Sri Lanka square ODI series with Afghanistan 1-1

Colombo (News 1st) - Sri Lanka roared back to square the ODI series with Afghanistan in Pallekelle on Wednesday (30th) by chasing down an imposing target of 313. The hosts won by 4 wickets with 2 balls to spare after a record breaking knock of 162 by Afghan opener Ibrahim Zadran.

Sri Lanka started the run chase briskly with Kusal Mendis (67) and Pathum Nissanka (35) putting on a 101-run opening stand. Following their departure Charith Asalanka (83 not out off 72 balls with 4 sixes and 5 fours), Dasun Chanaka (43 with 5 fours) and Dunith Wellalage (31 off just 21 balls with 1 six and 4 fours) took Sri Lanka home. Rashid Khan captured 4 for 37.

Earlier 20-year-old Ibrahim Zadran achieved the highest score ever by an Afghan and anchored the inning with 162 off just 138 balls with four sixes and 15 boundaries. He batted through the inning and was out off the very last ball. Ibrahim and Najibullah Zadran (no relation), who scored 77 off 76 balls, put on 154 runs for the 4th wicket. Kasun Rajitha was the pick of the Lankan bowlers with 3 wickets for 60 runs.

Afghanistan won the first match by 60 runs and the second game was abandoned due to rain.