Cricket: Afghanistan
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Afghanistan versus Sri Lanka: WCC 2015
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.
