Sri Lanka secures 3-0 whitewash over Afghanistan in ODI series

Sri Lanka on Wednesday chased down a 267-run target in just 35.2 overs as they completed a dominant seven-wicket win in the third and final ODI in Pallekele against Afghanistan, and with it secured a 3-0 whitewash of the series.

Pathum Nissanka recorded his second century in three games to become the highest run-scorer in a three-match series for Sri Lanka with 346 runs.

In Wednesday’s match he racked up a 101-ball 118, and in the process became the fastest Sri Lankan to 2,000 ODI runs, achieving the feat in 52 games – 11 games quicker than next fastest Upul Tharanga.

Afghanistan for their part will rue a missed opportunity. Despite fifties from Rahmat Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai – and a blazing start from Rahmanullah Gurbaz – they lost 6 for 43 at the end to be bowled out for 266.

With the one-off Test and the three ODI matches behind them, Afghanistan will now be looking to add at least one win to their belt in the upcoming T20I stage.

The third and final stage of the tour is scheduled to be played from Saturday, February 17 to 21 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

On Monday, the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s National Selection Committee announced the squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s regular T20I captain, continues to recover from back surgery and has not been drafted into the squad. Ibrahim Zadran, who led Afghanistan in the previous two T20I series in the UAE and India, will captain the team against Sri Lanka.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman also missed out on the squad after injuring his right hand before the start of the ODI series against Sri Lanka last week.

In addition, fast bowler Mohammad Saleem Safi, who was part of the Afghanistan squad for the India tour, has been left out of the squad due to a hamstring strain. However, Wafadar Momand has been recalled to the squad to face Sri Lanka, as Safi’s replacement.

Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil says this stage of the tour will help prepare for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

“We have a close sight on the upcoming T20 World Cup for which we want to prepare a very good mix of players consisting of both juniors and seniors. This series alongside the three T20Is against Ireland in March is a good opportunity for us to test our bench strength and finalize a good squad for the mega event.”

Afghanistan Squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka:

Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Mohammad Ishaq Rahimi (WK), Hazratullah Zazai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, Wafadar Momand and Qais Ahmad.

For fans, Ariana Television will broadcast Saturday’s match live – so be sure to check for news and updates on ATN’s websites and social media platforms.