SL vs AFG 3rd ODI, Highlights: Unmissable video recap, turning points & more

In a pretty one-sided encounter at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka clinched victory in the 3rd ODI against Afghanistan to win the series by 3-0.

Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan posted a total of 266 runs in 48.2 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributed a solid 48 with six fours and one six, while Rahmat Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai scored 65 and 54, respectively, but were unable to prolong their innings.

The Sri Lankan bowlers, particularly Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando, and Dunith Wellalage, took crucial wickets at regular intervals. Madushan finished with figures of three wickets for 45 runs in his 8.2 overs spell.

In response, Sri Lanka displayed a formidable batting performance, successfully chasing down the target of 266 runs. Pathum Nissanka led the charge with an outstanding century, scoring 118 at a strike rate of 116.83. He smashed 16 fours and two sixes in his brilliant 101-ball knock. Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis also made significant contributions with scores of 91 and 40, respectively. 

Despite the efforts of Afghan bowlers Qais Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi, who managed to secure two wickets and one respectively, Sri Lanka comfortably reached the target in just 35.2 overs.

Pathum Nissanka earned the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards for his exceptional performances. This win not only highlighted Sri Lanka's proficiency in both batting and bowling but also boosted their positive momentum.

Also Read: Afghanistan announce squad for T20I series against Sri Lanka, Mujeeb ur Rahman misses out due to injury

Sri Lanka played better in all three departments of the game: Shahidi

After the loss, Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi credited Sri Lanka's superior performance in all aspects of the game. He mentioned struggles in the last ten overs of Afghanistan's batting, leading to a shortfall in the required runs.

"The result didn't go our way, but Sri Lanka played better in all three departments of the game. We struggled in the last 10 overs of our batting and didn't get the runs required. The bowling was also pretty poor, we're missing our main bowlers though, hopefully, they'll come back fit. Our batting could have been better, both Rashid and Mujeeb are wicket-taking bowlers and we missed them. I wish the T20I team the best, hopefully, we'll come back better," Shahidi said after the match during the presentation. 

Here is how 'X' reacted to SL's solid victory