Afghanistan shock Sri Lanka in Asia Cup opener
The Asia Cup has kicked off in the UAE and with the first game itself, Afghanistan have blowed away Sri Lanka and announced their arrival in the tournament. The Afghans had the match in their hands right through the game and played with sheer dominance.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 105 runs, Afghanistan chased the target comfortably in 10.1 overs, though the Sri Lankan fans had some respite with the 44 run partnership between Danushka Gunathilaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa.
Afghanistan won by eight wickets, and also, the Afghan openers Rahamanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai gave them a great head start as they scored 83 runs in the first six overs.
Sri Lanka bowlers, especially spinners Hasaranga and Theekshana could not manage to keep the score below the required run rate and were getting smashed all around the ground. Hasaranga gave the team a breakthrough, but it was too late.
Fazalhaq Farooqi was the Player of the Match for his figures3/11 in his 3.4 overs.
The next fixture in the tournament is between arch rivals India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium and the heat has built up at both sides.