Twitter Reactions: Solid hitting by Rahmanullah Gurbaz push Afghanistan to post sturdy total

Afghanistan finished with 175 for 6 in 20 overs.

By Pratheek S

View : 2K

3 Min Read

Rahmanullah Gurbaz
info
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Photo Source: Twitter)

The Super 4 stage of Asia Cup 2022 got underway on September 3, Saturday, and it is Afghanistan who faced off with Sri Lanka in Sharjah. Afghanistan batted first, and opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz set Sharjah Cricket Stadium ablaze with a magnificent 84 runs off 45 balls, and helped his side set up a strong target of 176.

Gurbaz hit four fours and six sixes, and brought up his fifth half-century in T20Is. He also brought up the highest individual score for Asia Cup 2022 and his second-highest individual score in T20Is, after 87. Earlier in the game, It was Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka who won the toss and opted to bowl first. Afghanistan started off, scoring 49 runs in the six-over powerplay for the loss of one wicket. Opener Hazratullah Zazai departed in the fifth over for a score of 13.

Sri Lanka need a record chase in Sharjah

Then came the partnership of Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, which added 93 runs for the second wicket. It came to a halt in the 16th over with Gurbaz losing his wicket to Asitha Fernando, as he tried to heave a full ball that was aimed at outside-off across the line. It took a sharp top edge that went high in the mid-wicket region. Wanindu Hasaranga, in the outfield, kept his eyes on the balls and completed a neat catch.

Ibrahim Zadran also played a valuable hand, scoring 40 runs off 38 balls, and getting out in the 18th over to pacer Dilshan Madushanka. Najibullah Zadran chipped in with an impressive cameo of 17 runs off 10 balls and steering Afghanistan over 170 in 20 overs. The pick of the bowlers was spinner Maheesh Theekshana who picked up one wicket for 29 runs in four overs. 

Star Sri Lankan spinner Hasaranga, who conceded only 23 runs in four overs, and pacer Asitha Fernando, who finished with one wicket for 34 runs in four overs, also complemented the attack. If Sri Lanka were to win the game, they need a record chase on this ground. Sri Lanka, having lost their previous meeting against Afghanistan, will be raring for payback and get a win on board in Super 4.

Here is how the fans reacted to Gurbaz's innings on Twitter: 

Get every cricket updates! Follow Us:

googletelegraminstagramwhatsappyoutubethreadstwitter

Download Our App

For a better experience: Download the CricTracker app from the IOS and Google Play Store
Asia Cup 2023AfghanistanSri LankaRahmanullah Gurbaz