Revision as of 18:16, 2 November 2015

Afghanistan versus Sri Lanka: WCC 2015

The Times of India

Feb 23 2015

Mahela Bursts Afghan Bubble

Former Captain scores ton to rescue SL from 51-4

Put into bat, Afghanistan lost both openers by the 10th over. But Stanikzai and Shenwari added 88 for the third wicket. They were hopeful of putting up 250-plus but could score just 10 runs in batting powerplay.

Sri Lanka's chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost Dilshan and Thirimanne for first ball ducks. Sanga followed soon and at 51-4, a major upset was on cards. Mahela brought in all his experience and scored a ton to stabilise things.

Angelo Mathews and Mahela both departed in quick succession though to put the Afghans back on track. But Thisara Perera's big-hitting skills came in handy as the burly all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 47 in 26 balls to see the 1996 champs home.

1 Number of times in WC both openers have got out for first-ball ducks.Thirimanne, Dilshan registered the dubious feat

10 Number of runs Afghanistan scored in the batting powerplay, losing two wickets. Four of those runs came through wides.

1075 Runs by Mahela in WC, the 4th Lankan after Sanath, De Silva and Sanga to score 1000 runs.

2015: Won ODI against Zimbabwe

The Times of India, Oct 26 2015

Prasad RS

Win hasn't sunk in yet, says Nabi

Afghan skipper is `relieved' after first win over test-playing nation

They come from a war-torn nation where playing sport is a luxury, but that has not stopped the Afghanistan cricket team from expressing themselves every time they take the field. In Oct 2015 in Bulawayo against Zimbabwe was no different as the Afghans not only defended a target of 245 to seal the ODI series 3-2, they became the first associate nation to beat a Full Member country . While the entire team understandably celebrated the win, their feat was acknowledged by numerous fans back in Kabul. For man-of-the-series Mohammed Nabi, the historic-win marked a new chapter in Afghanistan's short cricketing history . Nabi has been part of all the 56 ODIs for the Afghans so far.