Ibrahim Zadran Ton Helps Afghanistan Thrash Sri Lanka In ODI Opener
NDTV
Afghanistan posted 294-8 after electing to bat as Ibrahim put on key partnerships including a 118-run second-wicket stand with Rahmat Shah, who made 52, in Pallekele.
Opener Ibrahim Zadran smashed 106 to set up an emphatic 60-run victory for Afghanistan in the opening one-day international against Sri Lanka on Friday. Afghanistan posted 294-8 after electing to bat as Ibrahim put on key partnerships including a 118-run second-wicket stand with Rahmat Shah, who made 52, in Pallekele. Afghanistan fast bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib shared seven wickets between them as the tourists bowled out Sri Lanka for 234.
Pathum Nissanka's 85 and a threatening 66 by Wanindu Hasaranga went in vain as Afghanistan ended the Sri Lankan innings in 38 overs.
But it was the batting that set the tone for Afghanistan's domination in the first ever bilateral ODI series between the two teams.
Ibrahim led the charge with his second ODI century and Najibullah Zadran's 25-ball 42 boosted the total but some disciplined bowling in the end checked Afghanistan, who looked like getting over 300.
Hasaranga returned impressive figures of 2-42 in his 10 overs.
