Afghanistan pip Sri Lanka in final T20

ATLNATA (Pajhwok): Afghanistan have pipped Sri Lanka by three runs in the third and final match of the T20 International series at the Rangiri Dambulla Cricket Stadium.

Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bat first. Opener Hazratullah Zazai smashed 46 off 22 balls and Gurbaz hit a fifty to help their side set the hosts a massive 210 runs target.

In reply, Afghanistan backed up the excellent batting effort with a decent bowling display.

Led by Mohammad Nabi (2/35), the bowlers kept striking at regular intervals to keep things under control.

Despite two half-centuries from Sri Lankan batsmen, the hosts were restricted to 206/6 and Afghanistan romped home.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit 70 from 42 balls to be named Player of the Match.

Sri Lanka had already clinched the T20 series by winning the first two games, the first by four and the second by 72 runs.

Earlier, the hosts had beaten Afghanistan in the one-off Test and three-match ODI series.

Afghanistan’s next challenge is an all-format home series against Ireland, which will commence with a solitary Test on February 28 at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium.

kk/mud