Dilshan makes his experience count as Sri Lanka surmounts the Afghanistan challenge

Not just a win, a morale-booster

Tillakaratne Dilshan responded positively to Sri Lanka’s search for batting stability with an unbeaten 83 (56b, 8x4, 3x6) that took his side past a resurgent Afghanistan in the ICC World Twenty20 at the Eden Gardens here on Thursday.

The victory enabled the islanders recover from the three successive losses suffered in the Asia Cup.

The well-crafted innings from Dilshan helped defending champion Sri Lanka overhaul the target of 154 set by the Afghans, with six wickets and seven balls to spare. Earlier, batting first, Afghanistan reached a competitive 153 for seven, thanks to its captain Asghar Stanikzai (62, 47b, 3x4, 4x6).

Dilshan, who is one of the most innovative batsmen in limited-over cricket, underlined his value to the team even at the age of 39.

The opener added an unbroken 42 for the fifth wicket with captain Angelo Mathews (21 not out), the two guiding the side past the finish line.

Sri Lanka started the chase confidently as Dilshan and Dinesh Chandimal (18) put on 41. But once the latter was caught at mid-wicket after mistiming a heave, and Lahiru Thirimanne (6), Thisara Perera (12) and Chamara Kapugedera (10) too fell, the innings lapsed into a period of uncertainty with the score at 113 for four in the 16th over.

Dilshan’s knock turned out to be the decisive factor, the win renewing Sri Lanka’s confidence ahead of its meetings against bigger opposition.

Spectacular turnaround

Opting to bat, Afghanistan made a spectacular turnaround in the last 10 overs as Stanikzai went after the Sri Lankan bowling.

Afghanistan, which qualified after beating Zimbabwe, did not look set for a big score, managing only 47 for three in 10 overs.

Stanikzai, joined by Samiullah Shenwari (31), began the rescue act with a 61-run stand for the fifth wicket, the runs coming off just 33 balls and significantly changing the scenario.

Towering sixes

Afghanistan had two big overs in the second half of the innings. Stanikzai hit two giant sixes off left-arm spinner Milinda Siriwardana to pick up 16 runs in the 13th over.

The Afghanistan skipper, who was dropped twice, made the reprieves count.

Najibullah Zadran’s lusty hitting in the last over, bowled by Nuwan Kulasekara, fetched 17.

The last five overs yielded 59.


Afghanistan reached a competitive 153 for seven, thanks to its captain Asghar Stanikzai

Dilshan added an unbroken 42 for the fifth wicket with captain Angelo Mathews (21 n.o.) as they guided the team past the finish line