Pune, India – October 30, 2023: In the match between Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan at the ICC World Cup 2023, Afghanistan showcased their impressive form by clinching a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Pune on Monday. Chasing 242 to win, Afghanistan confidently achieved success in just 45.2 overs, fueled by half-centuries from Hashmatullah Shahidi (58*) and Azmatullah Omarzai (73*)
Afghanistan’s bowlers had earlier done an excellent job of restricting Sri Lanka to 241 all out. Fazalhaq Farooqi was the pick of the bowlers, picking up four wickets for 42 runs.
Afghanistan’s run chase started well, with Ibrahim Zadran (39) and Rahmat Shah (29) putting on a 67-run opening partnership. However, both openers fell in quick succession, leaving Afghanistan at 73/2.
Shahidi and Omarzai then put on an unbeaten 111-run stand for the third wicket to guide Afghanistan to victory. Shahidi played a patient and composed knock, while Omarzai was more aggressive, hitting four boundaries and two sixes.
Afghanistan’s victory was their third in a row at the World Cup, which has moved them up to fifth in the points table. They are now well on track for a place in the semi-finals.
Afghanistan’s Bowling Performance Key to Victory
Afghanistan’s bowling performance was key to their victory over Sri Lanka in the ICC World Cup 2023 match on Monday. Fazalhaq Farooqi was the pick of the bowlers, picking up four wickets for 42 runs. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan also chipped in with two wickets each.
The Afghan bowlers were disciplined and consistent throughout their spell, and they made it difficult for the Sri Lankan batsmen to score runs. They consistently claimed wickets at frequent intervals, thwarting Sri Lanka’s attempts to form substantial partnerships.
Afghanistan’s Batting Display Was Also Impressive
Afghanistan’s batting display was also impressive in the chase. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah gave them a solid start before Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai took them over the line with an unbeaten 111-run stand.
Shahidi and Omarzai played complementary roles in the partnership. Shahidi played a patient and composed knock, while Omarzai was more aggressive. They both batted with great confidence and maturity, and they never looked like losing.
Afghanistan Are Now Well on Track for a Place in the Semi-Finals
Afghanistan’s victory over Sri Lanka was their third in a row at the World Cup, which has moved them up to fifth in the points table. They are now well on track for a place in the semi-finals.
Afghanistan has a good all-round team, with a strong batting lineup and a balanced bowling attack. They have also shown great resilience and character in the tournament so far.
If Afghanistan can continue to play at the same level, they will be a force to be reckoned with at the ICC World Cup 2023.
Fazalhaq Farooqi: The Man of the Match
Fazalhaq Farooqi was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance in Afghanistan’s victory over Sri Lanka in the ICC World Cup 2023 match on Monday. Farooqi picked up four wickets for 42 runs in his spell, which was key to Afghanistan restricting Sri Lanka to 241.
Farooqi is Afghanistan’s lead seamer, and he has been in impressive form at the World Cup so far. He has picked up 12 wickets in the tournament, at a strike rate of 36.
Farooqi is a left-arm fast bowler who bowls at a good pace and generates good movement. He is also very accurate, and he can hit the same spot consistently.
Farooqi’s performance against Sri Lanka was particularly impressive, given that he was playing on a pitch that was not conducive to fast bowling. However, he was able to use his skills to his advantage, and he was able to pick up wickets at regular intervals.
Farooqi is a valuable asset to the Afghanistan team, and he will be key to their chances of success at the World Cup. He is a young and talented bowler, and he has the potential to become one of the best fast bowlers in the world.
Here is a more detailed look at farooqi’s performance against Sri Lanka:
- Farooqi started his spell by bowling three maidens in a row. He was able to put pressure on the Sri Lankan batsmen by bowling tight lines and lengths.
- Farooqi picked up his first wicket in the fourth over, when he dismissed Pathum Nissanka for 12. Nissanka is one of Sri Lanka’s best batsmen, so his wicket was a big one for Afghanistan.
- Farooqi picked up his second wicket in the sixth over, when he dismissed Kusal Mendis for 34. Mendis was also in good form, so his wicket was another big one for Afghanistan.
- Farooqi picked up his third wicket in the 10th over when he dismissed Charith Asalanka for 15. Asalanka is a young and talented batsman, but he was unable to handle Farooqi’s bowling.
- Farooqi picked up his fourth and final wicket in the 13th over when he dismissed Dhananjaya de Silva for 18. De Silva is a senior batsman, but he was also unable to handle Farooqi’s bowling.
Farooqi’s performance against Sri Lanka was one of the best bowling performances of the World Cup so far. He was able to bowl with great discipline and consistency, and he was able to pick up wickets at regular intervals. He is a valuable asset to the Afghanistan team, and he will be key to their chances of success at the World Cup.
Highlights of the ICC World Cup 2023 match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan
- Afghanistan bowlers dominate: Afghanistan’s bowlers were in excellent form, restricting Sri Lanka to 241 all out in 49 overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/42. He was supported by Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/40) and Rashid Khan (2/45).
- Sri Lanka batsmen struggle: Sri Lanka’s batsmen were unable to cope with the Afghanistan bowling attack. Only two batsmen, Pathum Nissanka (46) and Kusal Mendis (39), got past the 30-run mark.
- Afghanistan chased down the target with ease: Afghanistan chased down the target of 242 runs with ease, winning the match by 7 wickets in just 45.2 overs. Hashmatullah Shahidi (58*) and Azmatullah Omarzai (73*) were the stars of the show with unbeaten half-centuries.
- Farooqi’s bowling spell: Fazalhaq Farooqi’s bowling spell was one of the best of the tournament so far. He bowled with great pace and accuracy, and he got the ball to move off the pitch. He dismissed four of Sri Lanka’s top six batsmen, and he played a key role in restricting Sri Lanka to a low total.
- Shahidi and Omarzai’s partnership: Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai’s partnership was also a highlight of the match. They played with great confidence and maturity, and they never looked like losing. Their partnership helped Afghanistan to chase down the target with ease and secure a comfortable victory.
