Afghanistan‘s bowlers dumped Sri Lanka out of the Asia Cup as they clinched a crushing 91-run victory in Abu Dhabi.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi and star spinner Rashid Khan took two wickets apiece to skittle the Sri Lankans out, who lost by 137 runs to Bangladesh in their opening Group B fixture, for just 158 with 52 balls to spare.
Rahmat Shah had earlier top-scored with 72 as Afghanistan made 249 all out from their 50 overs, although they struggled in the final nine overs after the batsman was caught in the deep with the score at 190 for four.
Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera did the damage with a haul of five for 55, four of them inside his final eight balls, but his efforts were to prove in vain.
Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan lauded his players. He said: “Every batsman executed his plans. We spoke of partnerships especially. Credit to our fielders, they did well. When you want to play cricket for winning, you play positively. Our spinners, batsmen and bowlers did well. I would like to say thanks to the crowd for their support.”
