets. They still have their noses in front at the moment, but if it continues this way, the tables can turn in no time. Stay tuned, as we will be back in a short while after the tea break...
Another session of Day 3 belonged to the Afghans! Yes, they still trail by 144 runs, but they are well on track to recover. They haven't lost a wicket yet, with Ibrahim Zadran playing on 52 and Noor Ali Zadran on 42. Everything looks right for them at the moment, and they will look to stay unbeaten at the end of the day. The two Zadrans will be happy with the way they have played out this session!
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 39 overs : 97/0
I Zadran52 (117)
Ali Zadran42 (118)
K Rajitha8-1-38-0
Short, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran hops and fends it to mid on. That will be TEA BREAK for day 3.
Short, on off, Noor Ali Zadran guides it to deep backward point for one.
Lands it down leg, Noor Ali Zadran gets in two minds but leaves it in the end.
Bangs it on middle, Noor Ali Zadran fends it to square leg.
Lands it on off, Noor Ali Zadran eases it to covers.
FOUR! EDGY! Short and on off, Noor Ali Zadran hops to block it but gets a faint edge as it flies over the keepers head for a boundary!
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 38 overs : 92/0
Ali Zadran37 (113)
I Zadran52 (116)
de Silva2-1-3-0
Short, on middle, Noor Ali Zadran pulls it to mid-wicket for one.
Bowls it on middle, Noor Ali Zadran nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Full, on leg, Noor Ali Zadran flicks it but finds the fielder at mid-wicket.
Short, on off, Noor Ali Zadran taps it to mid off.
Tossed up, on off, Noor Ali Zadran defends it forward.
Lands it on off, Noor Ali Zadran defends it back.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 37 overs : 89/0
I Zadran52 (116)
Ali Zadran34 (107)
K Rajitha7-1-33-0
Lands it on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back.
FOUR! Excellent cover drive to bring up the FIFTY for Ibrahim Zadran! Full, on off, Ibrahim Zadran picks it well on the up, and cracks a drive through covers for a boundary!
Full, on middle, Noor Ali Zadran flicks it to square leg for a single.
Bowls it down leg again, Noor Ali Zadran misses his flick again.
Lands it down leg, Noor Ali Zadran looks to flick it but misses as the keeper takes it well to his left. A huge appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved. They go upstairs. The replay shows that it had clipped his pads and not the bat! The onfield decision stands NOT OUT!
Bowls it down leg, Ibrahim Zadran leaves. The keeper misses it as they collect bye. Good stop from the keeper!
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 36 overs : 83/0
Ali Zadran33 (104)
I Zadran48 (113)
de Silva1-1-0-0
Slower one, on off, Noor Ali Zadran defends it back.
Fuller, on middle, Noor Ali Zadran defends it to mid on.
Touch short, on middle, Noor Ali Zadran eases it back.
Fuller again, this is again defended back towards the bowler.
Full, on off, Noor Ali Zadran leans forward and blocks it.
Dhananjaya de Silva comes into the attack and bowls it on middle, Noor Ali Zadran blocks it back.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 35 overs : 83/0
I Zadran48 (113)
Ali Zadran33 (98)
K Rajitha6-1-28-0
Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to covers.
Fuller one, on off, Ibrahim Zadran eases it back.
Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it solidly.
FOUR! Thats a great shot! Full and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran picks it well and drives imperiously through mid off. Easy pickings!
Touch short, on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to the cover fielder.
Full, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it to the fielder at mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 79/0
Ali Zadran33 (98)
I Zadran44 (107)
P Jayasuriya14-5-24-0
Full, on off, Noor Ali Zadran blocks it back.
Slower through the air, Noor Ali Zadran drives it to deep covers for a brace.
Bowls it on leg, Ibrahim Zadran defends it to long off.
Slight halt! The ball hit the fingers of Prabath Jayasuriya, and he looked in some pain. The physio is out in the middle with the magic spray. He looks fine now and we are good to go...
FOUR! That was a half chance though! Lands it on off, Ibrahim Zadran moves forward and drills it down the ground. It just gets the fingertips of Prabath Jayasuriya and the ball races away. He looks in a bit of pain here!
Lands it on leg, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to mid on.
Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to short covers.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 72/0
Ali Zadran31 (96)
I Zadran39 (103)
K Rajitha5-1-24-0
Another one wide outside off, Noor Ali Zadran is happy to let it go.
Short and wide, Noor Ali Zadran shoulders arms.
Length, angling in, Noor Ali Zadran blocks it back.
FOUR! Shot! Fuller one, on off, Noor Ali Zadran cracks a drive down the ground as the ball races away.
Length, on off, Noor Ali Zadran eases it to covers.
Short, on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to covers for one.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 67/0
Ali Zadran27 (91)
I Zadran38 (102)
P Jayasuriya13-5-17-0
Lands it on off, this is defended well.
Flighted up, on off, Noor Ali Zadran eases it to mid off.
Lands it on off, this is pushed towards long off for one.
Full, on off, Ibrahim Zadran moves forward to defend it.
Lands it on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it off the front foot.
Full, on off, this is defended towards covers.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 31 overs : 66/0
Ali Zadran27 (89)
I Zadran37 (98)
K Rajitha4-1-19-0
Another dot as this is defended towards mid-wicket.
Lands it on off, Noor Ali Zadran blocks it to covers.
Fuller one, angling in, Noor Ali Zadran offers a solid block.
Short and wide, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to point for one.
Short again, this is defended back again.
Short, on off, Ibrahim Zadran fends it back.
Kasun Rajitha comes into the attack now.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 30 overs : 65/0
I Zadran36 (95)
Ali Zadran27 (86)
P Jayasuriya12-5-16-0
Full, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran sweeps it to deep square leg for one.
Tossed up, with a hint of turn, Noor Ali Zadran looks to block it but gets an outside edge as the ball rolls towards point.
Short, on middle, Noor Ali Zadran tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Fuller one, Noor Ali Zadran defends it forward.
Short, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to mid off for one.
Bowls it on middle, this is defended back.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 29 overs : 60/0
Ali Zadran24 (83)
I Zadran34 (92)
V Fernando8-3-19-0
Length and just outside off, Noor Ali Zadran looks to block it but misses. A loud appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved. They decide not to review it.
Short, on middle, Noor Ali Zadran fends it to point.
Length and on off, Noor Ali Zadran blocks it to covers.
Bowls it on off, Noor Ali Zadran punches it but finds the fielder at covers.
Lands it on off, Noor Ali Zadran blocks it to mid off.
Length, outside off, Noor Ali Zadran eases it to covers.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 28 overs : 60/0
I Zadran34 (92)
Ali Zadran24 (77)
P Jayasuriya11-5-11-0
Flatter one, on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to mid on.
Quicker one, on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it solildy.
Short and on leg, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back.
Full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it solidly.
Full, on off, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to short covers.
Tossed up, on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 27 overs : 60/0
Ali Zadran24 (77)
I Zadran34 (86)
V Fernando7-2-19-0
Short, on off, Noor Ali Zadran gets on his toes and fends it to short covers.
Short and wide outside off, Noor Ali Zadran is happy to let it go.
Another one outside off, left alone by Noor Ali Zadran.
Short and wide, shaping away further, Noor Ali Zadran leaves.
Lands it on off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it to covers. The fielder stops it well to his right and restricts it to a single.
Bowls it on off, this is defended towards covers.
Drinks! Afghanistan is recovering well from the damage, as Ibrahim Zadran and Noor Ali Zadran are looking good. Sri Lanka bowlers have failed to trouble the Afghan batters yet, and they will have to work on it. They still have a lead of 182 runs!
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 26 overs : 59/0
Ali Zadran24 (73)
I Zadran33 (84)
P Jayasuriya10-4-11-0
Lands it on middle, Noor Ali Zadran blocks it back.
Lands it on middle, Noor Ali Zadran flicks it to the short mid-wicket fielder.
Full again, this is again blocked back towards the bowler.
Too full, on middle, Noor Ali Zadran blocks it back.
Bowls it down leg, Noor Ali Zadran offers no stroke.
FOUR! Fine shot! Full, on middle, Noor Ali Zadran gets low and sweeps it through square leg as the ball races away. Well connected!
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 25 overs : 55/0
I Zadran33 (84)
Ali Zadran20 (67)
V Fernando6-2-18-0
FOUR! Ibrahim Zadran gets lucky. On a length wide of off, Ibrahim Zadran slashes hard at it and gets an outside edge flying in between the first slip fielder and the keeper. in a flash for a boundary. The indecision between the keeper and first slip costs Lanka a wicket here.
Good length on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it off the back foot for no run.
On a length wide of off, Noor Ali Zadran goes for the swings but misses out.
Good length on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes this back to the bowler.
Good length on off, Ibrahim Zadran defends this off the front foot towards cover.
Back of a length on off, Ibrahim Zadran defends this off the front foot.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 24 overs : 51/0
Ali Zadran20 (67)
I Zadran29 (78)
P Jayasuriya9-4-7-0
Fuller one on pads, Noor Ali Zadran leaves it with an outstretched pad towards short leg.
Flighted on leg, Noor Ali Zadran gently pushes it wide of short leg.
Length dragged back on leg, Noor Ali Zadran tucks it to short leg.
Fuller one in middle, Noor Ali Zadran defends his off the front foot.
Tossed up on leg, Noor Ali Zadran decides not to play a shot at it.
Tossed up on off, Noor Ali Zadran defends this off the front foot.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 51/0
I Zadran29 (78)
Ali Zadran20 (61)
V Fernando5-2-14-0
On a length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran goes deep and hammers it to extra-cover for no run. A crisp stroke for nothing.
Back of a length on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes this to the off side.
Short and wide of off, Noor Ali Zadran drives this on the rise towards deep cover for a single.
Back of a length on off, Noor Ali Zadran punches this towards cover for no run.
On a length outside off, Noor Ali Zadran lofts this uppishly wide of cover for a couple.
FOUR! Half-a-chance gone a begging. On a length outside off, Noor Ali Zadran opens up as he looks for the drive but gets a genuine edge flying up and over the fielder at gully for four. The fielder might have got a fingertip to it.
Vishwa Fernando is back into the attack.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 44/0
I Zadran29 (76)
Ali Zadran13 (57)
P Jayasuriya8-3-7-0
Short of a length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran cuts it off the back foot towards square on off for a couple.
Much fuller outside off, Ibrahim Zadran scuffs the attempted drive as he thumps it back to the bowler.
Tossed up on off, Ibrahim Zadran drives this to extra-cover for no run.
Fuller one in middle, Ibrahim Zadran defends this off the front foot.
Short of a length on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches this to cover.
Tossed up on off, Ibrahim Zadran rolls it to mid off.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 42/0
Ali Zadran13 (57)
I Zadran27 (70)
A Fernando7-2-11-0
Barrage of short-pitched deliveries on leg, Noor Ali Zadran leaves it all alone.
short-pitched on off this time, Noor Ali Zadran dabs it to silly point for no run.
short-pitched on leg, Noor Ali Zadran leaves it with a twirl on its stance.
Short-pitched on off, Ibrahim Zadran hops up on his toes and taps this to point for a single.
Back of a length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes this towards cover.
short-pitched on leg, Ibrahim Zadran leaves it all alone.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 41/0
Ali Zadran13 (54)
I Zadran26 (67)
P Jayasuriya7-3-5-0
Tossed up on off, Noor Ali Zadran crouches low and blocks this underneath his eyeline.
Floats one in on off, Noor Ali Zadran defends this one.
Tossed up on off, Ibrahim Zadran drills this again towards the fielder just outside the imaginary 30-yard circle and takes a single.
Fulle rone off, Ibrahim Zadran drills this to mid off for no run.
Tossed up on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it out.
Tossed up on off, Ibrahim Zadran drives this to short cover.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 40/0
Ali Zadran13 (52)
I Zadran25 (63)
A Fernando6-2-10-0
Back of a length on leg, Noor Ali Zadran jams it right near his stride. A bit of a scare for the batter as the ball is fielded by the fielder at short leg and he threw it back on the stumps but he moved in the line of it and obstructed it. The umpires are not giving fuel to the fire and have turned it down.
Back of a length on pads, Noor Ali Zadran jams it down again.
Back of a length on leg, angling into the batter from around the wicket. Noor Ali Zadran jams it down on a bounce to short leg.
Short-pitched, bodyline stuff from Asitha Fernando. Noor Ali Zadran stutters and drops his guard but deflects it to backward short leg. The fielder catches it and the Lankans celebrate but the umpire has turned the appeal down. Lanks asks for a DRS and the ball has clearly missed the bat and gloves and hit the batter on his arm guard on its way to the fielder.
short-pitched on off, Ibrahim Zadran dabs it to deep third for a single.
short-pitched on leg, Ibrahim Zadran leaves it all alone.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 39/0
Ali Zadran13 (48)
I Zadran24 (61)
P Jayasuriya6-3-4-0
Fuller on off, Noor Ali Zadran lunges in front and blocks it out.
Tossed up on off, Noor Ali Zadran defends this off the front foot.
Arm delivery in middle, Noor Ali Zadran tucks it to the leg side.
Flighted on off, Ibrahim Zadran drills this to long off for a single.
Fuller in middle, Ibrahim Zadran defends this off the front foot.
Tossed up on off, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it towards the leg side.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 38/0
Ali Zadran13 (45)
I Zadran23 (58)
A Fernando5-2-9-0
The demons on this surface are awakening as this was darted short but it kept low and luckily Noor Ali Zadran manged to get a good chunk of willow behind this.
Short-pitched around off, Noor Ali Zadran pushes this towards the off side for no run.
Short-pitched into the body from around the wicket, Ibrahim Zadran take one hand off the handle and dabs it towards square leg for a single.
Harmlessly pitched short and down leg.
Short-pitched on leg, Noor Ali Zadran tucks it away to the leg side for a single.
This battle between Lankan pacers with the short-ball ploy against Noor Ali Zadran will be fascinating.
Short-pitched down leg, from around the wicket. Noor Ali Zadran hops up on his toes and leaves this.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 36/0
I Zadran22 (56)
Ali Zadran12 (41)
P Jayasuriya5-3-3-0
Excellent channel bowling here from Prabath Jayasuriya. Drifts one in and takes it away from the right-hander. Ibrahim Zadran looks to block but gets beaten on his outside edge.
Length dragged back on off, Ibrahim Zadran cuts this to point for no run.
Tossed up again and on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes this towards the off side.
Tossed up on off, Ibrahim Zadran gets on top of it and blocks this.
Tossed up drifting in, Ibrahim Zadran defends this one.
Slides one in on off, Ibrahim Zadran strides in front and blocks it.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 36/0
Ali Zadran12 (41)
I Zadran22 (50)
A Fernando4-2-7-0
Confident this time. Short-pitched on off, Noor Ali Zadran dabs this into the surface towards silly point.
Short-pitched around leg, Noor Ali Zadran unconvincingly leaves it with a lot of shuffling.
UH LA LA! Nearly a wicket. Short-pitched in middle, Noor Ali Zadran stutters a bit and just throws his bat at this, gets it off the cue end just wide of short leg.
Good length on off, Ibrahim Zadran hops up on his toes and pushes this to point for a single.
This is good. Back of a length around off, Ibrahim Zadran stands still and blocks it out.
Bumper way down leg, perks of Test-cricket as it is called a fair delivery. The batter did not even think of playing this one.
Noor Ali Zadran has to crouch even lower as the way he is defending at this point he might be a candidate for the ball sneaking through the gate and into the stumps against the spinner.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 35/0
Ali Zadran12 (38)
I Zadran21 (47)
P Jayasuriya4-2-3-0
Flighted on off, Noor Ali Zadran lunges forward and blocks it out.
Tossed up in middle, Noor Ali Zadran defends this off the front foot but he was right behind it this time.
Much slower in middle, Noor Ali Zadran pushes this towards point this time.
Tossed up on off, Noor Ali Zadran defends this off the front foot.
Fuller in middle, Noor Ali Zadran blocks it out. He is blocking these but the bat is coming down a bit slower than it should.
Tossed up on off, Noor Ali Zadran strides to the pitch of it and blocks this out.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 35/0
I Zadran21 (47)
Ali Zadran12 (32)
A Fernando3-2-6-0
Erred again as he bowls this short-pitched around leg, Ibrahim Zadran leaves it all alone.
That's more like it. Short-pitched but in middle, Ibrahim Zadran gets forced to play at it and he does that well as he jams it down with a hop.
DEJA VU! Short-pitched on leg, Ibrahim Zadran shoulder arms it.
Back of a length around leg, Ibrahim Zadran this time shoulder arms it back to the keeper.
Short-pitched on leg, Ibrahim Zadran keeps his guard down and lets it go.
Short-pitched around leg, Ibrahim Zadran leaves it all alone.
We are back with the post-lunch session. The Sri Lankan players have taken their respective field positions while Ibrahim Zadran and Noor Ali Zadran are all set to bat for Afghanistan. Asitha Fernando will begin proceedings pos lunch with the bill for Sri Lanka.
... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...
The Sri Lankan team scored 439 for 9, giving them a lead of 241 runs. The home team is still in a strong position, as they have a lead of 206 runs. They will look to pick up some quick wickets now and put the Afghanistan side under pressure. They have failed to trouble the Afghan batters yet, and they will look to do so and break this opening partnership. Stay tuned, as we will be back soon after the lunch break...
Finally, a session that belonged to the Afghans! They are recovering slowly from the damage done to them earlier. At the start, Naveed Zadran and Nijat Masood performed well with the ball for them at the start of this session, taking timely wickets. They managed to wrap up the innings as they trailed by 241 runs. Coming to bat, Noor Ali Zadran and Ibrahim Zadran were watchful and haven't lost a wicket yet. They still have a steep mountain to climb as they still trail by 206 runs!
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 35/0
Ali Zadran12 (32)
I Zadran21 (41)
P Jayasuriya3-1-3-0
Bowls it on middle, Noor Ali Zadran leans onto it and blocks it back. That will be LUNCH for Day 3.
Lands it on off, Noor Ali Zadran eases it to short covers.
Full, on middle, Noor Ali Zadran flicks it to the fielder at short leg.
Too full, on off, Noor Ali Zadran drives it to mid off.
Lands it on middle and leg, Noor Ali Zadran tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Slower through the air, on middle, Noor Ali Zadran blocks it solidly.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 33/0
I Zadran21 (41)
Ali Zadran10 (26)
K Rajitha3-1-18-0
Fuller one, on off, Ibrahim Zadran guides it to the point fielder.
Short, just outside off, Ibrahim Zadran covers his line and leaves it alone.
Bowls it on leg, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to the fielder at mid on.
Goes fuller, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran drives it back towards the bowler. The bowler makes a good stop to his left.
Another one outside off, Ibrahim Zadran shoulders arms.
Lands it outside off, Ibrahim Zadran leaves.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 33/0
Ali Zadran10 (26)
I Zadran21 (35)
P Jayasuriya2-1-1-0
Full, down leg, Noor Ali Zadran looks to flick it but miscues to the fielder at slips. It lands just short!
Full, on leg, this is defended towards mid on.
Slower through the air, Noor Ali Zadran defends it forward.
Loopy, on off, Noor Ali Zadran blocks it back.
Short again, this is again played towards the point fielder.
Short, on off, Noor Ali Zadran blocks it to point.
Runs Scored 15 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 33/0
I Zadran21 (35)
Ali Zadran10 (20)
K Rajitha2-0-18-0
FOUR AGAIN! Three in a row from Ibrahim Zadran! Continues to bowl full, Ibrahim Zadran stays back and drives imperiously through the mid off as the ball races away again!
FOUR MORE! Fine shot! Full, on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran held onto a stable base and let his bottom hand take over. The fielder from mid-wicket chases but the ball wins the race.
FOUR! Thats a beautiful stroke! Too full, on off, Ibrahim Zadran leans onto it and cracks a drive through the covers for a boundary!
Too full, on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran turns it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Length just outside off. Noor Ali Zadran tips it into the off side and scampers across to the other end.
Full, on middle, Noor Ali Zadran flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 18/0
Ali Zadran9 (18)
I Zadran7 (31)
P Jayasuriya1-0-1-0
Too full, outside off, Noor Ali Zadran drives it to covers for one.
Full, angling in, this is defended towards mid off again.
Another dot ball as this is played towards mid off.
Fuller one, on middle, Noor Ali Zadran eases it to mid on.
Some turn and bounce, Noor Ali Zadran blocks it back.
Loopy, on middle, Noor Ali Zadran leans onto it and blocks it.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 17/0
I Zadran7 (31)
Ali Zadran8 (12)
V Fernando4-2-7-0
Short, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran fends it to the mid off fielder.
Too full, on middle, this is defended back towards the bowler.
Lands it on middle, Ibrahim Zadran eases it t the mid off fielder.
Short and on off, Ibrahim Zadran gets on his toes and blocks it back.
Lands it on middle, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to mid off.
Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to the cover fielder.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 17/0
Ali Zadran8 (12)
I Zadran7 (25)
K Rajitha1-0-3-0
Length in the channel and this one shapes away late, Noor Ali Zadran looks to play at it but gets beaten.
Fuller one, on off, Noor Ali Zadran drives it to the cover fielder.
Lands it on off, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it to square leg for one.
Length, angling in as this goes off the inside half of Ibrahim Zadran's bat back towards the bowler.
Full and hung outside off as this is guided towards the point region.
Full and on leg, Noor Ali Zadran turns it to deep square leg for one.
No ball! Lands it on a length and around off, Noor Ali Zadran guides it to point. The fielder dives to his right and stops it well.
Just in - Kasun Rajitha has come in as a concussion substitute for Chamika Gunasekara...
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 14/0
I Zadran6 (22)
Ali Zadran7 (8)
V Fernando3-1-7-0
Good length on off, Ibrahim Zadran defends this off the front foot.
On a length around off, Ibrahim Zadran defends this off the front foot.
On a length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran punches this towards point for no run.
On a length angling across the batter, Ibrahim Zadran looks to leave this but gets late to bail out of the dab as it catches the under edge back towards the keeper on a bounce.
On a length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks for the drives but gets beaten on the inside.
Back of a length on off, Noor Ali Zadran punches this wide of cover-point for a single.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 13/0
I Zadran6 (17)
Ali Zadran6 (7)
A Fernando2-1-6-0
On a length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran punches hard at it and squeezes it in between cover and point for a couple.
On a length around off, Ibrahim Zadran jams it into the surface near the popping crease for no run.
FOUR! Ibrahim Zadran is up and running. On a length around leg, Ibrahim Zadran flicks this fine and finds the fence towards the fine leg region for a boundary.
Back of a length tailing back in towards the batter. Ibrahim Zadran blocks it out.
Short-pitched outside off, Ibrahim Zadran sways away from this.
Good length in middle, Ibrahim Zadran punches this to short mid on for no run.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 7/0
Ali Zadran6 (7)
I Zadran0 (11)
V Fernando2-1-6-0
Back of a length in middle, Noor Ali Zadran blocks this off the back foot.
Back of a length on off, Noor Ali Zadran dabs this towards cover-point for no run.
On a length around off, Noor Ali Zadran rolls it through the cover region for a couple this time.
On a length around off, Vishwa Fernando punches this to cover for no run.
Good length outside off, Noor Ali Zadran leaves it all alone. Well bowled and a good leave.
FOUR! Elegantly glanced away for four. On a length in midle, Noor Ali Zadran gets behind the line of this and leg glances this for a boundary towards deep mid-wicket region.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 1/0
I Zadran0 (11)
Ali Zadran0 (1)
A Fernando1-1-0-0
On a length in middle, Ibrahim Zadran gets it right from the middle of his bat but straight to the short mid on fielder.
Back of a length around leg, Ibrahim Zadran punches this to back to the short mid on fielder on a bounce for no run.
On a length in middle, Ibrahim Zadran punches this to short mid on for no run.
On a length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran gets tempted to drive but misses.
Good length on the pads, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it towards mid-wicket for no run.
LEG BYE! On a length around the pads, Noor Ali Zadran tickles it off the pads towards fine leg for a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 0/0
I Zadran0 (6)
Ali Zadran0 (0)
V Fernando1-1-0-0
On a length outside off, Ibrahim Zadran strides in front and leaves it all alone.
Good length angling across the batter, Ibrahim Zadran shoulder arms it back to the keeper.
On a length around off, Ibrahim Zadran drills this back to the bowler.
Inswinging yorker, Ibrahim Zadran keeps it out with a block.
Good length in middle, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it away to the leg side for no run.
Starts well and beats the batter. On a length outside off, angling across the batter, Ibrahim Zadran looks for the drive but gets beaten.
Commentary
Welcome back for Afghanistan's reply! The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Noor Ali Zadran and Ibrahim Zadran are the two openers for Afghanistan. Vishwa Fernando to start with the ball. Lets go...
... THIRD INNINGS ...
With Chamika Gunasekara retired and not opting for a Concussion sub as of now, the Sri Lankan inning comes to a close on 439 for 9. The hosts now lead by 241 runs and the visitors will need to put up a performance with a bit of gritty nature to turn this around in their favor. A couple of big knocks from Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva has helped the hosts achieve this lead as they now hold a firm grip on this game and would be dictating terms.
Naveed Zadran was brilliant and aggressive to start the day with the ball as he removed a couple and it was his delivery that hit Chamika Gunasekara on the helmet forcing him to retire. Nijat Masood took a wicket as well this morning. The bowlers managed to wrap up things with Naveed Zadran picking up 4 in total while Qais Ahmad and Nijat Masood picked up a couple each.
OUT! CASTLED! This one lands on a length and on off, Asitha Fernando looks to defend in the line but misses it completely as the ball hits the off pole. Asitha Fernando walks out for a duck.
The umpires have also called for drinks with this halt. Afghanistan has been performing well so far, with Zadran taking two wickets. Sri Lanka has scored 439/8 in 109.1 overs, giving them a lead of 241 runs. It will be challenging for Afghanistan to surpass Sri Lanka's score. Lets see how it pans out...
Chamika Gunasekara is looking in some discomfort and is unable to continue. A blow to the batting team as Chamika Gunasekara is walking back. Not to forget he was hit on the helmet a while back and he has complained to the umpire about having a blurred image. Will there be a concussion sub? for now NO as Asitha Fernando walks out.
FOUR! On a length outside off, Chamika Gunasekara looks to block but gets a genuine edge going past the first slip cordon for a boundary towards third man region. The lack of an attacking field with no slip costs Afghanistan here.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 109 overs : 435/8
V Fernando0 (2)
C Gunasekara12 (26)
N Zadran22.5-4-83-4
Good length on off, Vishwa Fernando defends this off the front foot.
On of a length outside off, Vishwa Fernando leaves it alone.
OUT! TIMBER! This one lands on off which means Jayasuriya had to play this shot. He rocks back and looks to play at it but misses and the ball clips the top of off. Prabath Jayasuriya is now back into the Hut as the Lankans go eight down in a jiffy.
On a length outside off, Chamika Gunasekara punches this to deep point for a single.
On a length outsde off, Chamika Gunasekara plays the on drive but the bowler saves this from going for runs. Naveed Zadran gets hit on the wrist and the physio comes in to check on the bowler.
Short-pitched on leg, Chamika Gunasekara ducks down on this.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 108 overs : 434/7
P Jayasuriya2 (7)
C Gunasekara11 (23)
N Masood19-3-72-1
Back of a length on top of off, Prabath Jayasuriya taps this to gully for no run.
Total waste of delivery as Nijat Masood darts a bouncer down leg. The batter did not even think of playing this.
Short-pitched outside off, Prabath Jayasuriya ducks down on this.
Good length on off, Chamika Gunasekara leans low and flamboyantly cuts away for a single towards deep point.
Good length in middle, Chamika Gunasekara solidly pushes this to the off side.
Good length on pads, Prabath Jayasuriya tucks it to the right of the mid on fielder and takes a single.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 107 overs : 432/7
C Gunasekara10 (21)
P Jayasuriya1 (3)
N Zadran21.5-4-82-3
Good length in middle, Chamika Gunasekara tucks it away towards mid-wicket for no run.
The physio rushes in for a mandatory concussion check. Chamika Gunasekara looks fine though.
FOUR LEG BYES! Short-pitched on leg, Chamika Gunasekara ducks down but the ball doesn't bounce enough and deflects of the back of the helmet and hits the fence for four towards fine leg.
Good length on off, Prabath Jayasuriya pushes this towards cover and takes a single.
Back of a length around the pads, Prabath Jayasuriya jams this into the surface.
Good length on off, Prabath Jayasuriya defends this solidly off the front foot.
Prabath Jayasuriya comes out next to bat.
OUT! The first one of the day and Afghanistan removes the dangerous-looking Sadeera Samarawickrama. On a length just outside off, tempting the batter to go for that expensive drive with empty pockets at cover. Sadeera Samarawickrama lures into the shot and edges this to Rahmat Shah at gully for his dismissal.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 106 overs : 427/6
C Gunasekara10 (19)
S Samarawickrama27 (32)
N Masood18-3-70-1
Short-pitched outside off, Chamika Gunasekara leaves ti all alone.
Back of a length outside off, Chamika Gunasekara pushes it into the ground towards point.
Short-pitched in middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama takes it on and pulls this to deep square for a single.
Another short-pitched delivery angling into the batter, Sadeera Samarawickrama sways away from this.
Good length on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama pushes this towards cover for no run.
No-BALL and FOUR! Short-pitched on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama dabs this in front of the second slip and it bounces a bit awkwardly and away she goes for four. Nijat Masood has overstepped here.
On a length outside off, Chamika Gunasekara opens the bat face and runs it through the gully towards deep third for 3 runs.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 105 overs : 418/6
S Samarawickrama22 (28)
C Gunasekara7 (16)
N Zadran20.5-4-81-2
On a length outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama punches this to the off side for no run.
Short-pitched on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama once again ducks down on this. The short ball ploy is quite evident.
Bumper in middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama easily ducks down on this.
Short-pitched in middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama looks for the upper cut but misses out.
Good length outside off, Chamika Gunasekara goes back and punches this away for a single.
On a length outside off, Chamika Gunasekara punches this back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 104 overs : 417/6
C Gunasekara6 (14)
S Samarawickrama22 (24)
N Masood17-3-61-1
Good length in middle, Chamika Gunasekara tickles it to fine leg for a single.
Good length outside off, Chamika Gunasekara leaves it all alone.
On a length outside off, Chamika Gunasekara leaves it all alone.
Good-length delivery on off, Chamika Gunasekara blocks it out.
Back of a length outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama punches this to long off for a single.
On a length outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama pushes at it and finds the fielder at extra-cover.
Nijat Masood will accompany Naveed Zadran with the ball.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 103 overs : 415/6
C Gunasekara5 (10)
S Samarawickrama21 (22)
N Zadran19.5-4-80-2
On alength outside off, Chamika Gunasekara punches this on the rise but fails to get it past the point fielder.
Bumper into the body, Chamika Gunasekara ducks down on this.
Short-pitched on off, Chamika Gunasekara goes for the punch but ends up edging it on a bounce to the fielder at gully.
Back of a length outside off, Chamika Gunasekara dabs that to backward point for no run.
Back of a length on off, Chamika Gunasekara hangs back and blocks this out to the off side.
On a length outside off, keeping very low. Chamika Gunasekara gets a bottom edge to it rolling to the keeper.
Naveed Zadran will bowl from the other end.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 102 overs : 415/6
C Gunasekara5 (4)
S Samarawickrama21 (22)
Q Ahmad22-2-98-2
Tossed up around off, Chamika Gunasekara strides to the pitch of it and drives this to sweeper cover for a single.
Quicker one on off, Chamika Gunasekara defends this off the back foot.
FOUR! First runs in Test-cricket for Chamika Gunasekara. Too full on off, Chamika Gunasekara gets low and drives this through cover region for a boundary.
Tossed up on off, Chamika Gunasekara defends this back to the bowler.
We are all in readiness to begin proceedings on Day 3. Sadeera Samarawickrama will be accompanied by Chamika Gunasekara as the Lankan batters march out to bat. Qais Ahmad will begin to complete the remaining 4 deliveries.
Angelo Mathews is up for a quick chat and he says he is happy with his batting but gutted with how he got out. Adds that he and Dinesh Chandimal took their time and played every ball to its merit as they planned to put away bad deliveries but they were presented very less in number by the Afghanistan bowlers.
The visitors though would look to bundle the Lankans as early as they can so they do not fall further behind in the game. The onus would be on Qais Ahmad, Naveed Zadran and Zia ur Rehman to give the sides crucial breakthroughs and wrap the Lankan innings up quickly. With the wicket starting to assist the spinner, bowlers like Qais Ahmad and Zia ur Rehman become all that important now. Let's see what unfolds in the first session as these two Asian sides put up a show for all.
After a brilliant day of cricket with the bat for Lanka on day 2, Sri Lanka are now in a dominating situation up against the Afghans. The Lankans scored 330 on day 2 and now lead Afghanistan by 212 runs. After a marathon partnership of 232 runs between Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews for the fourth wicket the side now stands a chance to extend their lead today. The Lankans are now in a commanding position and will look to stretch the lead to around 300 and then try and inflict a defeat with an innings on Afghanistan.
... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...
The key is to be positive, they should not be losing hopes as they are well behind in the game. They need quick wickets first up to get back into this one and we expect the conditions to be fine for batting on Day 3 as well and they will need to cash in. Sri Lanka on the other hand, would hope to bat as long as possible as they would be aiming to bat only once. Important day awaits. Join us for the action which will begin at 1000 IST (0430 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye!
A day which has belonged to the hosts and they are well and truly ahead in this game! They have stretched their lead to over 200 and are still not done. That is mainly down to two men, Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal. Both added a massive partnership and both scored tons. They batted for most of the day and have taken their side well into the ascendancy. For Afghanistan it has been a real struggle, the pitch was not offering a lot and their bowlers have not bowled that well too. They were quite wayward and offered far too many boundary balls. They would be pleased that the day has come to an end but they need a really good Day 3 to get back into the game.
OUT! HIT WICKET! Well, the only way Angelo Mathews seemed like getting dismissed was by his own mistake. He has been HIT WICKET! This is short and down the leg side. Mathews is deep in his crease. He pulls it hard through square leg but could not stop his bat swing and it hits the stumps. Unfortunate but end of a brilliant knock. THAT WILL ALSO BE STUMPS!
Around off, blocked.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 101 overs : 410/5
S Samarawickrama21 (22)
A Mathews141 (257)
ur Rehman28-2-90-0
On middle, this is pushed to mid off.
Around off, defended.
Around off, blocked.
Fuller and on off, this is pushed towards cover for one.
On off, this is pushed to cover.
Around off, kept out.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 100 overs : 409/5
S Samarawickrama21 (19)
A Mathews140 (254)
Q Ahmad21-2-93-1
Around off, defended.
FOUR! Cut away! Shorter and outside off, this is cut past point and into the fence behind.
On middle, blocked.
Around off, defended.
A single as this is worked to mid-wicket.
Around middle, this is pushed to mid on.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 99 overs : 404/5
S Samarawickrama17 (15)
A Mathews139 (252)
N Zadran18.5-3-80-2
Around off, kept out.
On off, this is pushed through covers for one.
On middle, defended.
Around off, kept out.
A single as thgis is pulled towards deep mid-wicket.
Around off, defended.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 98 overs : 402/5
A Mathews138 (249)
S Samarawickrama16 (12)
ur Rehman27-2-89-0
On middle, kept out.
On the stumps, blocked.
Around off, this is kept out well.
Another one outside off, not played at.
Around off, defended.
Outside off, left alone.
Runs Scored 12 Runs
Score after 97 overs : 402/5
A Mathews138 (243)
S Samarawickrama16 (12)
N Zadran17.5-3-78-2
Short and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.
Shorter and on middle, this is pulled to mid-wicket.
A single as this is pushed down to long on.
Around off, kept out.
SIX! Over the fence. On middle, this is pulled over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Four! Cut away. Short and outside off, this is guided past point and it races away to the fence.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 96 overs : 390/5
A Mathews137 (241)
S Samarawickrama5 (8)
ur Rehman26-1-89-0
On off, this is pushed to cover.
Around off, defended.
A single as this is nudged on the leg side.
On off, defended.!
Around off, kept out.
FOUR! Fuller and on off, this is driven through covers for a boundary.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 95 overs : 385/5
A Mathews137 (239)
S Samarawickrama0 (4)
N Zadran16.5-3-66-2
Around off, this is guided.
A bumper, evaded.
On off, kept out again.
Fuller and on off, this is pushed to cover.
On middle, blocked.
Fuller and on middle, this is pushed to mid on.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 94 overs : 385/5
S Samarawickrama0 (4)
A Mathews137 (233)
ur Rehman25-1-84-0
On off, defended.
Around off, kept out.
A single as this is nudged on the leg side.
On off, kept out.
Around off, defended.
FOUR! Too short and put away. This is cut past point and it goes to the fence.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 93 overs : 380/5
S Samarawickrama0 (2)
A Mathews132 (229)
N Zadran15.5-2-66-2
Around off, kept out.
Around off, defended.
OUT! TWO IN TWO! It gets better for Afghanistan. On off, this is pushed towards mid off. The striker wants a run but Mathews is not interested. The throw is to the keeper who takes the bails off.
OUT! TAKEN! Afghanistan finally manage to make the breakthrough. A top innings from Chandimal comes to an end. This is shorter and outside off. Chandimal looks to cut but it goes off the outside edge and the keeper takes it.
Around off, kept out.
Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 92 overs : 379/3
D Chandimal107 (179)
A Mathews131 (228)
ur Rehman24-1-79-0
On off, kept out.
Fuller and on off, this is driven but to mid off.
On the stumps, kept out.
Around off, blocked.
Fuller and on off, this is pushed to cover.
On middle, this is nudged to mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 91 overs : 378/3
A Mathews130 (226)
D Chandimal107 (175)
M Saleem12-0-56-0
Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one.
On middle, this is worked on the leg side for one.
FOUR! Cut away! Shorter and outside off, Dinesh Chandimal cuts it past point and it races away.
Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg. A run taken. It is also a no ball.
On middle, this is nudged on the leg side for one.
Outside off, left alone.
Shorter and on off, this is pushed to cover.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 90 overs : 369/3
A Mathews128 (224)
D Chandimal101 (170)
ur Rehman23-1-78-0
On the stumps, kept out well.
On middle, defended.
Around off, kept out.
Fuller and on off, this is pushed to mid off.
Around off, defended.
On off, blocked.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 89 overs : 369/3
D Chandimal101 (170)
A Mathews128 (218)
M Saleem11-0-47-0
Around off, defended.
On off, defended.
A single as this is pushed towards cover.
Around off, this is pushed to cover.
FOUR! Cut away again. Shorter and outside off, this is played past point and into the fence.
Shorter and on off, this is pushed to cover.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 88 overs : 364/3
D Chandimal101 (168)
A Mathews123 (214)
N Masood16-3-59-1
FOUR! Cut away. Shorter and outside off, this is flayed past point and it races away.
Around off, kept out.
Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one.
Takes one as this is pushed down to long on.
Two! On the pads, this is swept through square leg for two.
On off, this is pushed to cover.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 87 overs : 356/3
D Chandimal94 (163)
A Mathews122 (213)
N Zadran15-2-66-1
A single as this is pushed through covers.
Around off, blocked.
Fuller and on off, this is pushed towards cover.
FOUR! Cut away! Shorter and outside off, this is cut past point and it races away to the fence.
On off, defended.
Fuller and on off, this is pushed to long off for one.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 86 overs : 349/3
A Mathews117 (210)
D Chandimal92 (160)
N Masood15-3-51-1
On the stumps, defended.
FOUR! Outside off, shorter again, this is cut past point and it races away.
FOUR! Fuller and outside off, this is guided through point for a boundary.
On off, blocked.
Around off, blocked.
A single as this is pushed towards cover.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 85 overs : 340/3
A Mathews109 (205)
D Chandimal91 (159)
N Zadran14-2-59-1
On middle, defende.
Fuller and on off, this is punched to cover.
Fuller and on off, this is pushed to cover.
On middle, defended.
Around off, blocked.
A single as this is nudged on the leg side.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 84 overs : 339/3
A Mathews109 (200)
D Chandimal90 (158)
N Masood14-3-42-1
On the stumps, blocked.
On middle, kept out.
Around off, defended.
On middle, defended.
Around offf, blocked.
FOUR! Fuller and on off, this is driven past cover and it races away.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 83 overs : 335/3
D Chandimal90 (158)
A Mathews105 (194)
N Zadran13-2-58-1
On middle, defended.
On the stumps, blocked.
On off, kept out.
Around off, this is pushed to cover.
Outside off, left alone.
Around off, kept out.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 82 overs : 335/3
A Mathews105 (194)
D Chandimal90 (152)
N Masood13-3-38-1
FOUR! Nicely played. This is fuller and on off, this is driven through covers for a boundary.
Around off, kept out.
Around off, this is guided to point.
On middle; this is worked to mid-wicket.
Stays back and defends it out.
On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 81 overs : 331/3
D Chandimal90 (152)
A Mathews101 (188)
N Zadran12-1-58-1
Outside off, left alone.
Outsidr off, this is pushed to cover.
On off, defended.
Outsidr off, left alone.
Around off, blocked.
On off, this is pushed to cover.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 80 overs : 331/3
D Chandimal90 (146)
A Mathews101 (188)
ur Rehman22-0-78-0
A single as this is worked towards mid-wicket.
Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.
On middle, kept out.
Around off, kept out.
Angled into the pads, this is nudged on the leg side for one.
Around off, Dinesh Chandimal pushes it to covers.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 79 overs : 328/3
A Mathews100 (185)
D Chandimal88 (143)
R Shah3-0-10-0
On off, kept out.
Outside off, this is guided through point for two.
A single as this is worked on the leg side.
On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.
Around off, defended.
Another single! On off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 78 overs : 323/3
A Mathews97 (181)
D Chandimal86 (141)
ur Rehman21-0-75-0
On middle, defended.
Around off, this is pushed to cover.
On the off pole. Kept out.
On off, this is pushed to cover.
On off, defended.
Another single as this is worked on the leg side.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 77 overs : 322/3
A Mathews97 (176)
D Chandimal85 (140)
R Shah2-0-5-0
Around off, this is defneded.
On off, this is pushed towards cover for one.
On middle, kept out,
Around off, this is pushed to cover.
Fuller and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Floats it up on off, defended.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 76 overs : 320/3
D Chandimal84 (137)
A Mathews96 (173)
ur Rehman20-0-74-0
On middle, defended well.
On off, kept out.
On off, this is pushed to cover.
Around off, blocked.
A single as this is worked through mid-wicket.
Around off, defended.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 75 overs : 319/3
A Mathews95 (171)
D Chandimal84 (133)
Q Ahmad20-2-88-1
Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.
On off, this is pushed through covers for one.
On middle, this is swept through mid-wicket for one.
On off, kept out.
On middle, this is nudged around the leg side for one.
FOUR! Glorious! Fuller and outside off. This is driven past cover and it races away.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 74 overs : 311/3
A Mathews93 (168)
D Chandimal78 (130)
ur Rehman19-0-73-0
Two! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for two.
On off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Around off, defended.
SIX! Dinesh Chandimal gets hold of this one. On middle, this is lofted over long on for a biggie.
Around off, blocked.
On off, this is pushed to cover.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 73 overs : 302/3
A Mathews91 (167)
D Chandimal71 (125)
Q Ahmad19-2-80-1
Around off, Angelo Mathews plays it to cover.
On off, flatter, Angelo Mathews pushes it to covers.
Around off, kept out.
SIX! Another biggie and Mathews is into the 90s! On middle, this is lofted over the long on fence for a biggie.
Around off, defended.
A single as this is nudged on the leg side.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 72 overs : 295/3
A Mathews85 (162)
D Chandimal70 (124)
ur Rehman18-0-64-0
Outside off, left alone.
Fuller and on off, this is pushed to cover.
On the off pole. This is guided to point.
Around off, kept out.
FOUR! Out comes the reverse sweep. This is on off, Angelo Mathews brings it out and plays it past point for a boundary.
Around off, kept out.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 71 overs : 291/3
D Chandimal70 (124)
A Mathews81 (156)
Q Ahmad18-2-73-1
On middle, blocked.
Around off, defended.
Around off, this is pushed through covers for two this time.
Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Around off, kept out.
On off, this is pushed to cover.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 70 overs : 288/3
D Chandimal68 (121)
A Mathews80 (153)
ur Rehman17-0-60-0
On off, good length, this is guided to point.
On middle, Dinesh Chandimal is solid in defense.
On the stumps, defended well.
On middle, blocked.
Outside off, left alone.
A run on the very first ball of the session! Around off, this is guided through point for one.
We are back! 35 overs left in this session. Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews walk out bto resume their innings.
... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...
Another session which has belonged to the hosts and they are bossing the game at the moment! The conditions are ideal to bat and Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews are feasting on it. They have added 110 runs in this session and Lanka lead by 89! MOre of the same is what their team would ask for. Afghanistan on the other hand, are being made to toil. It is hard work for them out there and all they can do for now is be patient. Can someone from their side put in a whole-hearted performance and get their side back in the game? We will find out in a bit.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 69 overs : 287/3
D Chandimal68 (116)
A Mathews79 (152)
Q Ahmad17-2-70-1
Around off, kept out. THAT WILL BE TEA!
On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.
Around off, this is pushed through covers for one.
On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.
On the stumps, defended.
Fuller and on off, this is pushed to cover.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 68 overs : 284/3
A Mathews77 (150)
D Chandimal67 (112)
ur Rehman16-0-59-0
A single as this is pushed past cover for one.
On middle, blocked.
Around off, defended.
On the stumps, kept out.
On the stumps, Mathews keeps it out.
On middle, kept out.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 67 overs : 283/3
D Chandimal67 (112)
A Mathews76 (144)
Q Ahmad16-2-67-1
Around off, kept out.
A single as this is pushed down to long on.
On the stumps, Angelo Mathews keeps it out.
Around off, defended again.
Tossed up on middle, this is worked down to long on for one.
Around off, defended well.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 66 overs : 281/3
D Chandimal66 (109)
A Mathews75 (141)
ur Rehman15-0-58-0
Angled into the pads, this is worked on the leg side for one more.
On middle, this is nudged on the leg side for one.
On middle, this is lofted over cover for two.
Around off, kept out.
On middle, this is nudged to mid-wicket.
Around off, kept out.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 65 overs : 277/3
D Chandimal65 (108)
A Mathews72 (136)
Q Ahmad15-2-65-1
On the stumps, blocked.
Around off, blocked.
On middle, this is nudged on the leg side for one.
Around off, Angelo Mathews guides it to point.
On middle, kept out.
Around off, this is pushed to cover.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 64 overs : 276/3
D Chandimal65 (106)
A Mathews71 (132)
ur Rehman14-0-54-0
Around off, kept out.
On middle, defended again.
Around off, this is pushed to cover.
FOUR! Nicely played! Fuller and around off, Dinesh Chandimal leans into it and strokes it through covers. Boundary.
On middle, kept out.
Around off, this is pushed to cover.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 63 overs : 272/3
A Mathews71 (132)
D Chandimal61 (100)
Q Ahmad14-2-64-1
Around off, kept out well.
On middle, this is nudged on the leg side.
On middle, Angelo Mathews defends it nicely.
Around off, kept out.
SIX! BANG! Mathews on the charge. This is full and on middle, it is lofted over the long on fence for a biggie. Top shot.
FOUR! Up and over! Outside off, this is lofted over cover for a boundary.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 62 overs : 262/3
D Chandimal61 (100)
A Mathews61 (126)
ur Rehman13-0-50-0
Fuller and on off, this is pushed to mid off.
On the stumps, blocked.
On middle, kept out.
Around off, kept out.
Shorter and around off, this is pushed towards cover for one.
Around middle, blocked.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 61 overs : 261/3
A Mathews60 (124)
D Chandimal61 (96)
Q Ahmad13-2-54-1
Angled into the pads, this is worked towards mid-wicket for another single.
On middle, kept out.
Around off, this is pushed towards cover for one.
Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for two.
Around off, on a length, defended.
On middle, blocked.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 60 overs : 257/3
D Chandimal58 (92)
A Mathews59 (122)
ur Rehman12-0-49-0
Around off, this is pushed towards cover for one more.
On middle, this is worked on the leg side for one.
On the off pole. Kept out.
On a length and around off, Angelo Mathews is solid in defense.
Fuller and around off, this is pushed wide of mid off for one.
Outside off, Dinesh Chandimal leaves it alone.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 59 overs : 254/3
D Chandimal56 (89)
A Mathews58 (119)
H Shahidi2-0-11-0
Fuller and on middle, this is eased down to long on for one.
Another single as this is worked down to long on.
On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.
Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for two.
On middle, Angelo Mathews works it through mid-wicket and takes one.
Around off, kept out.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 58 overs : 248/3
D Chandimal52 (86)
A Mathews56 (116)
ur Rehman11-0-46-0
A dot to end the over as Chandimal blocks this full ball, angling down.
Outside off, Chandimal leaves it alone.
Full and on middle, blocked out.
FOUR! Fifty for Chandimal now. Sri Lanka flying with these two! This is full and on middle, Chandimal flicks it through mid-wicket. A long chase for the fielder but the ball wins the race.
Angling on middle, this is blocked out.
Fuller and on off, Chandimal pushes it to cover. He wants a single but is sent back by Mathews.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 57 overs : 244/3
D Chandimal48 (80)
A Mathews56 (116)
H Shahidi1-0-5-0
A single to end the over as this is hit to covers.
Tossed up on middle, Chandimal blocks.
On middle, Chandimal punches it to mid-wicket.
On off, this is kept out.
FOUR! Bowls it short and slanting on middle, Chandimal goes back and pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary.
Floated on middle, Chandimal blocks.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 56 overs : 239/3
D Chandimal43 (74)
A Mathews56 (116)
Q Ahmad12-2-50-1
Tad short and outside off, Chandimal cuts it to deep point for a single.
Well outside off, Chandimal leaves it alone.
This si full and outside off, Chandimal drives it to deep cover for a couple of runs.
Fuller and on off, defended out.
A leggie on middle, dfended.
On the middle, this is blocked out.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 55 overs : 236/3
D Chandimal40 (68)
A Mathews56 (116)
ur Rehman10-0-42-0
Fuller and on middle, this is flicked to mid-wicket for a single.
Outside off, this is guided through point for a single.
Outside off, this is cut to point for a single.
On middle, this is blocked out.
A single as Mathews works it down to long off.
Fuller and on off, this is pushed to cover.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 54 overs : 232/3
A Mathews54 (113)
D Chandimal38 (65)
Q Ahmad11-2-47-1
Fuller and outside off, Mathews drives it to sweeper cover for a single.
Fuller and on middle, blocked out.
Tad short and on middle, this is pulled to deep square leg for a single.
Outside off, this is cut to point for a single.
Outside off, this one spins away. Mathews leaves.
Flighted on middle, Mathews defends.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 53 overs : 229/3
D Chandimal37 (64)
A Mathews52 (108)
ur Rehman9-0-38-0
This is full and on middle, Chandimal flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
Tossed up on off, Chandimal defends.
Fuller and on middle, Chandimal blocks it out.
Outside off, this is cut through point for a single.
On the pads, this is defended out.
On middle, blocked out.
Drinks! So far so good from the hosts. No wicket lost in this session and these two have been batting well. They have added more than 50 and even Sri Lanka are into the lead. Afghanistan need to bowl much better. They are not able to bowl twice in good areas and are giving way too many freebies.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 52 overs : 226/3
D Chandimal35 (61)
A Mathews51 (105)
N Masood12-3-34-1
Fuller and outside off, this is driven to cover.
Angling on the pads, Mathews works it to square leg for a single.
Fuller and around off, Mathews defends.
A length ball on off, Mathews gets across and blocks.
On a length and on middle and leg. Mathews hangs back and keeps it out.
Fuller and on middle, pushed to cover.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 51 overs : 225/3
D Chandimal35 (60)
A Mathews50 (100)
ur Rehman8-0-35-0
Tossed up on middle, this is blocked out.
Fuller and on middle, this is blocked out.
Tossed up on off, defended out.
FOUR! Smashed away. Flatter and outside off. Mathews comes down the track and thumps it over long off for a boundary.
On middle, blocked out.
Fuller and on off, Mathews drives it to long off for a single. Fifty for Mathews! The veteran steps up for the team. Need to convert into a big one.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 50 overs : 220/3
D Chandimal31 (55)
A Mathews49 (99)
N Masood11-3-33-1
On a length and on off, blocked out.
This is full and around off. Mathews looks to drive but splices it to point for one.
This is short and outside off. Mathews shoulders arms to it.
Length and on off, defended out.
Short and on off, pushed to cover.
On a length and on middle, Mathews defends it on the deck.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 49 overs : 219/3
D Chandimal31 (54)
A Mathews48 (94)
ur Rehman7-0-30-0
A dot to end the over as Chandimal blocks it out.
Fuller and on middle, defended out.
Flat and outside off, Mathews punches it through covers for a single.
On off, defended out.
Two leg byes! Fuller and angling down. Mathews misses his clip and it rolls to fine leg for two.
On middle, this is blocked out.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 48 overs : 216/3
D Chandimal31 (52)
A Mathews47 (90)
N Masood10-3-32-1
Fuller and around off, this is defended out.
This one comes with the angle again, outside off. Chandimal looks to defend but bottom edges it on the pads.
Length and on off, swings in. Chandimal looks to cut but mistimes as it was too close to his body.
Short and on middle, Mathews pulls with soft hands to mid-wicket for asingle.
Length and on middle, Mathews makes a solid block.
A length ball, outside off, Mathews plays with soft hands to the man at gully.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 47 overs : 215/3
D Chandimal31 (49)
A Mathews46 (87)
ur Rehman6-0-29-0
Tossed up on middle, this is defended out.
This is full and on middle, Mathews pushes it to covers for a single.
Flat and on middle, Mathews blocks.
On off, this is defended out.
Tossed up on middle, blocked out.
SIX! BANG! That is hit well. Tossed up on off, and Mathews hammers it over long on for a biggie.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 46 overs : 208/3
D Chandimal31 (48)
A Mathews39 (82)
N Masood9-3-31-1
On off, defended out.
On middle, defended out.
TAP AND RUN! Outside off, Mathews drops it to point for one.
On a length and around off, Mathews pushes it to cover.
Fuller and outside off, blocked out.
What was that? A length ball on middle and leg, Chandimal flicks and he falls over on the ground. It goes to deep square leg, the fielder runs to his right dives but injuries himself. Looks like he has hurt his shoulder. One.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 45 overs : 206/3
D Chandimal30 (45)
A Mathews38 (79)
ur Rehman5-0-22-0
A single of the last ball. Full and on off, Chandimal skips down and pushes it to long off for one.
Flat and outside off, Chandimal defends on the front foot.
On middle, defended out.
Tossed up on off, Chandimal blocks it out.
An arm ball, full and on middle, blocked.
Fuller and outside off, this is pushed to cover.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 44 overs : 205/3
A Mathews38 (79)
D Chandimal29 (39)
Q Ahmad10-2-44-1
This is outside off again. Mathews has nothing to do with it.
Well outside off, left alone.
Qais Ahmad is not bowling well as he is leaking runs. On the pads. Chandimal helps it to fine leg and comes back for the third.
Outside off, this is crunched through covers for a single.
Flighted, full toss and Mathews smashes but Qais Ahmad stops with his foot this time.
Length ball, outside off, Chandimal slaps it to deep cover for a single.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 43 overs : 200/3
A Mathews37 (75)
D Chandimal25 (37)
M Saleem10-0-42-0
A length ball on middle and leg. Mathews tries to fend it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW but looked a bit high.
Outside off, this is knocked to point for a single.
This is short and outside off, Chandimal sits under it.
FOUR! Sri Lanka lead by a run now. Fuller and on the pads, Chandimal easily flicks it through square leg for a boundary.
On the pads, Mathews helps it to fine leg for a single.
Full and outside off, this is left alone.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 42 overs : 194/3
D Chandimal20 (34)
A Mathews36 (72)
Q Ahmad9-2-39-1
On the pads, Chandimal flicks it behind square leg for a couple of runs. Qais Ahmad need to bowl better.
Tossed up on middle, Mathews turns it to square leg for a single.
Slants it on the pads, Mathews tucks it to square leg.
Fuller and outside off, pushed to cover.
FOUR! Welcome boundary! Qais Ahmad bowls a low dipping full toss on off and Mathews smashes it down to long off for four runs.
Too full and on middle, this is eased to mid on.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 41 overs : 187/3
D Chandimal18 (33)
A Mathews31 (67)
M Saleem9-0-36-0
On off, this is kept out.
Short in length and on off, Chandimal hops and blocks it out.
Serves another bouncer on middle, Chandimal lets it be.
A single as this is flicked to square leg.
On the pads, this is nudged to square leg for a single.
This is short and angling on leg, Chandimal ducks under it.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 40 overs : 185/3
A Mathews30 (66)
D Chandimal17 (28)
Q Ahmad8-2-32-1
Two maidens in a row for Ahmad. A googly, full on middle, this is defended out.
Flat and around off, this is pushed to cover.
Too full and wide of off, Mathews drives it to cover.
Too full and around off, Mathews pushes it to cover.
On middle, this is blocked out.
Flighted on middle, eased to mid on.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 39 overs : 185/3
A Mathews30 (60)
D Chandimal17 (28)
M Saleem8-0-34-0
Leg bye! On the pads, Mathews flicks on the up and to square leg for a single.
Length and on off, this is knocked to point for a single.
FOUR BYES! That was some stuff. Short and on middle, wobble seam delivery. Chandimal sits under it and it swings a bit as the keeper tries to collect, he fumbles and it goes to third man.
On middle, Mathews pulls it to deep sqaure leg for one.
On a length and on the pads. Mathews gets across to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. Good stuff from Saleem.
Fuller and outside off, this is pushed to point for a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 38 overs : 177/3
A Mathews29 (57)
D Chandimal15 (25)
Q Ahmad7-1-32-1
Maiden to start the session. Very full and on the pads. Mathews blocks it again.
Lands outside off and spins in. Mathews knocks it to cover.
Too full and on off, Mathews prods and blocks.
Flat and outside off, Mathews blocks it out.
Tossed up on middle, Mathews punches it to cover.
Fuller and outside off, this is driven to cover.
Back for another session. Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews to resume their innings. Qais Ahmad to bowl first.
...Day 2, Session 2...
A solid session for the hosts as they have scored 97 runs. Despite losing three wickets they have batted well and are just trailing by 21 runs. Dimuth Karunaratne continued from where he left off as he scored few boundaries and reached to his fifty. Nishan Madushka and Kusal Mendis fell in quick succession but Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal have built yet another session. A partnership of 29 runs and Sri Lanka will hope it grows more. Afghanistan, on the flip side were decent with the ball. They lacked discipline but somehow got three wickets. They will hope to get better and make sure they don't give any easy runs in the next session. Join us back in a while.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 37 overs : 177/3
A Mathews29 (51)
D Chandimal15 (25)
ur Rehman4-0-21-0
A single to end the over. Shorter and outside off, this is cut to point for a single. That will be LUNCH.
Another dot ball! Tossed up on middle, Mathews goes back and makes another block.
Slanting on middle, Mathews blocks it out.
Very full and on off, Mathews defends on the front foot.
Angles it full and on middle, Mathews blocks it out.
Too full and on middle, Mathews defends it out.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 36 overs : 176/3
D Chandimal15 (25)
A Mathews28 (45)
N Zadran11-0-58-1
A bumper on middle, Chandimal ducks under it.
Fuller and on middle, this is eased to mid on.
Length ball on off, blocked out.
FOUR! More runs! Short in length and on middle and leg, Chandimal helps it down to fine leg for a boundary.
A bumper on middle, Chandimal sits under it.
On a length and on off, Chandimal blocks it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 35 overs : 172/3
A Mathews28 (45)
D Chandimal11 (19)
Q Ahmad6-0-32-1
Flatter and outside off, Mathews strokes it to cover.
A single as Dinesh Chandimal hits it to mid-wicket.
On off, this is pushed to long off for a single.
FOUR! Off the edge! Tossed up, around off, angles in and it spins away. Mathews looks to drive but bumps it over first slip and to third man for four.
On off, this is kept out.
Fuller and on middle, blocked out.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 166/3
A Mathews23 (40)
D Chandimal10 (18)
N Zadran10-0-54-1
Shorter and on off, Mathews pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
TAP AND RUN! Length ball on off, this is knocked to cover for a single.
A bumper now on middle, left alone.
Short in length and on off, Chandimal gets on his knee and lets it go.
FOUR! Good shot! Length ball on off, Chandimal punches it down to the right of mid off for a boundary.
Short in length and around off. Mathews pulls it to mid-wicket for a single.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 159/3
D Chandimal5 (14)
A Mathews21 (38)
Q Ahmad5-0-26-1
Tossed up on off, this is punched to cover.
On the pads, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
Fuller and outside off, this is driven to covers for a single.
Very full and on middle, Dinesh Chandimal plays it back to the bowler.
On middle, this is blocked out.
Tossed up on off, this is defended out.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 157/3
A Mathews20 (37)
D Chandimal4 (9)
R Shah1-0-3-0
Flat and on middle, this is blocked out.
On off, kept out.
A single as this is hit to long off.
Fuller and on off, Mathews works it to long off for a single.
On middle, blocked out.
On off, pushed to long off for a single.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 31 overs : 154/3
D Chandimal2 (7)
A Mathews19 (33)
N Zadran9-0-47-1
A length ball on off, this is pushed to cover for one.
Five dots! Keeps it short again on leg, Chandimal leaves it alone.
Short again and Dinesh Chandimal has nothing to do with it.
Short stuff from Naveed Zadran on middle, Dinesh Chandimal lets it be.
Outside off, this is punched to cover.
A length ball, around off, this is defended out.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 30 overs : 153/3
A Mathews19 (33)
D Chandimal1 (1)
Q Ahmad4-0-24-1
Quicker, slider and on middle, Mathews goes back and defends it out.
FOUR! 150 up! Tad short and on middle, Mathews goes back and smashes it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
Too full and around off, Mathews makes a solid block.
Tossed up on middle, Mathews blocks it out.
Fuller and on off, this is driven to long off for a single.
Dinesh Chandimal is the new man in.
OUT! GONE! The dangerous Dimuth Karunaratne goes now. He will be disappointed as this should go for runs. Qais Ahmad flights and bowls a full toss on middle. Dimuth Karunaratne flicks on the up but straight in the hands of Ibrahim Zadran at mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 29 overs : 148/2
A Mathews15 (29)
D Karunaratne77 (71)
M Saleem7-0-31-0
One run of the over. Short in length and on off. Mathews looks to pull but misses.
On the hips, this is pulled to deep square leg for a single.
Bangs it short and on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne sways away from the line and lets it go.
On the pads, Dimuth Karunaratne keeps it out.
Short of a length and on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne pulls it to square leg.
Fuller and on off, this is pushed to mid off.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 28 overs : 147/2
A Mathews15 (28)
D Karunaratne76 (66)
Q Ahmad3-0-19-0
Well outside off, Mathews lets it go.
On middle, this is punched to mid on.
Fuller and on off, spins in. Dimuth Karunaratne nudges it to square leg for a single.
Angling on the pads, this is flicked to short fine leg.
FOUR! A full toss, slanting on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne reverse sweeps it through third man for four more.
FOUR! Dimuth Karunaratne is keeping the ante up. Shorter and outside off, this is cut through point for a boundary.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 27 overs : 138/2
A Mathews15 (26)
D Karunaratne67 (62)
M Saleem6-0-30-0
On middle, this is blocked out.
FOUR! Nasty stuff. Short ball on middle and leg. Mathews gets in an awkward position as he tries to fend it away, gloves it down to fine leg for a boundary.
A length ball on middle and leg. Mathews misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. A huge appeal but might be going over the stumps.
Full and on middle, Mathews turns it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
On middle, nudged to mid-wicket for a single.
Shorter and on middle, this is pulled to square leg.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 26 overs : 131/2
A Mathews9 (22)
D Karunaratne66 (60)
Q Ahmad2-0-10-0
On off, this is kept out.
Tad short and on middle, Mathews punches it to mid on.
FOUR! Flighted, outside off and it spins away. Mathews looks to drive but edges it to third man for a boundary.
Tossed up, outside off, Dimuth Karunaratne strokes it through point for a single.
Flat and outside off, spins in. Dimuth Karunaratne blocks.
Fuller and outside off, Mathews drives it to long off for a single.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 25 overs : 125/2
D Karunaratne65 (58)
A Mathews4 (18)
M Saleem5-0-23-0
A length ball, outside off, this is knocked to cover.
Full and on middle, Mathews tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
A length ball, outside off. Mathews leaves it alone.
Length ball on middle, Mathews blocks.
Full and on off, blocked out.
On the middle, defended.
Drinks! Sri Lanka started well with a couple of boundaries but lost Nishan Madushka and Kusal Mendis in quick succession. Afghanistan have bowled well but could do a lot better. They need to keep taking wickets as the pitch tends to get better to bat later on.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 24 overs : 124/2
A Mathews3 (13)
D Karunaratne65 (57)
Q Ahmad1-0-4-0
Bye! This is down the leg side, Mathews misses his flick. The keeper fumbles and it goes to fine leg for one.
A flipper, flighted on middle. Dimuth Karunaratne prods to defend but misses. An appeal but that was spinning down leg.
This is full and on middle, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
Flighted on middle, Mathews defends on the front foot.
Three runs! Lands outside off and spins back in. Dimuth Karunaratne cuts it through covers for three runs.
Fuller and on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne blocks.
Qais Ahmad is into the attack now.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 118/2
A Mathews2 (10)
D Karunaratne62 (54)
M Saleem4-0-22-0
A bumper, outside off, Mathews ducks under it.
Short ball, outside off, Mathews shoulders arms.
On middle, blocked out.
Very full and outside off, Mathews drives it down to long off and the man from mid off cuts it off.
This is full and wide of off. Mathews leaves it alone.
Length and on middle, this is tucked to square leg for a single.
Change. Mohammad Saleem to bowl now.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 115/2
A Mathews0 (5)
D Karunaratne61 (53)
N Masood8-3-29-1
On middle, this is defended out.
Outside off, Mathews leaves it alone.
Short of a length and close to off. Mathews quickly sways away from the line of the ball.
This is full and on middle, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket.
Shorter and on off, Mathews sits under it.
Angelo Mathews walks in next to bat.
OUT! GONE! Mendis goes now. This is good stuff from the bowlers. Bangs it short and onto the body. Mendis looks to pull but gets a top edge, up in the air and to deep square leg where Zia ur Rehman settles under it and takes.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 115/1
K Mendis10 (21)
D Karunaratne61 (53)
N Zadran8-0-46-1
One more run to end the over as Mendis flicks it to mid-wicket.
A length ball, around off. Mendis taps it to gully.
On off, this is defended out.
Length and on top of off. Blocked out.
FOUR! Afghanistan are not disciplined with the ball. Length ball, angling on the pas. Mendis whacks it down to square leg for a boundary.
Bangs it short and around off, Karunaratne pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 109/1
K Mendis5 (16)
D Karunaratne60 (52)
N Masood7-2-29-0
Maiden! Serves it short and on middle, Mendis ducks under it.
A length ball, outside off. Mendis punches it well but to point.
This is full and on middle, Mendis pushes it to mid on.
On off, this is blocked out.
A length ball, tailing on off. Mendis looks to defend but Inside edges it onto the pads.
This is short and on middle, Mendis sits under it.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 109/1
D Karunaratne60 (52)
K Mendis5 (10)
N Zadran7-0-40-1
A bouncer on middle, Karunaratne bends his back and lets it go.
Short of a length and on off, Mendis bunts it to mid-wicket for a single.
On the pads, Karunaratne nudges it to deep square leg for a single.
A length ball, around off, Karunaratne plays it back to the bowler.
On middle, this is hit to mid-wicket for a single.
This is full and on off, Medis drives it to cover.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 106/1
D Karunaratne59 (49)
K Mendis3 (7)
N Masood6-1-29-0
FOUR! On a length and on middle, Karunaratne punches it straight down and it deflects off the other side of the stumps and rolls to the long on fence.
Tad short and on leg, Karunaratne nudges it to the man at forward short leg.
Angles in a length ball on middle, Mendis plays it to mid-wicket for a single.
On a length and on off, Kusal Mendis blocks it out.
This is full and on middle, Mendis defends.
On a length and on middle, Mendis blocks it out.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 101/1
K Mendis2 (3)
D Karunaratne55 (47)
N Zadran6-0-37-1
Outside off, this is guided to point for a single.
Five wides!100 up! A bumper and it shoots over the keeper and the batter. It rolls behind to the fence for four.
Short and on middle, Karunaratne tucks it to square leg for one.
Mendis is underway! A length ball, outside off, this is dropped through covers for a single.
A length ball on middle, Mendis blocks it out.
Kusal Mendis is the new man in.
OUT! GONE! Nishan Madushka falls to the trap. Excellent from the visitors. Naveed Zadran bangs it short and angles it down the leg side. Madushka tries to help it away as he tickles it but might be not aware of Noor Ali Zadran at leg slip who gets low and takes a fine catch.
Slants it on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne turns it through mid-wicket for a single.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 92/0
N Madushka37 (52)
D Karunaratne53 (45)
N Masood5-1-24-0
A hard length delivery, around off. Madushka drops it on the deck.
Serves a bumper on middle. Nishan Madushka sits under it.
Touch fuller and around off. Nishan Madushka prods and makes a solid block.
Tad short and on middle, Karunaratne taps it to point for a single.
FOUR! Second one for Dimuth! Fifty up as well. Superb start for the Lankans. This is straight on the pads. Dimuth Karunaratne helps it down to fine leg for a boundary.
A length ball, outside off, Madushka knocks it to point for a single.
Who'll bowl from the other end? It is Nijat Masood.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 86/0
D Karunaratne48 (43)
N Madushka36 (48)
N Zadran5-0-28-0
FOUR! Solid shot! Very full and on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne on drives it through mid on, past the fielder for a boundary.
Fuller and outside off, this is driven to cover. A misfield and a couple of runs are taken.
Short of a length and outside off. Dimuth Karunaratne mistimes his cut to point.
Well bowled! Angles in a length ball on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne hangs back and makes a solid block.
On a length and on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne turns it to mid-wicket.
This is full and outside off, Dimuth Karunaratne steps across and blocks it out.
All set for action. The players are out in the middle. Dimuth Karunaratne to take the strike against Naveed Zadran first. Let's go...
Welcome to the coverage of Day 2 between the Lankans and Afghanistan. The visitors scored around 100 runs with the loss of 3 wickets. Rahmat was doing all the work but once he fell, Afghanistan fumbled and got all out under 200. In reply, Sri Lanka scalped half the deficit in the last session. Both the openers dealt mostly with boundaries. The hosts still trail by 118 runs but are expected to start well. Afghanistan have to get wickets or else the hosts could take the lead in no time. Stay tuned.
...Day 2, Session 1...
Right then, Sri Lanka trail by 118 runs. The surface is about to play better on the second day, and with Sri Lanka's experienced batters like Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews still to come to bat, Afghanistan would surely be raring to have early breakthroughs on Day 2 and restrict the hosts from taking a broad lead. Day 2 will commence at 10 am IST (4.30 am GMT) on Saturday, but you can join us earlier for the build-up. Take care, cheers!
Sri Lanka, in response, got off to a promising start with Asitha Fernando dismissing Ibrahim Zadran early on. Despite the spin and the swing vanishing away after the first half hour or so, Vishwa Fernando's return to the attack proved decisive as he removed Noor Ali, disrupting a growing partnership. Prabath Jayasuriya also made significant contributions, clinching a three-wicket haul. Sri Lanka's bowlers tightened their grip, preventing partnerships from flourishing during the second session. Both Vishwa and Asitha made crucial breakthroughs in the Afghan middle order, restricting them below the 200-run mark. Sri Lanka began their innings aggressively with Karunaratne and Madushka, and they ended the day with a promising total on the board. With experienced players yet to bat, Sri Lanka aims to extend their lead as much as possible on Day 2.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka opted to bowl first and invited Afghanistan to bat, who had a rocky start with Ibrahim Zadran departing in the second delivery of the match. Rahmat Shah and debutant Noor Ali Zadran then built a brisk partnership of 57 runs before Noor's dismissal. Despite Rahmat's resilience, Afghanistan suffered a dramatic collapse in the second session, losing wickets in quick succession. Rahmat Shah witnessed the collapse being stranded at the other end, but he anchored the innings with a composed 91, falling just short of a century. The lower order provided some resistance, particularly Ikram and Qais, but Afghanistan could only manage a below-par total of 198.
STUMPS, DAY 1 - Session Summary - 26.4 overs, 110 runs, 5 wickets. This brings us to the end of an absorbing first day of this One-off Test and Sri Lanka will surely be the happier side of the two heading to the dugout. The third and the final session commenced with Ikram Alikhil departing in the very first over and Qais, who is filling in the boots of Rashid Khan in his absence, played a crucial hand of 21. After their departure, there was a cluster of wickets in a jiffy. From 109-3, they had a dramatic collapse as they lost 7 wickets in just 98 runs. Afghanistan got bundled up a below-par score of 198 with Sri Lankan bowlers chipping in with regular wickets. Sri Lanka had around an hour to bat in the extended third session and they started off on a fluent note as Nishan Madushka and Dimuth Karunaratne, both aggressive, posted 80 on the board and they stood unbeaten.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 80/0
D Karunaratne42 (37)
N Madushka36 (48)
N Masood4-1-18-0
A leg bye to end the day! Short ball around leg stump, Karunaratne looks to hop and flicks it away but gets it off the thigh pads behind square leg. They get across for a leg bye and that will be Stumps on Day 1!
Another good short ball over the stumps, Dimuth Karunaratne bends his back and sways away from the line of the ball.
Top delivery! A spicy bumper, right around the right shoulder of the left-hander. Dimuth Karunaratne was already out of his crease and got surprised by that and awkwardly fended it. The ball popped up off the gloves and went to the vacant gully region, almost exactly where a fielder was stationed a couple of balls back.
Half a shout for caught behind and nothing more. This is banged in well short again and over leg stump, Karunaratne looks to pull but is a bit early in the shot and gets beaten.
A good comeback delivery as this is dug in short over middle and at a good height, Dimuth Karunaratne drops his hands and sways away from the line of the ball.
FOUR! Nicely done! Nijat Masood comes back and looks for the yorker and ends up serving a low full toss on middle. Karunaratne flicks it away a bit uppishly and through the big gap in front of mid-wicket for a boundary.
A bit of a halt in the proceedings as Nishan Madushka got stung on his wrists. The physio is out and treating him with the magic spray. As always, it does the magic and Madushka is good to go. This might probably be the last over of Day 1.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 75/0
N Madushka36 (48)
D Karunaratne38 (31)
N Zadran4-0-22-0
Hard length over the stumps, Nishan Madushka gets behind the line of the ball and keeps it out.
Nasty delivery! Naveed Zadran with another short ball over the stumps, Nishan Madushka misjudges the length completely and looks to lean on but gets taken aback and just about manages to get some bat on it or else that would have gone into the grill of the helmet. Actually, that one wen right into the gloves and Madushka seems to be in some pain.
Short again and over off stump, Karunaratne pulls this one away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
A solid bumper this time, right on the money. This is bowled over the stumps and aimed right at the left shoulder, Karunaratne gets hurried but does well to get his head out of the way as the keeper collects the ball around his face.
FOUR! Just down the leg side and Karunaratne picks up another boundary. A tad shorter and just down leg, Karunaratne gets inside the line and glances it down to fine leg for four runs.
Short and outside off, Nishan Madushka reaches out and taps it away wide of deep point for just a single.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 69/0
D Karunaratne33 (28)
N Madushka35 (45)
ur Rehman3-0-20-0
Floated up around off stump, Karunaratne leans ahead and drives it toward mid off.
Slides one down the leg side, Karunaratne hangs back and dabs it down to the left of fine leg for a couple of more runs.
FOUR! Shot! Tossed up full and on the stumps, Dimuth Karunaratne dances down the track and gets inside the line before heaving it away through wide mid on for a lovely boundary.
Drags the length back and bowls it a bit quicker on middle, Karunaratne goes on the back foot and keeps it out.
A bit more round-arm and bowled full on the legs, Nishan Madushka works it around the corner for one more.
Tossed up on a length and around off, Dimuth Karunaratne comes down the pitch and pushes it down to a deepish mid on for a single.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 61/0
N Madushka34 (44)
D Karunaratne26 (23)
N Zadran3-0-16-0
Good length, angled in a long way from outside off, Nishan Madushka stays solid in defense.
A well-directed short ball over off and middle, Nishan Madushka sways away from the line of the ball.
FOUR! And just as Naveed Zadran gets praised, he gets hit for a boundary. Not a half-volley by any means and outside off, Nishan Madushka gets on the front foot and just strokes it away beautifully past covers for a boundary.
Hard length again over off stump at 141 clicks, Nishan Madushka nudges it down to the right of gully but can't get the single. Naveed Zadran seems to have settled into a nice rhythm here.
Nice and full at 141 clicks and in the channel around off, this one angles in a bit and Nishan Madushka leaves it alone.
Hard length in the channel around off, Nishan Madushka looks to play it off the front foot but edges it away down to gully.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 57/0
N Madushka30 (38)
D Karunaratne26 (23)
ur Rehman2-0-12-0
Shortens the length and bowls it outside off, Nishan Madushka cuts it off the back foot to deep cover-point and picks up another single.
Bowled quite full and on the stumps, Nishan Madushka pushes it back at the bowler.
Tosses this one up around middle, Karunaratne gets on the front foot and drives it down to long on for a single.
Flatter one, sliding onto the off stump, Nishan Madushka rocks back and punches it away square through covers for one.
A bit quicker and fuller, darted into the stumps, Nishan Madushka blocks it off.
Excellent effort from Naveed Zadran in the deep and he saves a run for his side. Shorter and turning into the pads, Dimuth Karunaratne tickles it down to fine leg. Naveed covers a lot of ground running across from deep square leg and puts in a big dive to save the boundary.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 51/0
N Madushka28 (34)
D Karunaratne22 (21)
N Zadran2-0-12-0
Slightly fuller and angled into the off stump, Nishan Madushka gets on the front foot and solidly defends it out.
Good length outside off, Nishan Madushka watches the ball zip through to the keeper.
Full and just outside off at 140 clicks, Nishan Madushka makes the leave and the ball carries through to the keeper with good pace and bounce.
Good length on off stump and angling in, Nishan Madushka gets inside the line and plays it away behind square leg for a couple of runs and that brings up the 50 for Sri Lanka.
Back of a length this time and around off, Nishan Madushka looks to drop and run on the off side but is quickly sent back by his partner.
Good length on the stump line, Nishan Madushka blocks it from the crease.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 49/0
N Madushka26 (28)
D Karunaratne22 (21)
ur Rehman1-0-6-0
Slows it up a bit and bowls it shorter on middle, the ball comes on with the arm but Nishan Madushka punches it away off the back foot to cover for a quick single.
A bit more round arm and bowled full on the legs, Nishan Madushka nudges it away to square leg.
FOUR! Cut away and cut away to perfection! Short ball around off and sliding on, Nishan Madushka rocks back and cuts it away past point for a boundary.
Nice and full on the off stump line, Nishan Madushka blocks it off the front foot.
Comes from around the stumps to the right-hander and angles one into the pads, Nishan Madushka leans on to defend.
Starts from over the stumps and bowls it onto middle and leg, Karunaratne comes down the pitch and pushes it down to long on for a single.
Zia ur Rehman is into the attack now.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 43/0
D Karunaratne21 (20)
N Madushka21 (23)
N Zadran1-0-10-0
Back of a length and outside off, guided away off the back foot down to third man for an easy single.
Misfield! Full and on the legs, Nishan Madushka clips it away straight toward mid-wicket where the fielder who came on the field after the last ball, lets it through his hands. The fielder does chase it down but the batters are able to get back for the third.
Back of a length and over off stump, Karunaratne goes on the back foot and plays it with an angled bat through backward point for a run.
FOUR! A hint of width on offer and Karunaratne latches onto it. Not quite short and outside off, Karunaratne gets a bit low and reaches out before thrashing it away in front of point for a boundary.
Hard length again, around off and at 136 clicks, Karunaratne hangs back and punches it sweetly but straight to extra cover.
Starts off with a hard-length ball over the stumps at 133 clicks, Nishan Madushka gets inside the line and works it away past square leg for a single.
Naveed Zadran, the debutant is into the attack.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 33/0
D Karunaratne15 (16)
N Madushka17 (21)
M Saleem3-0-19-0
Banged in with some venom this time and down leg, Karunaratne ducks under it.
FOUR! Top shot! Banged in well short over off stump, Dimuth Karunaratne picks the length early, swivels on the toes and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Slightly fuller and around off, Nishan Madushka plays at it with soft hands and opens the bat face to play it toward cover-point for a run.
Just a fraction fuller on off stump and angling back in, Nishan Madushka hops back and defends it with a straight bat.
Good length around the off stump, Nishan Madushka gets right across the stumps to cover the line and makes another block.
Hits the deck hard and bowls it over off stump, Nishan Madushka stands tall and blocks it out with soft hands.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 28/0
D Karunaratne11 (14)
N Madushka16 (17)
N Masood3-1-14-0
Much more like it from Nijat Masood. Nagging length in and around the off stump and just angling across, Karunaratne gets caught on the crease and ends up playing inside the line of the ball.
Very full, in the blockhole and around off, Karunaratne digs this one out toward mid off.
Short of a length over off stump, Karunaratne hangs back to defend.
FOUR! Beats the man! Overpitched around off stump, Dimuth Karunaratne gets slightly across and drills this one with a firm punch and to the right of the diving man at mid on to pick up yet another boundary. This is a very fast start for Sri Lanka and Afghanistan need to be much better with their lines and lengths.
Pitched up full and around off stump, Karunaratne gets on the front foot and punches it to the left of mid off for a couple of runs.
FOUR! Good timing on that one and Dimuth Karunaratne picks up his first boundary. On the shorter side over middle and leg, Karunaratne hops and tucks it away past square leg and beats the fielder running across from deep backward square leg to roll into the fence.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 18/0
N Madushka16 (17)
D Karunaratne1 (8)
M Saleem2-0-14-0
Back of a length and outside off, Nishan Madushka pushes it out toward cover.
FOUR! Nicely done! Short of a length and outside off, Nishan Madushka hangs back this time and opens the face of the bat before steering it wide of short third man for a boundary.
Full and straight this time with a bit of tail into the batter, Nishan Madushka stays on the front foot and punches it away to mid on.
On a shorter length and angled in from around middle, Nishan Madushka gets across and nudges it down to short mid-wicket.
Good length in the channel around off stump, Nishan Madushka solidly blocks it off the front foot.
A bumper now around off stump, Nishan Madushka is a bit across the off stump and has to duck sharply as the ball seams away after passing the stumps. A No Ball is called as Mohammad Saleem has overstepped here.
Short and wide, moving further away, Nishan Madushka goes chasing after it but only connects with thin air.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 13/0
D Karunaratne1 (8)
N Madushka12 (10)
N Masood2-1-4-0
Maiden! Length ball but on the pads this time, Karunaratne tucks it away to square leg for no run.
Just keeps hitting that good length around off stump, Karunaratne covers the line well and blocks it off.
Nagging length in and around the off stump and skidding on, Karunaratne hangs back and jams it out on the off side.
Slightly back of a length and around off stump, Karunaratne goes on the back foot and punches it away toward cover.
Length ball again on off and middle, hitting the deck hard, Karunaratne solidly keeps it out on the on side.
Good length on middle and at 139 clicks, this one hurries on but Karunaratne manages to nudge it away in front of mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 13/0
N Madushka12 (10)
D Karunaratne1 (2)
M Saleem1-0-9-0
A tad fuller and outside off, angled back in, Nishan Madushka looks to drive at it but gets it off the inner half of the bat toward mid on.
Nice and full on the fifth stump line, seaming back in late, Nishan Madushka leaves it alone.
FOUR! On the pads this time and put away as well. This is bowled full and angled into the legs, Nishan Madushka gets his hands out in front and tucks it away through mid-wicket for four more.
FOUR! That was begging to be hit! Short and wide, Nishan Madushka stands tall and slaps this one away behind point and the ball races away to the fence.
Dimuth Karunaratne is off the mark now. Good length around off stump and angling away, Karunaratne gets across a bit and nudges it in front of the point region for a quick single.
Pitches this one up on the off stump line, hitting the deck hard and Dimuth Karunaratne bunts it out.
Mohammad Saleem to bowl the second over.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 4/0
N Madushka4 (6)
D Karunaratne0 (0)
N Masood1-0-4-0
FOUR! First runs of the innings and Nishan Madushka opens his account with a boundary. This is a bit too full and around off stump, Madushka gets his weight onto the front foot and punches it sweetly back past the bowler and into the long off fence.
Nice and full again on the stumps, Nishan Madushka clips this one away to mid-wicket.
Full and straight this time, Nishan Madushka gets on the front foot and plays it with a full face of the bat back to the bowler.
Top delivery! Just a tad fuller and in the channel outside off at 137 clicks, seaming away late off the deck. Nishan Madushka is caught on the crease and has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Hits the length hard and bowls it around off stump, Nishan Madushka plays the ball late and with soft hands toward cover-point.
Starts right on the money! Bowled at 132 clicks and on a good length around the top of off, the ball seams in just a bit and Nishan Madushka tentatively blocks it from the crease.
Commentary
We are all set for the second innings to begin and we have around 90 minutes of play left for today. The two Umpires make their way out to the middle. Afghanistan fielders can be seen near the ropes and some players are warming up as well. Nishan Madushka and Dimuth Karunaratne are the two batters to open the innings for Sri Lanka. Nijat Masood has the new cherry in his hand and is all in readiness to commence the proceedings. Let's play...
... Second Innings ...
Right then, we still have more than an hour's play left on Day1 as the extra half hour will be used and this could be the best time for Afghanistan and their bowlers to make a mark. The Lankan openers will need to be watchful and make sure they remain unscathed as the pitch is great for batting and they can press home the advantage on Day 2. Let's see how Day 1 eventually pans out as Sri Lanka's reply is up next.
Sri Lanka will be very pleased to have bowled out the opposition on Day 1 itself but for about half of the day, they weren't up to the mark with the ball. Asitha Fernando gave them a solid start with a wicket in the first over but they couldn't quite build on it. Vishwa Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya were able to pick up two quick wickets but Rahmat Shah stood strong. They bowled well in the second session, picking up three wickets in total but the crucial wicket of Shah in the latter part of that session was the turning point. Asitha Fernando ran through the tailenders after the Tea break and ended with three wickets so did Prabath Jayasuriya but it was Vishwa Fernando who picked up four wickets.
A fruitful first hour and ten minutes for Sri Lanka after the Tea break as they have reduced Afghanistan from 168/5 at the break to 198 all out. It was always going to be difficult for the visiting team once they lost Ikram Alikhil in the very first over after the interval but the lower-order batters managed to string a few more runs together and Qais Ahmad was the chief contributor with 21 runs. It was an up-and-down batting display overall with Rahmat Shah standing out and a couple of batters got in and got out which sot them dearly. They will now look to make early inroads late on Day 1 and come back on Day 2 with more intent.
OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! BULL'S EYE! And it's curtains for Afghanistan. Guns a fantastic yorker on the off stump line, Mohammad Saleem looks to play it late but gets beaten by the pace. The ball bamboozles the off-pole. Sri Lanka have managed to bundle out Afghanistan below 200. Asitha Fernando finishes with an excellent 3-fer.
An appeal by the keeper and the bowler for LBW and Dhananjaya de Silva goes upstairs after chatting with the fielders just before the clock runs out. Cannons a fantastic fuller-length ball on the leg stump line that slants across leg, Mohammad Saleem clears his front foot to go big over the leg side with a wild swing of the bat, but the ball passes through his inside edge. The keeper thinks that there is some noise. The UltraEdge comes up and shows that no bat is involved when the ball passes the bat before carrying to the keeper. NOT OUT.
Mohammad Saleem is the last man in for Afghanistan.
OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Afghanistan are 9 down now. A soft dismissal for Nijat Masood. Bowls a full toss on the middle, Nijat Masood hits it straight to the bowler holding his pose, and dollies a catch to Asitha Fernando who grabs it nicely on his follow-through. A dramatic collapse for Afghanistan.
On a hard length outside off, Nijat Masood is late on the cut shot to the off side.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 62 overs : 198/8
N Zadran0 (6)
N Masood12 (22)
P Jayasuriya25-7-67-3
Bowls it fuller in length and at off, Naveed Zadran drives it to the bowler.
Arrows it in at the stumps, Nijat Masood heaves it to long on for one.
Fires it wide outside off does Prabath Jayasuriya, Nijat Masood somehow reaches out to the ball charging ahead and is on the ground as he loses his balance.
Full and on middle, misses the slog sweep.
Around the middle and off channel, defended well.
SIX! How about that? Bowls a slowish delivery on the off stump line, Nijat Masood advances down the track and picks it up over the mid on region for a maximum clearing long on.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 61 overs : 191/8
N Zadran0 (5)
N Masood5 (17)
A Fernando14-1-24-1
Nails a brilliant yorker on middle, Naveed Zadran brings the bat down in time and hits it to the mid on fielder to end the over.
Fires it on a shorter length into the bodyline, Naveed Zadran sways out of the way.
Fuller in length on the fourth stump line, Naveed Zadran drives it straight to short cover.
Fuller and sneaking into the middle stump, Nijat Masood somehow manages to jam it towards the off side and runs a single.
Bangs in short and down leg, ducked by Nijat Masood.
Nails a yorker on the middle, Nijat Masood jams his bat in time and under edges to the leg side.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 60 overs : 190/8
N Zadran0 (2)
N Masood4 (14)
P Jayasuriya24-7-60-3
Drifts it in with the angle from off, Naveed Zadran gets cramped up for room but somehow manages to block it off the back foot to end the successful over for Sri Lanka.
Just around off and on a fullish length, Naveed Zadran prods ahead and defends it.
Naveed Zadran is the new man in.
OUT! LBW! Qais Ahmad does go upstairs but this looks absolutely plumb. This is fuller in length and drifts in with the angle. Qais Ahmad tries to be extra innovative with that sweep shot and misses to get the connection on it. The ball sneaks over his outside edge and the umpire does not hesitate to give it Out. The UltraEdge comes up and shows that no bat is involved when the ball passes near the bat. Follows up with the Ball Tracker which also confirms three reds. Qais Ahmad departs and the decision stays. Afghanistan lose a review and also, Qais Ahmad who looked good. Afghanistan are 8 down now have lost wickets in clusters. Prabath Jayasuriya gets his third wicket.
Loops it at leg, Qais Ahmad looks to nudge but gets struck on his pad.
Excellent effort in the deep by Kamindu Mendis as he times his jump in time. Slower through the air and on a fuller length, Qais Ahmed shimmies down a bit and lifts it over mid off, Kamindu Mendis in the long off region jumps with perfection to prevent the six and also throws the ball back in the field.
Slower and on the fourth stump, Qais Ahmad pats it to the off side.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 59 overs : 190/7
N Masood4 (14)
Q Ahmad21 (40)
A Fernando13-1-23-1
Bowls it on the middle and leg channel on a length, Nijat Masood wears on the pads to the leg side.
Outside off and on a length, Nijat Masood looks to square cut but misses to get any wood on it.
Comes back to the shorter length on the bodyline, this is punched towards the backward point for a single.
Targets the stumps, and stretches his length on full, Qais Ahmad drives it to mid off. Good bluff from Asitha. That's hit on the boot first and it's in the stump line as well as the replay shows. Sri Lanka have missed a golden opportunity here.
Steep bumper but way down leg, this is left alone to go through to the keeper.
Short and angling across the middle from around the wicket, Qais Ahmad is happy to duck underneath.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 58 overs : 189/7
N Masood4 (12)
Q Ahmad20 (36)
P Jayasuriya23-6-60-2
Fuller and outside off, Nijat Masood lunges ahead and defends it to the off side to end the over.
Drifts it in from the middle stump line, Nijat Masood blocks it off the back foot.
Flighted around the off stump, Nijat Masood blocks it leaning forward.
Short and on the stumps, punched back to the bowler.
On the back of a length on the stumps, blocked off the back foot.
APPEAL and given. Nijat has a chat with Qais and has gone upstairs. This is flighted nicely with a drift towards the middle and leg channel, Nijat Masood leans forward to defend but plays outside the line of the bowl and it wears on his pads. The UltraEdge comes up and shows that there is a clear spike when the ball passes near the bat. NOT OUT.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 57 overs : 189/7
Q Ahmad20 (36)
N Masood4 (6)
A Fernando12-1-22-1
Short and drags his line from the middle seeing Qais Ahmad shuffling across leg, he misses out on the pull shot and meets thin air. A hint of glare from the bowler.
Short, down leg, left alone again by Qais Ahmad. Is this another ploy to get rid of the tailenders?
On the shortish length, Qais Ahmad drives it straight down the ground towards long off for a brace. This one did not bounce much.
Changes his angle and comes from around the wicket, but keeps it halfway on leg, Qais Ahmad ducks again to let it go.
Another bumper but a wayward one down leg, he lets it go alone through to the keeper.
Bangs in short and on the bodyline, Qais Ahmad ducks underneath it.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 56 overs : 187/7
N Masood4 (6)
Q Ahmad18 (30)
P Jayasuriya22-5-60-2
Tossed up on off, Nijat Masood blocks it off his front foot to end the over. Things have rapidly changed in the span of half an hour or so.
Huge appeal for LBW, but the Umpire is unmoved this time. Dhananjaya de Silva discusses with the bowler and opts for a review. This is swirled in the air and drifts a bit into the batter from the middle, Nijat Masood plays it outside the line of the ball and thuds on his pads. There is a clear gap between the bat and the ball. Ball Tracking follows up and confirms that it is missing on the wickets on the leg stump. Sri Lanka lose their review. Nijat Masood survives.
Around off and full, Nijat Masood defends it.
Looped up on the middle and leg channel, Qais Ahmad flicks it with soft hands to widish long on for a single.
Just outside off and full, Qais Ahmad blocks it well on the front foot.
Tossed up nicely in front of the middle stump, Qais Ahmad lunges ahead and defends it.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 55 overs : 186/7
N Masood4 (3)
Q Ahmad17 (27)
V Fernando12-1-51-4
FOUR! Put away nicely! Follows up with a poor full toss on off, Nijat Masood simply drives the ball without overhitting it through the backward point gap for a boundary.
Down leg on a length, Nijat Masood wears on his pads to the leg side.
Wide yorker outside off, Nijat Masood leaves it alone.
Nijat Masood is the new batter.
OUT! LBW! Up goes the finger on a sharp appeal. Zia ur Rehman discusses it with his partner and sends it upstairs. Cannons from around the wicket and angles across the middle stump line and skids off the surface, Zia ur Rehman in an attempt to flick it, misses to connect the ball, playing completely down the wrong line, and it wears on his front pad. The UltraEdge shows that no bat is involved when the ball passes the bat. The Ball Tracker shows that the impact is in line and the wickets are hitting. Three reds and the Umpire is spot-on with his decision. Zia ur Rehman walks back to the hut and Afghanistan are really, really struggling to create partnerships here. Afghanistan have lost two wickets in this session so far.
Fuller in length and around the fourth stump, Qais Ahmad guides it towards deep backward point for a single.
Stays around the wicket and angles across the middle, on a fuller length, Qais Ahmad flicks it easily to short mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 54 overs : 181/6
ur Rehman4 (10)
Q Ahmad16 (25)
P Jayasuriya21-5-59-2
An off-break on a dragged length, Zia ur Rehman prods ahead and takes the inside edge to the pitch to end the over.
Flighted delivery on the stumps, Zia ur Rehman blocks it solidly.
Just drags his length a bit on the stump line, Zia ur Rehman leans and pushes it back to the bowler.
On middle and fuller in length, Zia ur Rehman steers it to mid-wicket.
On off and fuller in length, Zia ur Rehman leans ahead to defend it.
FOUR! Streaky! Slower through the air on leg, Zia ur Rehman sits on his knee to sweep it through short fine leg for a boundary. That's played too fine.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 53 overs : 177/6
Q Ahmad16 (25)
ur Rehman0 (4)
V Fernando11-1-46-3
SIX! Oh, hello! On a length on off, Qais Ahmad dances down the track and picks it up over long on before dumping it into the crowd for a biggie. Sheer timing on that one.
Just short! Hits the deck hard outside off, Qais Ahmad gets a thick outside edge on his defence which just falls short ahead of the slip cordon.
Sprays it on the pads from around the wicket, Qais Ahmad wears it on his front pad in an attempt to flick.
Length-delivery on off, Qais Ahmad gets a thickish outside edge to point.
On the back of a length and on the fourth stump, Qais Ahmad hangs back and bunts it underneath his bat.
Steams in from around the wicket and pitches it on a nagging length angling into the middle stump, Qais Ahmad punches it to the leg side off the back foot.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 52 overs : 171/6
ur Rehman0 (4)
Q Ahmad10 (19)
P Jayasuriya20-5-55-2
Tossed up on the off stump line, Zia ur Rehman defends it on the pitch with a prod ahead.
Sluggish delivery on the off stump line, Zia ur Rehman defends it back to the bowler.
An arm-ball on a fuller length, Zia ur Rehman manages well to defend it off the front foot.
On a flatter trajectory on the middle stump line, Qais Ahmad jams his bat in time and punches it off the back foot towards long on for one.
Gives it some air on off and fuller in length, Qais Ahmad inside edges on his front foot defence to the leg side.
Flighted ball on the off pole, Qais Ahmad prods ahead and defends it with full face of the bat.
Prabath Jayasuriya to operate from the other end.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 51 overs : 170/6
ur Rehman0 (1)
Q Ahmad9 (16)
V Fernando10-1-40-3
Ends up the successful over on the back of a length on off, Zia ur Rehman defends it to cover.
WIDE! Too short this time on leg, this is given as a wide.
Zia ur Rehman, another debutant walks out to bat now.
OUT! TAKEN! Incredible catch and Afghanistan's batting line-up is falling apart now. Bowls it on a length outside off, Ikram Alikhil guides it with hard hands to play the cut shot but can't manage to keep it down. It lands straight into the hands of Nishan Madushka who takes an excellent reaction catch to his right at gully to send Ikram Alikhil packing.
Outside off and on a fuller length, Ikram Alikhil prods forward to drive but gets beaten on his outside edge as the ball zips past through to the keeper.
Angles across off on a shorter length, Qais Ahmad guides it with the pace to deep backward point for a single.
Slants it across off on a length, Qais Ahmad blocks it solidly covering his off-pole.
Begins from over the wicket and pitches on a fuller length which moves a bit away from off, Qais Ahmad drives it to covers.
We are back for the final session on Day 1! The umpires are back out in the middle and so is the pair of Ikram Alikhil and Qais Ahmad who are set to resume their innings. The fielders also take their places on the field and it will be Vishwa Fernando who will start off proceedings with the ball after the break. Let's play...
... Day 1, Third Session ...
Rahmat Shah remained unfazed though and soon, Ikram Alikhil too started playing his shots and the two put on a steady stand worth 45 runs. Shah got into the 90s and looked in pole position to notch up a brilliant hundred but a clever piece of keeping by Sadeera Samarawickrama saw him get caught playing the paddle and Shah had to walk back for 91 well-made runs. Sri Lanka tried to force one more wicket before the session ended but Qais Ahmad showed good technique and along with Alikhil, saw his side safely into the break. Right then, Day 1 of this One-off Test match is well-poised and the final session will be crucial for both sides. Join us in about 15 minutes to see how Day 1 pans out.
SESSION SUMMARY - 25 overs, 78 runs and 3 wickets. End of another slow session in terms of the over rate but it was an engrossing session in terms of play. Rahmat Shah and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi started off a bit watchfully as the Lankans bowlers bowled defensive lines but soon enough when the bowling change came, Shahidi poked at one and got nicked off. Prabath Jayasuriya followed this up by uprooting Nasir Jamal as the latter left a pretty straight ball and Afghanistan had to rebuild yet again.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 50 overs : 168/5
I Alikhil21 (48)
Q Ahmad8 (13)
P Jayasuriya19-5-54-2
Flighted delivery at the stumps, Ikram Alikhil comes ahead and defends it to wrap up the second session.
Turns a bit into the batter from outside off, this is defended watchfully by Ikram Alikhil.
Just too full and outside off, Ikram Alikhil advances ahead and pushes it to covers.
Sluggish delivery outside off, and full in length, Ikram Alikhil drives it along the ground to extra cover.
Short and at the fifth stump, Ikram Alikhil pushes it back to the bowler.
Slower through the air and drops it on the stumps, Qais Ahmad flicks it with soft hands to deep mid-wicket for just one.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 49 overs : 167/5
I Alikhil21 (43)
Q Ahmad7 (12)
de Silva2-0-6-0
Fuller and quicker this time on the middle stump line, Ikram Alikhil comes ahead and blocks it.
Drags his length around off, Ikram Alikhil guides it to short third.
Brings it on the stumps on a fuller length, Ikram Alikhil prods ahead and hits it to the bowler.
Wide outside off and fuller in length, Ikram Alikhil presses it to covers.
Low full toss on middle, this is driven by Qais Ahmad to long on for a single.
Slower and on a fuller length from around the wicket, and in front of the stumps, Qais Ahmad drives it to mid on.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 48 overs : 166/5
I Alikhil21 (39)
Q Ahmad6 (10)
P Jayasuriya18-5-53-2
Drags his length slightly now and at the middle, Ikram Alikhil rocks back and pushes it to mid-wicket.
Tossed up delivery outside off, Ikram Alikhil presses forward and drives it to short cover.
Too slow through the air and on the stumps on a fuller length, Qais Ahmad drives straight down the ground for a single.
Gives it some air and drops around off, Qais Ahmad punches it to the bowler.
Drops full and near off, Qais Ahmad pushes it to cover.
Fuller and slower from around the wicket on off, Qais Ahmad defends it with a huge stride ahead.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 47 overs : 165/5
I Alikhil21 (37)
Q Ahmad5 (6)
C Gunasekara9-1-50-0
Goes fuller in length and angles into the batter from off, Ikram Alikhil prods forward and defends it back to the bowler.
On the back of a length outside off, Ikram Alikhil punches it off the back foot.
FOUR! Shot! Fuller and on off, Ikram leans on the ball and caresses it towards deep backward point. The fielder in the deep slides to his left but fails to keep the ball inside the fence. Four runs.
On a back of a length on off, Qais Ahmad fends it to point and sprints for a single.
Digs in short over leg stump, Ikram Alikhil swivels and pulls it to deep backward square leg for one.
Fuller in length and outside off, Ikram Alikhil drives it straight to cover.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 46 overs : 159/5
Q Ahmad4 (5)
I Alikhil16 (32)
P Jayasuriya17-5-52-2
Keeps it on off and full, Qais Ahmad inside edges his defence to the short leg fielder on a bounce.
A bit on a fuller length and on off, Qais Ahmad again prods ahead to defend it back to the bowler.
Loops it up and drops it around off on a fuller length, Qais Ahmad lunges ahead and defends it.
FOUR! Off the mark in style. Drops it fuller and on off, Qais Ahmad shimmies down a bit and picks it over the mid on fielder for a boundary towards widish long on.
On stumps, fuller in length, this is blocked back to the bowler.
Qais Ahmad is the new man in.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Brilliance by Sadeera Samarawickrama behind the wickets and it is Rahmat Shah who has to walk back on 91. Drops it fuller and at the middle, Rahmat tries to play the paddle sweep and does not keep it down the ground, Sadeera from behind the wicket, shuffles well in advance to his left prejudging his shot, as there is no leg slip in place, and manages to grab it to his left. The Third Umpire checks for a fair catch and confirms that the bat is involved. The zoomer comes up and it makes it clear that the catch is cleanly taken before the ground. OUT given.
Is that out? Sadeera Samarawickrama seems to have pulled off a brilliant catch with some stellar anticipation but the umpires go upstairs to make sure it wasn't a bump ball and the catch was clean. The replays roll in and it isn't a bump ball and the catch seems fine as well. A moment of brilliance and Rahmat Shah has to walk back. OUT comes up on the big screen.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 45 overs : 155/4
R Shah91 (138)
I Alikhil16 (32)
C Gunasekara8-1-44-0
On the back of a length around off, Rahmat Shah rides on the bounce and drives it towards deep extra cover for a single. He moves onto 91. Also, 7 runs from the over.
On a fuller length and on the stump line, Ikram Alikhil opens the face of his bat to deep backward point for a single.
An overpitched delivery outside off, Rahmat Shah gets on his front foot and drives it through the cover-point gap. Asitha Fernando does hard yards from the deep point region and keeps it before the ropes on the dive. The ball still rolls but stops before the fence. Saves one for his team. Excellent effort.
Keeps it on leg, Ikram Alikhil glances it towards deep backward square leg for a single.
On a length and at middle, Ikram Alikhil pats it off the back foot to the bowler.
Comes back to the attack from over the wicket and pitches it on the fourth stump on a length, Rahmat Shah drives it through cover-point for a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 44 overs : 148/4
I Alikhil14 (29)
R Shah86 (135)
P Jayasuriya16-5-48-1
Around off and full, Ikram Alikhil gets ahead and defends it with a huge stride.
Short and pitching on the middle, Ikram Alikhil rocks back and pats it under the bat.
Outside off and full, Ikram Alikhil leans on the ball and defends it.
Turns into the batter from off on a fullish length, defended nicely by the batter.
A bit of a turn from off on a fuller length, this is blocked off the back foot.
Too slow around off and full, Ikram Alikhil lunges ahead to defend it.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 43 overs : 148/4
R Shah86 (135)
I Alikhil14 (23)
A Fernando11-1-20-1
Short in length and on top of off, Rahmat Shah blocks it off the back foot to end the over.
Hard length around the fourth stump line, Rahmat Shah stays in his crease and punches it back to the bowler.
Fuller, straighter, and on off, Rahmat Shah defends it solidly to the off side on his prod ahead.
Outside off and full, left alone by Rahmat Shah.
Over the wicket and fuller on stumps, Rahmat Shah gets forward and hits it straight to the bowler. The ball hits straight to the stumps at the non-striker's end. Asitha Fernando just gets his fingertips on it on the follow-through.
Around the stumps, short and into the body, Ikram Alikhil negotiates it well and pulls it somehow to deep square leg for one.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 42 overs : 147/4
R Shah86 (130)
I Alikhil13 (22)
P Jayasuriya15-4-48-1
FOUR! Cut away nicely! Sluggish delivery around off and not that short in length, Rahmat Shah patiently waits for it, rocks back and uses the crease well, and cuts it quite late between backward point and short third man for a boundary.
Around the wicket and goes fuller on off, Rahmat Shah blocks it off the back foot.
Airs it up on off and too full again, Ikram Alikhil pushes it to long on and runs a quick single. Good running between the wickets there.
Fuller and around off from around the wicket, Rahmat Shah pushes it through covers for a single.
Full and in front of the stumps, Ikram Alikhil sweeps it toward deep square leg for one.
Twirls it from over the wicket and drops it outside off on a length, Ikram Alikhil pushes it to short cover.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 41 overs : 140/4
I Alikhil11 (19)
R Shah81 (127)
A Fernando10-1-19-1
Angles into the southpaw from outside off on a length, Ikram Alikhil tucks it to deep square leg for a single to end the over.
Short in length and angling on the bodyline from off, Ikram Alikhil hops and bunts it to the off side.
Hurls from around the wicket and keeps it a bit short on the fourth stump, Ikram Alikhil shoulders arms at it.
Short and wide outside off, Ikram Alikhil is happy to let it go through to the keeper.
Comes from around the wicket now and bowls on the fourth stump to bring back into the southpaw, Ikram Alikhil comfortably blocks it off the front foot.
On off and on a length, Rahmat Shah covering his off stump, pushes it to the off side and sneaks a quick single.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 40 overs : 138/4
I Alikhil10 (14)
R Shah80 (126)
P Jayasuriya14-4-41-1
FOUR! Poor delivery and rightly punished. Spills it down leg on a fuller length, Ikram Alikhil pre-meditates it and gets on his knee before sweeping it through fine leg for a boundary to end the over. No chance for the fielder in the deep to chase it.
Drifts it outside off from around the wicket on a length, Ikram Alikhil cuts it to point.
Around the wicket and drops it too full on off, Ikram Alikhil drives it to mid off.
Sluggish delivery from over the wicket on the stumps, Ikram Alikhil leans ahead and defends it solidly.
Drifts it on middle and leg, Rahmat Shah rocks back and pushes it to long on for a single.
Around the wicket and swirls it on off with a drift, Rahmat Shah leans forward and defends it.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 39 overs : 133/4
R Shah79 (124)
I Alikhil6 (10)
de Silva1-0-5-0
Flighted delivery on the middle, Rahmat Shah pushes it to long on for a single.
Fuller now and in front of the stumps, Rahmat Shah fends it on the front foot.
Touch short in length and at the middle stump line, Rahmat Shah prods ahead and blocks again.
Full, and on the stumps, Rahmat Shah defends it solidly.
Slower and on a shade fuller length, this is punched back to the bowler.
FOUR! Greets him with an excellent shot! Comes from around the wicket and a little bit short on off, Rahmat Shah stays in his crease and punches through the gap for a boundary towards extra covers.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 38 overs : 128/4
R Shah74 (118)
I Alikhil6 (10)
A Fernando9-1-17-1
Bowls it outside off and on a fuller length, Rahmat Shah pushes it to deep covers for a single to end the over.
FOUR! Exquisite timing! Serves it too full and just on off, Rahmat Shah strides forward and drives it along the carpet straight down the ground for a boundary. Perfectly balanced shot that.
Hard length at 134 clicks on off, Rahmat Shah defends it solidly.
Holds his length, and brings the ball into the batter in search of a reverse swing, Rahmat Shah pushes it back to the mid off region.
On a length and angling in from off, Rahmat Shah bunts it on the track off the back foot.
Over the wicket at 129 clicks and pitches shorter angling into the batter, Rahmat Shah punches it underneath the bat off the back foot.
Time for a hydration break in the second session's first hour of play or so. 33 runs have been scored so far in this session with two wickets. The short ball ploy for Sri Lanka didn't quite work and Hashmatullah Shahidi along with Rahmat looked comfortable in negotiating those. Rahmat got his 50. Vishwa Fernando was brought back to the attack and he dismissed Hashmatullah Shahidi. Prabath Jayasuriya got rid of Nasir off a peach of a delivery on a duck. Sri Lanka have managed to pick up two quick wickets after Lunch. Rahmat Shah is holding onto one end and Afghanistan would want to avoid losing more wickets from here.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 37 overs : 123/4
I Alikhil6 (10)
R Shah69 (112)
V Fernando9-1-38-2
Goes wider on the crease and angles it in on a fuller length outside off, Ikram Alikhil shoulders arms at it.
Nicely timed! Full and outside off, Ikram Alikhil gets on the front foot now and drives it stylishly in front of deep point. Prabath Jayasuriya gets across to his left well and keeps it down to a brace.
FOUR! Ikram Alikhil is off the mark with a boundary. Short of a length and outside off, Alikhil hangs back and opens the bat face to guide it away well behind point for a boundary.
On a good length but well wide of the off stump, Ikram Alikhil lets it through to the keeper.
Hard length angled across off stump, Rahmat Shah looks to punch on the up but gets an inside edge past the leg stump and picks up a single.
Good length in the channel and angling across, Rahmat Shah makes a good leave.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 36 overs : 116/4
I Alikhil0 (6)
R Shah68 (110)
P Jayasuriya13-4-36-1
Tossed up around off stump, Ikram Alikhil gets a good stride in and defends it out.
Dropped a bit short on middle, Rahmat Shah backs away and punches it through the cover region to pick up a single.
Bowled fuller and on the stumps again, Rahmat Shah leans forward to defend.
Nagging length on the stumps, Rahmat Shah stays back and blocks it off.
FOUR! Not too short but quick hands from Rahmat Shah and he gets a much-needed boundary. Outside off, Shah rocks back and cuts it hard past the point region for four runs.
Nicely flighted delivery on middle and leg, Rahmat Shah blocks it off the crease.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 35 overs : 111/4
I Alikhil0 (5)
R Shah63 (105)
V Fernando8-1-31-2
Beaten again! Full and outside off, a bit closer to the off stump and angling back in. Ikram Alikhil looks to drive it through covers but the ball zips past the outside edge yet again.
Full and around off stump, Ikram Alikhil punches it off the front foot and straight to mid off.
Short and a bit too wide to make the batter play at it, left alone.
Beaten! On a tad fuller length and outside off stump, just like the skipper, Ikram Alikhil doesn't move his feet and pokes at the wider one. Thankfully for him, the ball beats the outside edge.
Good length on the pads, this is tucked away neatly in front of square on the leg side for a single.
Pitched-up delivery around middle, Rahmat Shah gets on the front foot and punches it firmly but right back at the bowler who grabs it well on the followthrough.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 110/4
I Alikhil0 (1)
R Shah62 (103)
P Jayasuriya12-4-31-1
Nicely flighted on a nagging length and onto middle, Ikram Alikhil stays watchful and defends it late with soft hands.
Ikram Alikhil is in at number 6.
OUT! TIMBER! Oh, dear! Nasir Jamal has left a straight one and Prabath Jayasuriya gets his first wicket. This is nicely tossed up on a length and on off stump, Jamal doesn't read it off the pitch and thinks the ball will turn away and hence, shoulders his arms. The ball though goes straight on and hits the top of off stump. Jamal departs for a duck and Sri Lanka have a couple of quick wickets to put Afghanistan on the back foot.
On a fuller length around off and turning away, Nasir Jamal gets on the front foot and pushes it out on the off side.
Drifts this one into the leg stump, Nasir Jamal gets his hands out in front of the pads and keeps it out.
Pretty full and around off, Rahmat Shah drives it along the carpet and down to long off for a single.
Flighted delivery on middle and leg, Rahmat Shah blocks it out with soft hands.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 109/3
N Jamal0 (4)
R Shah61 (101)
V Fernando7-1-30-2
Good length over middle stump, Nasir Jamal stays in his crease and blocks it off. A wicket-maiden that for Vishwa Fernando.
Nicely and full on the fourth stump line, Nasir Jamal shoulders arms at that one.
Nagging length, honing in on the off stump, Nasir Jamal stays back but is able to block it away solidly.
Fullish length in and around the off stump, Nasir Jamal leaves it alone.
Nasir Jamal is in at number 5.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Hashmatullah Shahidi with a lapse in concentration and the Afghan skipper has to walk back. Vishwa Fernando bowls this on a good length and pushes it wide of the off stump line, Shahidi doesn't move his feet and just pokes at it away from the body. The ball takes a faint outside edge and goes straight through to the keeper and Sadeera Samarawickrama makes no mistake. A good bowling change and Vishwa Fernando picks up his second wicket.
Starts the new spell from over the stumps and begins with a fuller delivery around off stump. Hashmatullah Shahidi gets on the front foot and punches it crisply to wide mid off.
Vishwa Fernando (6-0-30-1) replaces Chamika Gunasekara.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 109/2
R Shah61 (101)
H Shahidi17 (43)
P Jayasuriya11-4-30-0
Tossed up on off stump, Rahmat Shah watchfully keeps it out on the off side.
FOUR! That was nicely done by Rahmat Shah and the 50-run stand comes up between these two. Floated up too full on middle and leg, Shah just gets inside the line and paddles it down to fine leg for a boundary.
Gives it more air and bowls it at just 78 clicks onto off stump, Rahmat Shah defends it with a dead bat.
Quite full and drifted into the legs, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to use his feet and clip it away but gets an outside edge that rolls past point and they pick up a run.
Tossed up on middle and leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi leans on and drives it well but straight to silly mid on.
Floated up right on the middle stump, Hashmatullah Shahidi stays leg side of the ball and plays it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 31 overs : 104/2
H Shahidi16 (40)
R Shah57 (98)
C Gunasekara7-1-37-0
Short at the hips, this is just nudged away down to fine leg for an easy single.
Shortish length again and around off stump, Hashmatullah Shahidi ducks right under as this one doesn't quite rise up.
Way too short and down the leg side, harmless and left alone by Hashmatullah Shahidi. The short-ball ploy isn't quite working out for Sri Lanka here.
Short again at the body, Rahmat Shah is waiting for it and crunches the pull along the turf to deep square leg for a single.
Banged in well short and outside off stump, Rahmat Shah just drops the hands and leaves it alone with ease.
FOUR! Rahmat Shah has had enough and takes on the short ball to bring up the 100 for Afghanistan. Banged in well over middle, Shah gets in position quickly and controls the pull brilliantly before finding the gap at deep backward square leg for a boundary.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 30 overs : 98/2
H Shahidi15 (37)
R Shah52 (95)
P Jayasuriya10-4-25-0
Back-to-back maidens for Sri Lanka. This is looped up nice and full on off stump, Hashmatullah Shahidi gets on the front foot and drives it straight to extra cover.
Flighted again and on a length on off stump, blocked off by Hashmatullah Shahidi.
Flighted one on middle, getting it to just dip on the batter, Hashmatullah Shahidi watchfully keeps it out.
Tossed up a bit fuller and Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it back to the bowler off the front foot.
Floated up on middle and leg, a bit quicker as well, Hashmatullah Shahidi gets on the front foot to make the block.
Dropped short and around off, eased off the back foot to covers.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 29 overs : 98/2
R Shah52 (95)
H Shahidi15 (31)
C Gunasekara6-1-31-0
Maiden! Back of a length and over the stumps, Rahmat Shah gets behind the line of the ball and keeps it out.
Tentative from Rahmat Shah again. Banged in short at the body, Shah looks to play it across with soft hands but the ball holds a bit and lobs up off the leading edge. There's no short leg in place though.
Short of a length and over the stumps, Rahmat Shah hangs back and drops it back onto the deck with soft hands.
Almost gloves it through! Banged in short again but angled down leg, Rahmat Shah looks to get inside the line and gets an awkward position trying to pull but the ball just goes over the gloves.
Back of a length this time and angled into the body, Rahmat Shah looks to hang back and defend it with a straight bat but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad.
Bangs it in over off stump and gets it to curve away a bit late, Rahmat Shah sits down and drops the hands before letting it through to the keeper.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 28 overs : 98/2
H Shahidi15 (31)
R Shah52 (89)
P Jayasuriya9-3-25-0
Tossed up on the off stump line, Hashmatullah Shahidi leans right ahead and blocks it right under the eyes.
Drags the length back and angles it into the leg stump, Rahmat Shah uses the depth of the crease and forces it down to long on for a single.
Tossed up around middle again, Rahmat Shah leans ahead and blocks it with an open face of the bat.
A bit fuller and on middle, Rahmat Shah defends it off the front foot.
A bit quicker and drifted into the pads, Rahmat Shah blocks it off.
Nicely tossed up, fuller and on middle, Rahmat Shah blocks it down the pitch.
Another halt in the proceedings as Rahmat Shah is struggling and is on the ground beside the pitch with the physio checking up on him. Maybe the heat and humidity is the issue here. He has his right shoe removed so it looks like he has some issue with his right foot. He looks good to go now as the physio has treated him.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 27 overs : 97/2
H Shahidi15 (30)
R Shah51 (84)
C Gunasekara5-0-31-0
Ends with another bumper over the stumps and Hashmatullah Shahidi just ducks under it.
Hashmatullah Shahidi has some issues with the advertisement on the sightscreen which is being covered up with a white sheet so that it doesn't distract the batter.
Bowled back of a length and outside off, Rahmat Shah hops back and plays it square through the cover region for a single.
Back of a length and over off stump, Rahmat Shah gets right behind the line of the ball and makes the block.
Another bumper, this time over middle and leg, Rahmat Shah sits under the ball and lets it through.
Banged in short and over the stumps, coming in at a good height, Rahmat Shah ducks under it.
Back of a length and around off, Rahmat Shah gets on the back foot and punches it sweetly in front of deep point for a couple of runs. Shah brings up his FIFTY as well and it has been a very well-controlled knock thus far.
Chamika Gunasekara is into the attack.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 26 overs : 94/2
H Shahidi15 (29)
R Shah48 (79)
P Jayasuriya8-3-24-0
Short again over middle stump, pushed out off the back foot to short mid on yet again.
Shortens the length and bowls it on the stumps, Hashmatullah Shahidi gets on the back foot and plays it toward short mid on.
And again! tossed up full around off stump, Hashmatullah Shahidi strides forward and blocks it under the eyes.
Slows it up and tosses it right up around off stump, Hashmatullah Shahidi leans on well and keeps it out with soft hands.
FOUR! Edged and four! Flatter one outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi rocks back to cut but gets an outside edge that flies through the vacant slip cordon and rolls away into the third man fence.
Starts with a flighted delivery on off stump, turning it in, Hashmatullah Shahidi gets on the front foot and blocks it off.
We are all set for the post-Lunch session to begin. The Umpires make their way out to the middle. The Sri Lankan fielders are seen in a huddle near the ropes for a quick chat before spreading out in the field. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi stroll out to the middle and will resume their innings for Afghanistan. Prabath Jayasuriya will kick off the session with the ball for Sri Lanka. Let's play...
... Day 1, Second Session ...
As for Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando provided the breakthrough in the very second ball of the match as he sent Ibrahim packing. Sri Lanka expected to climb on the top of the tourists after an early wicket but they were resisted pretty well by the Rahmat and Noor. Vishwa Fernando proved to be expensive. He conceded too many boundaries. Sri Lankan pacers also tried the short ball ploy and it was none other than Vishwa Fernando who dismissed the good-looking Noor Ali and tried to pull back the pace of scoring runs. Prabath Jayasuriya too, hasn't got much purchase off the deck as yet and the swing too, disappeared after the first half an hour or so. And now with the pitch getting better further under the sun to bat, their challenge will be to get quick wickets. Sri Lanka are also slow on the over rate which might penalize them ahead. The post-Lunch session will commence at 12:40 pm IST (7:10 am GMT). Stay tuned.
This brings up the end of the first session as the players head to Lunch on Day 1. It's been a mixed session with both teams starting off landing some punches in this session, but Afghanistan would be happy to have not lost many wickets and are cruising steadily at 90/2. Rahmat Shah and Noor Ali Zadran resisted the Sri Lankan pace attack after Ibrahim Zadran departed on a duck on the very second delivery of the match. Noor Ali Zadran, the debutant didn't at all look bothered and kept scoring runs quickly. Rahmat Shah equally been confident with his approach and these two mounted a strong counterattacking partnership of 57 runs and both of them were timing the ball well before Noor departed on a nothing shot on 31. He provided a strong platform for the other batters. Hashmatullah, the skipper is unbeaten with Rahmat. They have applied well and trusted their game and would aim to stitch a long partnership from here on in the next session.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 25 overs : 90/2
R Shah48 (79)
H Shahidi11 (23)
A Fernando8-1-12-1
A brace to end the first session! Full and outside off, Rahmat Shah gets on the front foot and opens the bat face to drive it away past the point region for a couple of runs. That will be Lunch on Day 1!
Short and outside off, played away with an angled bat down to third man for a single.
Oh, that one almost got stuck but just spilled out. Banged in short over leg stump, Hashmatullah Shahidi pulls it down and straight into short leg where Nishan Madushka is ducking for cover and the ball hits the pads and lobs up. Madushka is quick to realize that the ball has popped up but can't get a hand on it. Not a chance but it could have been a wicket.
Short again and a bit more down leg, Rahmat Shah gets inside the line of the ball and helps the pull down to fine leg for a single.
Banged in short and at the body line again, Rahmat Shah hangs back and keeps it down well behind short leg.
A good short ball down the leg side, trying to angle it across at the body, Rahmat Shah lifts his hands up and lets it through.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 24 overs : 86/2
H Shahidi10 (21)
R Shah45 (75)
P Jayasuriya7-3-20-0
Maiden! Floated up full and on the off stump, Hashmatullah Shahidi leans ahead to defend.
Comes from around the stumps now and angles one across the left-hander, well left by Hashmatullah Shahidi.
Slow and short around off stump, Hashmatullah Shahidi has all the time to rock back and cut but punches it straight to covers.
A bit quicker and fuller onto middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi watchfully defends it out off the front foot.
Tossed up full and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi leans ahead and strokes it away to covers.
Bowled on a nagging length around off and turning it in, Hashmatullah Shahidi gets on the back foot and defends it out.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 86/2
R Shah45 (75)
H Shahidi10 (15)
A Fernando7-1-8-1
A nasty short ball over the stumps and angling across, Rahmat Shah is hurried but does well to nudge it down behind point off the back foot.
Banged in short again and around leg stump, Rahmat Shah hops back and dabs it down behind square leg.
Changes the line of attack by coming from around the stumps and bowls a short ball over leg stump, Rahmat Shah ducks under it well.
Banged in well short and angled down the leg side, Rahmat Shah watches the ball sail past him and into the keeper's gloves.
Back of a length around off and this one does shoot up off the deck, Rahmat Shah hops back and keeps it down on the off side.
Banged in shorter and around off, this one doesn't rise up much and Hashmatullah Shahidi stylishly short-arm jabs it to the left of mid-wicket for a quick single.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 85/2
R Shah45 (70)
H Shahidi9 (14)
P Jayasuriya6-2-20-0
FOUR! Top shot! Tosses this one up on the off stump, Rahmat Shah with a lovely use of the feet and he gets to the pitch of the ball before thumping it well over mid off for a boundary.
Angling into the stumps, Rahmat Shah blocks it out with ease.
Tossed up around off but the length is pulled back, Rahmat Shah advances and adjusts well to block it on the off side.
On the shorter side and over middle, Rahmat Shah rocks back and punches it away sweetly but straight to mid off.
Floated up on middle and leg, Rahmat Shah keeps it out off the front foot.
Edged but safe! Nicely flighted delivery around off stump, Hashmatullah Shahidi gets on the front foot and looks to defend with soft hands but gets an outside edge that goes well wide of Dhananjaya de Silva at first slip and the batters get three runs.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 78/2
R Shah41 (65)
H Shahidi6 (13)
A Fernando6-1-7-1
Ends with another harmless bumper, over middle and leg and flying through, Rahmat Shah ducks under it.
Hard length over off stump and angling in, Rahmat Shah stays back in his crease and punches it gently toward cover.
Another bumper, over leg stump and flying through, Rahmat Shah easily ducks under that one.
A well-directed short ball at the body, Hashmatullah Shahidi manages to control the pull and gets it over the square leg region for a single.
Good-length delivery, this one is angled down the leg side and Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it alone.
A quick short ball to begin with. This is bowled over middle and leg and Hashmatullah Shahidi ducks under it well.
Asitha Fernando (5-1-6-1) comes back into the attack.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 77/2
R Shah41 (62)
H Shahidi5 (10)
P Jayasuriya5-2-13-0
FOUR! That is glorious from Rahmat Shah. Tossed up again on the stumps, Shah dances down the track and makes a bit of room before driving it perfectly between extra cover and mid off for a boundary.
Tosses this one up and throws it outside off inviting the drive, Rahmat Shah does cover drive but finds the fielder to the tee.
On a length and bowled onto the stumps, Rahmat Shah blocks it out.
Just a tad short on the stumps, Rahmat Shah backs away and cuts it straight to point.
Well bowled! Prabath Jayasuriya sees Rahmat Shah using his feet and drags the length back, angling it into the body, Shah adjusts and plays it toward mid on.
Floated up on middle and drifting in, Rahmat Shah watchfully blocks it off.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 73/2
R Shah37 (56)
H Shahidi5 (10)
V Fernando6-0-30-1
Drops it a bit short around the pads, Rahmat Shah tucks it away off the legs and gets it to deep square leg for a single.
Good length around off stump, Rahmat Shah stands tall and punches it away to the cover region.
Beauty! Pitched up again in and around the off stump and angling across, Rahmat Shah looks to block it from the crease but the ball holds its line and zips past the outside edge.
A bit of a halt in the proceedings as Dhananjaya de Silva hurt his left forearm on the dive in the slip cordon. The physio comes in to check him up and the Afghan batters are seen with the towels cleaning up the sweat as it is too hot and humid out there. Also, we are just 25 minutes away from Lunch. Dhananjaya de Silva looks good to go now.
Edged but falls short! Pitches it up in the channel around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to drive off the front foot but gets an outside edge that goes wide of first slip. The fielder there, Dhananjaya de Silva dives in well to his left and gets a hand after the bounce. The batters get a single but DDS seems to have hurt his fingers.
Short of a length again and around off stump, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to play off the back foot but gets an under edge back onto the deck.
Back of a length around off and angling in, Hashmatullah Shahidi gets on the back foot and punches it straight to covers.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 71/2
R Shah36 (53)
H Shahidi4 (7)
P Jayasuriya4-2-9-0
Drifted into middle and leg, Rahmat Shah stays watchful and keeps it out.
On the bounce! Tossed up full on the stumps, Rahmat Shah comes down the track again and converts it into a full toss and looks to play a checked-drive but almost ends up chipping it straight to mid on.
This one is angled into the legs, Rahmat Shah works it away on the leg side.
Tossed up full and on off stump, Rahmat Shah looks to cover drive but gets it off the inner half of the bat toward the bowler.
FOUR! Up and over! Rahmat Shah has looked very solid so far. This is tossed up on middle and leg, Shah comes down the track and gets to the pitch of the ball before lofting it over mid on for a boundary.
Nice bit of loop, dipping onto the batter around middle, Rahmat Shah gets a big stride in and blocks it out.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 67/2
R Shah32 (47)
H Shahidi4 (7)
V Fernando5-0-28-1
Goes full now on middle stump, Rahmat Shah flicks it away using the wrists and gets it toward deep mid-wicket for yet another single.
A bit too short at the moment from Vishwa Fernando and Hashmatullah Shahidi is getting everything off the middle of the bat. Short and wide, cut away firmly but straight to deep backward point for a single.
Back of a length and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi with a lovely punch off the back foot but can't get it past the diving man at short cover.
Back of a length and around off, angling away, Rahmat Shah gets on the back foot and punches it on the up to deep cover-point for one more.
Pitched-up delivery on middle stump, Rahmat Shah gets on the front foot and solidly defends it off the middle of the bat.
Short and wide outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi hangs back and slaps it away wide of deep backward point for a single.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 63/2
R Shah30 (44)
H Shahidi2 (4)
P Jayasuriya3-2-5-0
Slows it up and drifts it onto the pads, Rahmat Shah leans on to defend.
FOUR! Fractionally short and Rahmat Shah is all over it. This is bowled on off stump, turning away a touch, Rahmat Shah rocks back quickly and cuts it firmly through the point region for a boundary.
Good fielding! Tossed up on off stump, Rahmat Shah comes down the pitch and drives it away but Kusal Mendis makes a brilliant diving stop to his right at short cover.
Pushed through a bit quicker and onto middle and off, Rahmat Shah defends it off the front foot.
Drifted into the leg stump, Rahmat Shah stays watchful and blocks it out with soft hands.
Tossed up a bit too full and on the stumps, Hashmatullah Shahidi drives it easily down to long on and picks up a single.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 58/2
H Shahidi1 (3)
R Shah26 (39)
V Fernando4-0-24-1
Hard length outside off stump, Hashmatullah Shahidi plays a back-foot punch to deep cover-point and gets off the mark with a single.
On a good length and in the channel, angling in a bit at 138 clicks, Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it alone.
Beaten! Fractionally short and wide, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to cut it away but the ball stays a bit low and beats the bat.
Hashmatullah Shahidi, the Afghan skipper is in at number 4.
OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! A wicket out of nowhere and Noor Ali Zadran will be very disappointed with that shot. Vishwa Fernando with a nothing delivery, just dug in a bit short over middle and angling across. Noor Ali Zadran shuffles across a touch and looks to help the pull behind square leg but is early into the shot. The ball goes up high off the top edge and comes down near the short leg region. The bowler calls it early and takes a safe catch. Sri Lanka get their second wicket and Afghanistan have to start over again a bit.
Short of a length over middle, Rahmat Shah with a slight swivel and he half-pulls it away through mid-wicket for a single.
Starts this over from over the wicket and pitches it up on middle and leg stump, Rahmat Shah punches it solidly off the front foot. Sri Lanka have gone a bit too defensive already because the pacers are quite hitting their straps.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 56/1
Ali Zadran31 (45)
R Shah25 (37)
P Jayasuriya2-2-0-0
Another maiden! Drifted onto middle and leg, Noor Ali Zadran strides forward and defends it with soft hands.
Just a touch quicker and fired in on middle stump, this one comes on with the arm but Noor Ali Zadran manages to make the block.
A bit of a drift into the right-hander, turning away a touch from middle and leg, Noor Ali Zadran is able to block it off.
Nicely tossed up at just 79 clicks and on off stump, Noor Ali Zadran gets on the front foot well and keeps it out.
Loops this one up on the stump line, Noor Ali Zadran gets a big stride in and makes the block.
Drifts this one into the legs, Noor Ali Zadran plays it off the front foot and towards mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 56/1
R Shah25 (37)
Ali Zadran31 (39)
V Fernando3-0-22-0
Good length on off and middle, Rahmat Shah blocks it solidly from the crease.
Length ball on leg stump at 137 clicks, Noor Ali Zadran plays it with soft hands into the vacant square leg region for an easy single.
Full and around off stump, Noor Ali Zadran drives it straight back at the bowler who does well to get a left hand on it on the followthrough.
Pulls the length back and bowls it over off stump, Rahmat Shah hangs back and punches it past mid on for a quick single.
Good shot but equally well-stopped. Pitched up around off stump, Rahmat Shah punches it on the up to the right of mid off where Dinesh Chandimal dives in and makes the stop.
FOUR! Gets it through! Change of angle from Vishwa Fernando as he comes around the stumps and serves a half-volley outside off stump. Rahmat Shah gets on the back foot and creams the drive through the cover region, past a couple of diving fielders for a boundary.
Drinks break! It has been a hot and humid first morning in Colombo and it has been slow going in the first hour of play with just 12 overs bowled. The pacers were in full use and Asitha Fernando got a wicket in the very first over of the game. Since then though, Noor Ali Zadran and Rahmat Shah have played really well and have built a steady partnership and the goal for them will be to go unscathed into the Lunch break. Sri Lanka will look to introduce the spinners and hope to get a couple of more wickets in the next hour of play.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 50/1
Ali Zadran30 (37)
R Shah20 (33)
P Jayasuriya1-1-0-0
Maiden over. Tossed up at the stump line, Noor Ali Zadran flicks it straight to short mid-wicket.
Way too slow and outside off on a fuller length, Noor Ali Zadran pushes it back to the bowler.
Drags his length just a bit and keeps it on off, Noor Ali Zadran rocks back and punches it to the off side.
Slower through the air around off, Noor Ali Zadran defends it on the front foot.
Flights it on off and fuller in length, Noor Ali Zadran leans ahead and blocks it back to the bowler.
Begins from around the wicket and drops it full at off, Noor Ali Zadran gets inner edge to forward short leg.
Time for some spin as Prabath Jayasuriya comes into the attack now.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 50/1
Ali Zadran30 (31)
R Shah20 (33)
V Fernando2-0-16-0
Across off on a length, Noor Ali Zadran pushes it to cover-point for a single. Also, a 50-run stand comes up between the two. They are looking at ease at the moment.
Pitches on leg and short, Rahmat Shah nicely tucks it to deep backward square leg for one.
Slants it across the middle stump line again on a shorter length, Rahmat Shah is on the back foot and punches it to cover.
On a length and slanting across the middle stump, Rahmat Shah bunts it off the back foot to the bowler.
Goes too full and ends up bowling a low full toss on the stumps, Rahmat Shah drives it to cover off his front foot.
Comes from over the wicket and angles it across off on a length, Rahmat Shah punches it off the back foot.
Vishwa Fernando (1-0-14-0) is back on.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 48/1
Ali Zadran29 (30)
R Shah19 (28)
C Gunasekara4-0-28-0
Fuller this time and in line of the off stump, Noor Ali Zadran nicely drives it straight to Gunasekara.
FOUR! Pulled away! Bangs in short again on off, Noor Ali Zadran pre-meditates it and climbs on the ball off the back foot before pulling it through deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
Bangs in short and outside off, Noor Ali Zadran closes the bat's face early on his pull and it goes past his inside edge. A tentative appeal for caught behind but only the keeper is interested.
Outside off on a fuller length, Noor Ali Zadran gets ahead and hits it straight to cover.
Short and wide of off, Noor Ali Zadran cuts it straight to point off the back foot.
One slip and a gully. Pitches on a length just outside off, Noor Ali Zadran gets squared up opening the face of his bat. The ball goes past his outside edge. Peach of a delivery.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 44/1
R Shah19 (28)
Ali Zadran25 (24)
A Fernando5-1-6-1
Ends up with a length ball, angling back into the right-hander, Rahmat Shah pushes it to mid on.
Straighter with no such movement on off, Rahmat Shah defends it solidly off the front foot.
Another short-pitched bouncer down leg, left alone to go through to the keeper.
Bangs in short and on the off stump line, Rahmat Shah hops and bunts it down on the deck.
Straighter and on off, on a length, Noor Ali Zadran punches it off the front foot to cover-point for a single.
Way too short and down leg, no intention to poke at it. Left alone by Noor Ali Zadran.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 43/1
Ali Zadran24 (22)
R Shah19 (24)
C Gunasekara3-0-24-0
Short on off, Noor Ali Zadran mistimes his pull shot to widish short mid-wicket for a single to end the over.
Back of a length on off, Rahmat Shah stays on the back foot and punches toward extra cover for a single. No real movement on the ball.
FOUR! Sublime! Fuller and on the stump line, Rahmat Shah opens the face of his bat and a with steady head position, he drives it along the carpet for a boundary down the ground. He holds his pose for a second. Excellent timing.
BEAUTY! Just a slight away movement on a length outside off, Rahmat Shah plays it inside the line of the ball and it zips past his outside edge.
Short and on off, Rahmat Shah pulls it with a flat bat to deep square leg for a brace.
Wide outside off with a bit of movement, Rahmat Shah leaves it alone to carry through to the keeper.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 35/1
Ali Zadran23 (21)
R Shah12 (19)
A Fernando4-1-5-1
Wraps up with a shorter length on off, Noor Ali Zadran punches it confidently off the back foot to short cover.
Down leg and short, Noor Ali Zadran lets it go without poking this time.
Two slips and a gully now. Bowls shorter and zipping off the deck, Noor Ali Zadran withdraws to play the shot and lets it go through to the keeper.
Short and on the body, Rahmat Shah pulls it with the pace of the ball to deep backward square leg for a single.
Quicker and on off, and fuller in length, Rahmat Shah solidly punches the ball on his front foot to the right of mid off. Two taken.
In front of the stumps on a fuller length, Rahmat Shah flicks it straight to the short mid-wicket fielder.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 32/1
Ali Zadran23 (18)
R Shah9 (16)
C Gunasekara2-0-16-0
JUST SHORT! Bowls it around off and on a shade fuller length, Noor Ali Zadran gets ahead to drive it to the off side but gets the leading edge as he plays inside the line of the ball. It just falls short ahead of the second slip.
FOUR! Second of the over. Overpitched outside off, Noor Ali Zadran leans on it and drives it straight down the ground to the left of mid off for a boundary. Beautiful shot.
Full, on off, Noor Ali Zadran prods ahead and drives it straight to cover.
FOUR! This time he gets it in the gap! Too lovely! Brings his line just in but keeps it outside off, Noor Ali Zadran is high on his toes and cuts it through the cover-point region in the gap for a boundary. He looks organised.
Outside off and on a length, Noor Ali Zadran stays deep in the crease and looks to cut through the point fielder but finds the man.
Around off and full, Noor Ali Zadran covers his off stump and confidently defends with a high elbow to the off side.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 24/1
R Shah9 (16)
Ali Zadran15 (12)
A Fernando3-1-2-1
Good amount of movement outside off which swings further away, Rahmat Shah shoulders arms at it to end the over.
Short and outside off, Rahmat Shah punches it to covers off the back foot.
On a nagging length, nips slightly on off, Rahmat Shah defends it on the up covering his off-pole to the off side.
Short in length and over the middle stump, Noor Ali Zadran hangs back and tucks it to deep square leg for a single.
Over the wicket, short and into the body which jags back in, Noor Ali Zadran gets cramped up for room and it wears on his left bicep.
Just around off and on a length, Noor Ali Zadran prods ahead and solidly defends it to mid off.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 23/1
R Shah9 (13)
Ali Zadran14 (9)
C Gunasekara1-0-8-0
Outside off on a fuller length, Rahmat Shah leans on the ball and drives it straight to point. Another good over from Afghanistan. 8 runs from it. They look to be in the groove.
Pace on and on off, Noor Ali Zadran blocks it off the front foot to the off side and shoots off for a single. Good running.
FOUR! Shot! Just a little width on offer outside off on a length, Noor Ali Zadran shuffles a bit on off and cuts it through extra cover for a boundary. This came right from the middle of the blade.
Straighter down leg, Noor Ali Zadran flicks it to long leg for a couple of runs. There was a fumble by the fielder in the deep and the batters sneak for the double.
Beauty! Nips slightly from the deck on a length outside off, Noor Ali Zadran looks to punch but the ball zips past his outside edge.
Steams in from over the wicket and pitches it around off on a length, Rahmat Shah covers his off stump and pushes it to cover-point for a single.
The debutant, Chamika Gunasekara comes into the attack after just one over from Vishwa Fernando.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 15/1
Ali Zadran7 (5)
R Shah8 (11)
A Fernando2-1-1-1
Wraps the over on a length with a hint of an outward movement from off, Noor Ali Zadran hangs back and bunts it off the back foot.
Fires on off and on a length, Rahmat Shah prods to defend but inside edges to long leg for a single. It almost sneaked through.
Short and straight on the off stump line, Rahmat Shah punches it off the back foot underneath the bat.
Pitches it on a hard length and holds the same line, Rahmat Shah yet again misses to connect the shot and thuds the thigh pad.
Comes from over the wicket and angles across the off stump on the leg side, Rahmat Shah again wears it on the pads looking to flick it.
On a length angling into the batter from the middle, Rahmat Shah misses to tuck it and wears on the thigh pad.
Runs Scored 14 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 14/1
Ali Zadran7 (4)
R Shah7 (6)
V Fernando1-0-14-0
FOUR! Poor and punished rightly. Comes from over the wicket and errs on pads, Noor Ali Zadran simply flicks it along the carpet through mid-wicket for a boundary. 13 runs from it.
Pitches on a slightly shorter length at the stumps, Noor Ali Zadran blocks on the front foot to mid off.
Angling across off on a way too short length, Noor Ali Zadran rocks back on the back foot and places it to extra cover for a couple of runs. Not an ideal start for Vishwa.
Straighter and on a length at the pads, Rahmat Shah flicks it through square leg and runs three. Excellent running.
FOUR! First boundary of the day and Rahmat Shah is off the mark too. From over the wicket and on a shade fuller length with a good bounce outside off, Rahmat Shah rides on the bounce and guides it with the pace and bisects the gully and point fielders for a boundary. The outfield is too quick here.
Afghanistan and Noor Ali Zadran are underway! On a bit of a short length and angling into the batter from off, Noor Ali Zadran hangs back and tucks it to backward square leg for a single. Also, first runs for Noor in Test cricket.
Vishwa Fernando to steam in from the opposite end.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 0/1
R Shah0 (4)
Ali Zadran0 (0)
A Fernando1-1-0-1
Ends up with a hard length and around off, Rahmat Shah blocks it off the back foot to point. A fantastic initiation for the hosts. The ball is doing a lot early on.
On a hard length at 133 clicks, Rahmat Shah prods ahead and hits it to gully.
Back of a length and jags away from off, Rahmat Shah gets squared up on the back foot and is beaten.
Jaffa! On a nagging length that moves away with the angle on off, Rahmat Shah plays inside the line expecting the ball to come in and it zips past his outside edge with a good carry through to the keeper.
Rahmat Shah walks in early at number 3.
OUT! LBW! Would you believe it? Sri Lanka strike in the very second delivery and Asitha Fernando provides them the breakthrough early on. On a nagging length which nips back into the batter slightly, Ibrahim Zadran comes forward and plays outside the line of the ball and the ball thuds his pads. A sharp appeal and the Umpire raises his finger in no time. Ibrahim Zadran knows it is in front of the sticks and he does not opt for a review. He perishes on a duck.
Starts off right on the money! Three slips and a gully in position and pitches it on a seaming length down leg, Ibrahim Zadran closes the bat's face early and misses to connect. It wears on his pads.
Done with the pre-match formalities and it is now time to get the play underway. The umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of Sri Lanka. It will be the debutant Noor Ali Zadran to open the innings for Afghanistan alongside Ibrahim Zadran. Asitha Fernando has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Three slips and a gully in place. Let's go...
Right then, we are just a few minutes away from the start of the first-ever Test match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan but first, it is time for the national anthems. It will be the national anthem of Afghanistan first, followed by Sri Lanka's national anthem.
PITCH REPORT - Farveez Maharoof is pitchside. He says conditions are hot and humid here. He says that there's too much live grass on the deck and it is a pretty hard deck. The fast bowlers will get some movement and winning the toss and bowling first will be a good option. Adds that it will play well till the first three or four days.
The Afghan skipper, Hashmatullah Shahidi says that they wanted to bat first anyway and now will try to do their best with the bat. Adds that they have a lot of good players and the youngsters are doing well in first-class cricket. Mentions that they have four debutants with a couple of pacers and a left-arm spinner as well. Adds that Test cricket is the best format and they are excited as this game is a very good opportunity to showcase their talent in the longest format of the game.
Dhananjaya de Silva, the captain of Sri Lanka says that they will bowl first and are going with 3 seamers. He announces that one debutant Chamika Gunasekara is the squad who is a seamer. He says they haven't played much Test cricket so it is good to be playing here and also says that it's exciting to lead the side. Ends up saying that they hope for a good Test match.
Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Ibrahim Zadran, Noor Ali Zadran (On Test debut), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Nasir Jamal, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Qais Ahmad (On Test debut), Zia ur Rehman (On Test debut), Mohammad Saleem, Naveed Zadran (On Test debut), Nijat Masood.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Sadeera Samarawickrama (WK), Chamika Gunasekara (On Test debut), Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando.
TOSS - Sri Lanka win the flip of the coin and they will BOWL first.
Afghanistan on the other hand are missing a few key players including their maestro Rashid Khan who continues to recover from his back injury but with the track not expected to a be rank turner like it has been in the past, it gives the Afghan pacers and opportunity to make their mark. A fascinating contest that looks to provide plenty of action over the course of the next few days. Can Sri Lanka notch up a home win? Or will Afghanistan pull off a shock defeat? We shall find out. Toss and team news in a bit.
Sri Lanka have a new Test skipper at the helm in the form of Dhananjaya de Silva and this game marks the start of a new era in Lankan cricket, one which they will hope to start on a positive note with a win and then build on it. They have some solid red-ball specialist batters in the side but the bowling does look a tinge weak that it usually is at home.
Hello and a warm welcome to one and all to our coverage of the One-off Test match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo. Afghanistan travel to Sri Lanka for an all-format tour and it will be the red-ball format that will take centre stage first.
... MATCH DAY ...
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Commentary
That is it from this game! Dhananjaya de Silva has been handed the trophy and now he celebrated with his side. We hope you enjoyed our company. Until next time, goodbye and take care!
Dhananjaya de Silva says it was a good experience captaining the side and he enjoyed it. Mentions he is happy with the bowlers, they stuck to their plans and built pressure. Adds there was grass on the wicket and they knew it won't turn much and hence, they played more fast bowlers. On his run out, he says it was his fault.
Hashmatullah Shahidi says the boys played well but he is disappointed with how they performed on Day 1 but fought well on Day 3. Adds the lack of experience showed and they will learn from this and he hopes to do better going ahead. Ends by saying, they do not have a lot opportunities with the red ball and he hopes they can get it and he hopes they can do well.
Prabath Jayasuriya, MAN OF THE MATCH! He says he is very happy, it was tough to take wickets as it is a good batting track here. Adds they were trying to follow the basics and he is very pleased it worked.
... PRESENTATION TIME ...
In reply, Lanka feasted on the very good batting conditions! They managed to take a lead of over 200 courtesy Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal. Both scored tons and we felt then, the Lankans were going to win by an innings but that was no the case. The Afghainstan top order showed great fight on Day 3. Ibrahim Zadran scored an exellent ton and was well-supported by Rahmat Shah and Noor Ali Zadran. However, the effort with the bat was equally poor on Day 4 as the lower and the middle order failed to show some fight and Lanka just needed over 50 to chase which they did in no time.
A dominating win for the hosts! Right from Day 1, they have bossed this game. The Lankans elected to field and bowled Afghanistan out for a very low score. Three bowlers shared 10 wickets between them, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya! For Afghanistan, only Rahmat Shah put up a fight with the bat. He was unlucky to miss out on a ton but courtesy his effort they did not end up being bowled out for an embarassing score.
FOUR! Dimuth Karunaratne finishes it off in style! On middle, the sweep comes out, it is hit through square leg and it races away to the fence. SRI LANKA WIN BY 10 WICKETS!
FOUR! Another one of those and the game will be done. On middle, this is worked down to long on for a boundary.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 48/0
N Madushka22 (23)
D Karunaratne24 (20)
N Masood1-0-5-0
Around off, defended.
On the pads Dimuth Karunaratne looks to flick but misses, it hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.
Around off, Dimuth Karunaratne looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. A late review taken by Afghanistan and not sure why! There was a massive inside edge.
On the pads, this is nudged around the corner for one.
Three! On the pads, this is worked through square leg. Three taken.
On middle, this is nudged on the leg side for one.
Runs Scored 13 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 42/0
D Karunaratne21 (17)
N Madushka20 (20)
N Zadran3-0-30-0
SIX! Gets hold of this one. Short and on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne rocks back and pulls it well over the square leg fence for a biggie.
This is banged in short and on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne leaves it alone.
Two! Shorter and outside off, this is guided through point for two.
Shorter and outside off, this is played to cover.
Short again and outside off, Dimuth Karunaratne looks to cut but misses. No ball as Naveed Zadran oversteps.
Outside off, left alone.
FOUR! Top edge and a boundary! Lanka in a hurry! Shorter and on middle, Dimuth Karunaratne looks to pull, it goes off the top edge and down to the fine leg fence.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 29/0
N Madushka20 (20)
D Karunaratne9 (10)
ur Rehman3-0-12-0
Around off, blocked.
Around off, kept out
FOUR! Up and over! This is tossed up around off, Nishan Madushka lofts it over cover for a boundary.
Around off, defended.
On middle, kept out.
FOUR! Cut away! Shorter and outside off, this is cut past point and it races away.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 21/0
D Karunaratne9 (10)
N Madushka12 (14)
N Zadran2-0-17-0
Two! Outside off, this is guided through point for two.
Around off, defended.