CWC2023 warm-ups: Sri Lanka suffers massive loss to Afghanistan

Sri Lanka last night suffered a massive loss against Afghanistan, its second defeat in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup warm-up matches.

Afghanistan comfortably scored the rain-influenced DLF-method-required 257 for the loss of 4 wickets (including two retired outs) in 39 overs or with 23 balls remaining.  

Earlier Sri Lanka was bowled out for 294 in 46.2 overs despite acting Captain Kusal Mendis scoring 157 (retired out) off 87 balls. His innings included 9 sixes and 19 fours. When Mendis ended his innings Sri Lanka was 240 for 3 but the rest of the batsmen failed to excel. Mohammad Nabi excelled with 4 for 44.

In reply, Afghanistan’s opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 119 off 92 balls before being retired out. His innings included 9 sixes and 8 fours. Rahmat Shah scored 93 of 82 balls before opting to retire. The pair put on a winning 212-run partnership as lacklustre Lankan bowlers were mercilessly hammered around the ground.