Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Afghanistan in Sri Lanka 3 T20I Series 2024, 2nd T20I - Full Scorecard

We are back. The two umpires make their way out to the middle as do the players of Sri Lanka. It will be the skipper of Afghanistan, Ibrahim Zadran to open the innings alongside Hazratullah Zazai. Angelo Mathews has the new ball in hand and he is raring to go. Let's play...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, Sri Lanka get the total they were after and have the momentum courtesy of the late flourish with the bat. They will look to take it into their bowling effort as they aim to seal the series with a dominant bowling display. On the other hand, Afghanistan have a daunting total to overhaul but they have the resources considering that they have included an extra batter for this game. With series on the line, can the Afghan batters rise to the occasion? Join us in a bit to see how the chase unfolds.

As for Afghanistan, they will be disappointed with how it all panned out towards the end, conceding 49 runs in the last three overs. At the start, the visitors were hopeful of making the new ball count and were on the hunt for early inroads. The Sri Lankan openers came hard at them and took them to the cleaners in the first few overs. Azmatullah Omarzai gave them the first breakthrough before Fazalhaq Farooqi backed it up from the other end. Thanks to these twin blows, Afghanistan were able to tighten the screws in the middle phase. Mohammad Nabi was miserly as ever and the rest of the bowling unit chipped in to keep a lid on the scoring rate. However, they just could not nail their lines and lengths at the death which resulted in Sadeera Samarawickrama and Angelo Mathews taking them apart.

Sadeera Samarawickrama falls on the last ball but this has been a strong finish with the bat from Sri Lanka. Angelo Mathews and Sadeera Samarawickrama have powered the hosts to 187 and they will be the happier of the two sides at the halfway mark. After being inserted into bat, Sri Lanka were off to a flier courtesy of the two openers who attacked from the word go. Pathum Nissanka took the initiative before Kusal Mendis followed suit. After both openers fell in quick succession, Dhananjaya de Silva and Sadeera Samarawickrama ticked along nicely in the middle phase. de Silva got out on 14 while Wanindu Hasaranga got off the blocks quickly but was unable to convert the start. Having struggled to find the boundaries initially, Sadeera Samarawickrama began to provide some much-needed impetus to the Lankan innings with Angelo Mathews. The veteran Mathews, in particular, turned on the heat at the death before Sadeera notched up his maiden fifty in the final over and took his side past 185.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Sadeera Samarawickrama, OUT! HIT-WICKET! Back of a hand slower one, darted halfway by Naveen-ul-Haq. Sadeera Samarawickrama swings at it and misses as the ball rolls to Rahmanullah Gurbaz behind the stumps. Sadeera Samarawickrama though on his follow through hits the leg-pole with his bat and he is adjudged hit-wicket. Sri Lanka managed to score 187 in their quota of 20 overs.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Good length outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama swings hard but misses out.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Sadeera Samarawickrama, FOUR! FIFTY! Outstanding batting from Sadeera Samarawickrama as he gets past his maiden T20 half-century for the nation. On a length wide of off, Sadeera Samarawickrama slices this through deep point for four.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Angelo Mathews, Fuller in middle, Angelo Mathews lofts this on the bounce to Nabi at long on for a single.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Angelo Mathews, SIX! Added salt to the wounds of Naveen-ul-Haq as Angelo Mathews goes out of the park again. Pitched up outside off, misses the attempted yorker. Angelo Mathews hangs back and slogs this out of the park straight down the park towards the sight screen.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Angelo Mathews, DROPPED! Nabi drops Angelo Mathews. On a length around off, Angelo Mathews launches this flat towards Mohammad Nabi at long on but he dives in front with hard hands and drops it. The batters scamper back for two.

Who will bowl the final over? It will be Naveen-ul-Haq (3-0-33-0).

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sadeera Samarawickrama, WOW! Innovative from Sadeera Samarawickrama for a couple. Fuller around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama moves to his off and scoops it over the keeper looking for a boundary. Karim Janat chased this down to fine leg and keeps it down to a couple with a brilliant effort.  21 runs off the over.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Full and wide of off, Sadeera Samarawickrama rolls it back to the bowler for a precious dot.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Angelo Mathews, Wide yorker outside off, Angelo Mathews lofts this over the bowler towards long off for a single this time.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Angelo Mathews, SIX! Angelo Mathews you beauty! Experience tells off for him and Sri Lanka as he is smacking it all around the park. Short-pitched in middle, Angelo Mathews was waiting on his back foot and he pulled it out of the park over deep mid-wicket fielder for the third maximum on a trot.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Angelo Mathews, SIX! Just like that Angelo Mathews is on fire. Pitched up on the pads, Angelo Mathews flicks it for another maximum. This time over deep square.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Angelo Mathews, SIX! Sri Lanka are turning on the heat in the death overs. On a length in the slot around middle and leg, Angelo Mathews picks it up and flicks it up and over into the stands for a maximum towards deep mid-wicket.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Sadeera Samarawickrama, FOUR! Boundary to end the 18th over. On a length outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama looks for the lofted drive but gets a thickish outside edge flying past the short third fielder for a boundary.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Angelo Mathews, Back of a length in middle, Angelo Mathews pushes this to long on and takes a single.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! The first shot in anger from Angelo. On a length in middle, Angelo Mathews clears his front leg and hammers this straight down the ground for a boundary bisecting the fielders at long on and long off.

Halt! Sadeera Samarawickrama has taken a blow on his left ankle and hobbled to the other end. The physio is out to attend to him. Sadeera is back on his feet and we are all good to go now.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Goes for the similar stroke but the length was much fuller and he ends up chopping it back onto his pads and for a single this time.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Sadeera Samarawickrama, FOUR! Top-notch strokeplay from Sadeera Samarawickrama. On a length outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama gets low and sweeps this over square leg fielder for a boundary.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Angelo Mathews, LEG BYE! On a length drifting down leg, Angelo Mathews brushes this off his pads to the left of Gurbaz but he dives and saves a certain boundary for his side. Batters take a single though.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Angelo Mathews, LEG BYE! Back of a length outside off, Angelo Mathews looks to play this on the leg side but the ball sneaks past the bat and clatters into his pads as the batters take a single with the ball rolling towards the off side.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pitched up on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama lofts this off the bottom of his bat towards deep cover and gets a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Angelo Mathews, Fuller and on off, Angelo Mathews lofts this off the bottom towards long on for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! Angelo Mathews finally gets one over the infield for four. Short-pitched in middle, lack of pace on offer, Angelo Mathews backs off and upper cuts this over backward point for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pitched up around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama hammers this through cover-point for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Angelo Mathews, Angelo Mathews is struggling big time. On a length around leg, Angelo Mathews shuffles further to his leg and roll it to long on for only a single.

Karim Janat to Sadeera Samarawickrama, FOUR! A boundary after 28 balls and something to cheer for the fans. On a length around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama ramps it in between the keeper and short fine for a much-needed boundary.

Karim Janat to Angelo Mathews, Short-pitched around leg, Angelo Mathews helps it towards fine leg and takes just a single.

Karim Janat to Angelo Mathews, Short-pitched outside off, Angelo Mathews moves to his leg and punches this to mid off for no run.

Karim Janat to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Back of a length around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama chops it towards short fine for a single.

Karim Janat to Angelo Mathews, Good length in middle, Angelo Mathews rolls it towards long on for a single.

Karim Janat to Angelo Mathews, Good length on off, Angelo Mathews pushes this back to the bowler for no run.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Angelo Mathews, Rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it on a length, on off, Angelo Mathews knocks it to the right of mid off and gets to the other end. Ibrahim Zadran dives to his right and keeps it down to just a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Angelo Mathews, At pace, on a hard length, Angelo Mathews looks to punch it away on the off side but miscues it back to the bowler.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Angelo Mathews, Length delivery, outside off, Angelo Mathews drives it without any foot movement and it goes straight to cover.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Angelo Mathews, Slanting in, on a good length, on middle, Angelo Mathews clips it straight to mid-wicket.

Angelo Mathews walks out next.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Charith Asalanka, OUT! TAKEN! Redemption for Azmatullah Omarzai for that dropped catch! Charith Asalanka cannot make Afghanistan pay for that error. Takes pace off and angles it across the left-hander, on a good length, outside off, Charith Asalanka reaches out as he looks to go up and over on the off side. He gets undone by the slowness of the delivery and lobs it off the toe-end of the bat towards deep cover where Naveen-ul-Haq settles under it and does the rest. Sri Lanka have lost half their side and this has been some fight back from Afghanistan.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Shortish delivery, on leg, Sadeera Samarawickrama pulls it to deep mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

Mohammad Nabi to Charith Asalanka, Slows it up and bowls it full, on off, Charith Asalanka presses forward and pushes it to extra cover. End of a terrific quota of 4 overs from Nabi. He finishes with figures of 4-0-25-2.

Mohammad Nabi to Charith Asalanka, Nicely bowled! Angles it into the left-hander, on a nagging length, on off, Charith Asalanka gets half-forward to play the line of the ball. It spins away to beat the bat and Rahmanullah Gurbaz takes the bails off but the replays show that Asalanka had his back leg grounded inside the crease.

Mohammad Nabi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, On a fullish length, on middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama gets a soft leading edge as he looks to work it across the line and it goes to backward point for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Charith Asalanka, Darts this one in, full and on middle, Charith Asalanka works it to mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

Mohammad Nabi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Leg bye! Slower and shorter, on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama uses his feet and rolls his wrists to clip it on the leg side. There is half a shout for LBW as he plays all around it to get hit on the front pad but the impact was way outside off. A leg bye taken as the ball rolls to short third man.

Mohammad Nabi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pushes it through, full and on the pads, Sadeera Samarawickrama flicks it to short fine leg and looks for a single but gets sent back by his partner.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angling in from around the wicket, on a length, on off, driven to extra cover for a quick single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Charith Asalanka, Nails the yorke, on the off-stump line, Charith Asalanka digs it out beside the pitch on the off side and they cross.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Good length in middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama smashes this to deep mid-wicker for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Charith Asalanka, PUT DOWN! Azmatullah Omarzai has shelled it! Charith Asalanka gets an early reprieve. Fazalhaq Farooqi goes into the wicket and bowls it on off, Charith Asalanka hangs back and tries to drag the pull on the leg side. Gets it off the bottom half of the bat and skies it high in the air towards deep mid-wicket where Azmatullah Omarzai runs in from the deep and settles under the skier. He looks to take it with his fingers pointing downwards but the ball hits his palm and pops out. How costly will this drop prove?

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Charith Asalanka, Bends his back and bangs it in short, on off, Charith Asalanka sways away out of the line of the ball and lets it go.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sliding onto the pads, on a length, Sadeera Samarawickrama glances it away down to fine leg and gets to the other end.

Mohammad Nabi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Tosses it up and bowls it at 89 clicks, full and on off and middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama clips it off his pads to deep backward square leg and retains the strike with a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Charith Asalanka, Floats it up now, full and on off, Charith Asalanka works it to deep cover and gets off the mark with a single.

Charith Asalanka walks out next.

Mohammad Nabi to Wanindu Hasaranga, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Mohammad Nabi has the last laugh! The crowd stunned in silence as Wanindu Hasaranga holes out. Mohammad Nabi stays over the wicket and bowls it flat and short, on middle and leg, Wanindu Hasaranga moves leg side to free his arms and shapes up to launch a maximum down the ground with a cross-batted shot. The ball gets big on him He fails to get the desired connection to clear the man at long on. It comes off the upper half of the bat and goes only as far as Ibrahim Zadran at long on, where he reverse cups it inches off the ropes.

Mohammad Nabi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Slower and on a length, around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama eases it to the right of extra cover for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Wanindu Hasaranga, Low full toss, on middle and leg, driven to the right of the bowler for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Wanindu Hasaranga, SIX! Wanindu Hasaranga is picking off where he left off in the series opener! Mohammad Nabi bowls it flat and short, at the stumps, Wanindu Hasaranga gives himself room and holds his shape to thump it over long on for a maximum.

Noor Ahmad to Wanindu Hasaranga, Tosses it up, full and on off, Wanindu Hasaranga looks to drive but gets it off the inner half to long on for a single. 15 runs off the over, a good one for Sri Lanka.

Noor Ahmad to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Gets it through! Drops it short and sliding across, on off, Wanindu Hasaranga uses his feet and slaps it to the right of cover-point. Azmatullah Omarzai sprints to his left and dives but in vain.

Noor Ahmad to Wanindu Hasaranga, Shouts of 'catch it' but it goes away from the fielder. Turning in, on a nagging length, on leg, Wanindu Hasaranga backs away and carves it aerially to the left of extra cover. Azmatullah Omarzai in the deep, covers good ground but releases a slightly wayward throw at the batting end, allowing the second run to be easy for Hasaranga.

Noor Ahmad to Wanindu Hasaranga, SIX! In the arc and out of the park! Noor Ahmad comes from around the wicket and bowls the wrong one but it is in the slot, on leg, Wanindu Hasaranga picks up the variation and sets himself up getting his front leg out of the way. Smacks it flat and over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

Noor Ahmad to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Floats it up nicely, slower as well, around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama leans ahead to go for the drive and gets an outside edge that goes to the left of short third man. They cross.

Noor Ahmad to Wanindu Hasaranga, Slides it across the batter, full and outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga clears his front leg and drills it down to long off for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Wanindu Hasaranga, Fuller on off, Wanindu Hasaranga pushes this to long on for a single.

The skipper, Wanindu Hasaranga makes his way out to the centre.

Mohammad Nabi to Dhananjaya de Silva, OUT! Mr. President Mohammad Nabi removes Dhananjaya de Silva. Cleverly bowled by Nabi as he drags his length a bit more as he sees Dhananjaya de Silva jump down the track, Dhananjaya de Silva looks for the wild heave over long on but gets it off the cue end straight towards Ibrahim Zadran at long on.

Mohammad Nabi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Quicker one in middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama pushes this to short mid-wicket and takes a quick single.

Mohammad Nabi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Brilliantly bowled by Mohammad Nabi. Arm delivery right in the block hole, Sadeera Samarawickrama brings his bat down just in time to block this out.

Mohammad Nabi to Dhananjaya de Silva, Short of a length in middle, Dhananjaya de Silva tucks it towards square leg and rotates strike.

Mohammad Nabi to Dhananjaya de Silva, WIDE! Off-break sliding down leg, Dhananjaya de Silva looks for the tickle around the leg but misses.

Mohammad Nabi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Tossed up on pads, Sadeera Samarawickrama flicks this towards deep square leg for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Fuller around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama drives this through point for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Floats one outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama looks to play this late and find the gap at 45 on off but gets beaten.

Noor Ahmad to Dhananjaya de Silva, Full and turning in from middle, Dhananjaya de Silva sweeps this towards deep mid-wicket for another single.

Noor Ahmad to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Tossed up on pads, Sadeera Samarawickrama rolls it towards long on and takes a single.

Noor Ahmad to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Flipper outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama looks for the cut but gets beaten. This skidded on.

Noor Ahmad to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Fuller and on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama gently tucks it towards cow corner and collects a couple.

It will be spin from both ends as Noor Ahmad is introduced into the attack.

Mohammad Nabi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Tossed up on pads, Sadeera Samarawickrama tucks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Dhananjaya de Silva, LEG BYE! Quicker and flatter around leg, Dhananjaya de Silva looks to run this towards square leg but the ball deflects off his thigh pad towards point and they take a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Dhananjaya de Silva, FOUR! Tossed up outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva looks for the lofted drive but gets one hand off the handle and still manages to roll the ball over the fence for four at deep cover region.

Mohammad Nabi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Length dragged back and in middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama rolls his wrists and flicks it towards deep square leg looking for a couple but the fielder was quick to it and kept it down to one.

Mohammad Nabi to Dhananjaya de Silva, Fuller and on pads, Dhananjaya de Silva rolls it towards the leg side for another single.

Mohammad Nabi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Tossed up in middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama flicks this towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

First look at spin as Mohammad Nabi comes on to bowl.

Karim Janat to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Back of a length in middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama nudges it towards deep mid-wicket and jogs off to the other end.

Karim Janat to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Good-length delivery in middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama flicks it towards the leg side for a couple.

Karim Janat to Dhananjaya de Silva, Top shot and great work in the field. On a length around off, Dhananjaya de Silva lofts this over cover for three runs. Noor Ahmad runs to his right, dives and flicks it back into the playing area to save 1 run for his side.

Karim Janat to Dhananjaya de Silva, Overcooked outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva drives this wide of the sweeper cover for a couple of runs.

Karim Janat to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Good length on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama thumps this back to the bowler and takes a single. The bowler did get a bit of hand to it but couldn't save a single.

Karim Janat to Sadeera Samarawickrama, FOUR! Beautifully driven away for four. Pitched up outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama gets on top of it and drives this through cover for four.

Karim Janat comes into the attack now.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Dhananjaya de Silva, Good length outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva pushes with firm hands at it and gets beaten again.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Dhananjaya de Silva, Pitched up on off, Dhananjaya de Silva drives this straight to Gulbadin Naib at extra-cover for no run. Pressure mounting on Dhananjaya de Silva.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Dhananjaya de Silva, Nicely deceived the batter. On a length outside off, pace off it. Dhananjaya de Silva looks to dab it towards third man region but gets beaten.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Sadeera Samarawickrama, On a length around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama punches this on the up towards mid off and sets off for a quick one.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Sadeera Samarawickrama, On a length, around that fourth stump channel, Sadeera Samarawickrama strides in front and pushes this straight to the fielder at cover for no run.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Dhananjaya de Silva, Good length on top of off, Dhananjaya de Silva dabs it to the left of cover and sets off for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, This is on a length, on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama pushes it to short extra cover. There is confusion between the batters again for the single but they decide not to cross this time.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Digs it in short, over middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama goes for the pull but gets this one off the inner half of the bat and it rolls behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a back of a length, on middle, knocked in front of mid on for a quick single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Oh, dear! A big mix-up and Sadeera Samarawickrama was gone had the throw hit. Farooqi bowls it on a hard length, on middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama hops back and nudges it in front of square leg. A yes-no situation for the single as the two batters stutter. Najibullah Zadran gets to the ball and picks it up quickly. He fails to hit the stumps at the bowling end and Sadeera Samarawickrama survives. The batter had given up there. The 50 comes up for Sri Lanka.

Sadeera Samarawickrama comes out next to bat.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Kusal Mendis, OUT! TAKEN! Fazalhaq Farooqi with a great comeback! He gets the other opener and Afghanistan will be relieved to see the back of both openers, who were taking them on. Stays over the wicket and keeps it slower, on a back of a length, around off, Kusal Mendis looks to replicate the previous shot and gets on the front foot. He fails to pick the variation and the ball sticks in the surface as well. Mendis is through his shot early and ends up lobbing it tamely to point where Noor Ahmad does the rest.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Takes pace off and bowls it full and angling away, outside off, Kusal Mendis leans into the drive and caresses it through covers for a boundary.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Dhananjaya de Silva, Slants it back in, on a length, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva watches it closely and gets behind the line to stab it down on the off side. End of a successful over for Azmatullah Omarzai but Sri Lanka are off to an explosive start here.

Dhananjaya de Silva walks out next to bat.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Pathum Nissanka, OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! Azmatullah Omarzai breaks through for Afghanistan! End of Pathum Nissanka's onslaught. Omarzai goes full and gets the ball to swing back into the right-hander, on middle, Pathum Nissanka takes his front foot forward and tries to clip it away. He plays all around it as the ball sneaks past the inside edge and pings him on the front pad. He is trapped right in front of the stumps and the umpire raises the finger. Mendis knows he is a goner and does not bother about taking the review. Afghanistan get the breakthrough they were after.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Kusal Mendis, Hurls it at the stumps, on a good length, on off, Kusal Mendis shapes up to run it down to third man but gets an inside edge onto the pads. They cross as the ball rolls on the off side.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Nicely dealt with! Angling in, on a length, at the batter, Kusal Mendis gets his front leg out of the way and lifts it over mid-wicket for four more runs.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Pulled away with ease! Azmatullah Omarzai goes into the wicket but this does not go up enough to trouble the batter, on middle, Kusal Mendis picks up the length early and nails the pull over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Kusal Mendis, Good running! On a back of a length, just outside off, Kusal Mendis waits on it and opens the bat face and glides it to the left of deep backward point for two more runs.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Hat-trick of boundaries from Pathum Nissanka! Errs in line does Naveen-ul-Haq as he serves it on a length, on the pads, Pathum Nissanka lets the ball come to him and flicks it to the left of short fine leg for another boundary. An expensive first over from Naveen-ul-Haq, 17 runs off it.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Two in two for Pathum Nissanka and he is off to a flier here! A hit-me delivery from Naveen-ul-Haq as this is short and wide outside off, there to be put away, Pathum Nissanka obliges and slaps it over cover-point for four more runs.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Up and over! This is on a back of a length, on middle, Pathum Nissanka gets his front leg out of the way and tonks it over mid on. He does not get the connection as he would have liked but clears mid on easily for a boundary.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Pathum Nissanka, There's that shape again from Naveen-ul-Haq, full and swinging in, on off and middle, Pathum Nissanka drives it firmly but Hazratullah Zazai moves swiftly to his left to make the stop.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Kusal Mendis, Goes wide of the crease again and lands it on a hard length, on off and middle, Kusal Mendis plays it late and pats it with soft hands in front of point for a quick single.

Halt! The umpires are unhappy with the condition of the seam of the ball and they have asked for a replacement. It is resolved and we are all good to go now.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Naveen-ul-Haq gets greeted into the attack with a boundary! Gets a good shape into the batter, on a fuller length, on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis stays put and whips it off his pads towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Kusal Mendis, Another quick single! Length delivery, on off, dabbed to the right of short third man for a quick run by Kusal Mendis.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Kusal Mendis, Serves it full and on middle, Kusal Mendis lofts it down the ground but it goes on the bounce to mid on.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Pathum Nissanka, Angling in, on a length, around off, Pathum Nissanka looks to run it down fine on the off side but gets an inside edge onto the pads and they cross as the ball rolls past the stumps.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Kusal Mendis, On the fifth stump line, on a good length, Kusal Mendis runs it down to short third man and scampers across for a single. The fielder misses the shy at the batting end, allowing Pathum Nissanka to make his ground. A direct hit would have been curtains for Nissanka.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Kusal Mendis, Good-length delivery, on off, Kusal Mendis taps it off the front foot to cover.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Pathum Nissanka, Begins on a full length, sliding onto the pads, Pathum Nissanka lifts it up and over mid-wicket. There is no real urgency from Mohammad Nabi as he gives it a chase and that allows the batters to run the third.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Azmatullah Omarzai.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Pathum Nissanka, Leg bye! Bowls it on a back of a length, on the pads, Pathum Nissanka misses the clip and gets rapped high on the front pad. The ball drops beside the pitch on the off side and they cross.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Width offered and Pathum Nissanka cashes in! Angling away, on a length, wide on off, Pathum Nissanka frees his arms and drives it through covers for another boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Kusal Mendis, Shouts of 'catch it' but it falls well short! At the stumps, on a short of a length, Kusal Mendis stays rooted in his crease and swats it in the air but in front of deep backward square leg. Gets off the mark with a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Kusal Mendis, Bowls it on a back of a length, around off, Kusal Mendis stays leg side of the ball and dabs it down to point.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Pathum Nissanka, Drags his length back and bowls it on off, a hint of inward movement, Pathum Nissanka knocks it to the right of mid off and takes a quick single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Pathum Nissanka and Sri Lanka are up and running! Fazalhaq Farooqi starts from over the wicket and goes full in search of swing but the line is on the pads, Pathum Nissanka stays balanced in the crease and clips it over mid-wicket for the first boundary of the game.

We are all set. The two umpires and players make their way out to the middle. It will be Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis to open the innings for Sri Lanka. Fazalhaq Farooqi will start with the new ball for Afghanistan. Away we go...

The skipper of Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga says that they will focus on the first six overs and take it from there. Adds that they are targeting a score around 180. Informs that they are going with the same team as the last game.

The captain of Afghanistan, Ibrahim Zadran says that they will bowl first. Adds that the wicket is similar to the last game. Adds that they will look to be positive tonight and play as per the plans they have worked on. Informs that they have one change.

PITCH REPORT - Russel Arnold is near the deck. He says that a full house is expected for this game as well. Mentions that it is not an even covering of grass. Adds that it will test everyone and looks like a sluggish surface. Reckons that the captain winning the toss will look to bat first and put runs on the board.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Hazratullah Zazai (In for Qais Ahmad), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Sri Lanka (Unchanged Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga (C), Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana.

TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in the favour of Afghanistan and they will BOWL first.

Despite the loss, Afghanistan had several positives to take away from the first match. Their bowling unit impressed by restricting Sri Lanka to a manageable total, and their batting showed promise until they faltered under pressure in the final two overs. Captain Ibrahim Zadran and his team will be aiming to step up in all departments for a better outcome. Will Afghanistan bounce back and force a decider? Or will Sri Lanka seal the series with another victory? Let's find out. Toss and team news coming up in a bit.

In the first T20I, after being inserted into bat, skipper Wanindu Hasaranga led the way with the bat and took Sri Lanka to a fighting total. With the ball, Matheesha Pathirana shone with a four-wicket haul to seal the win for the hosts. The Lankans will have to put on an improved batting display if they are to seal the series with a game to go. 

Hello and a warm welcome, folks, to our coverage of the 2nd T20I between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. With Sri Lanka holding a 1-0 lead after a thrilling series opener, the stakes are high for both teams in this encounter. Sri Lanka will be eager to seal the series with a win, while Afghanistan will look to bounce back and force a decider.

... MATCH DAY ...

The Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka has just got more spiced up with the first T20I ending up on a humdinger note. Yes, the hosts won the contest eventually but Afghanistan did fight strongly. Now the second T20I which is scheduled at the same venue at Dambulla, it will decide the fate of Afghanistan in this series. In the first game, Sri Lanka had a few hiccups in their batting as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. It took Wanindu Hasaranga the skipper to step up and explode in the batting. His quickfire 67 propelled the hosts to post a challenging total of 160 on the board with handly contributions from Sadeera Samarawickrama and DDS. But they couldn't play their allotted 20 overs and would aim to come out as a more improved unit, especially in the batting department because with the likes of Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka, the team has a good load of experience that blends with youngsters. Coming to defend the total, they knew they needed to be at their A-game right on and they did so, as Angelo Mathews gave them the early breakthrough, and then a streak of wickets followed. Every bowler stepped up but it was Matheesha Pathirana who bowled a sensational penultimate over when Afghanistan needed just 14 off the last two overs. He not only contained the batters but also took two sensational wickets. He bowled with pin-point precision yorkers and bamboozled the timber thrice. Wanindu Hasaranga was equally good in the field and bowling as well and overall had a fantastic outing Dasun Shanaka too chipped in with two timely wickets in the same over and further cemented their win. On the other hand, Afghanistan would be aiming to bat more responsibly as yet again, their batting order tumbled and couldn't withstand the partnerships. The skipper Ibrahim Zadran was the lone performer who looked comfortable against a decent Lankan bowling attack. He played a fabulous captain's knock of 67 runs but witnessed the collapse on the other end as no other batter could make any impact. Karim Janat did provide a responsible hand with 20 but eventually, they couldn't handle the pressure and failed to chase almost run-a-ball in the last couple of overs. They don't seem to have any issues with the bowling department as the turners and the seamers have decently performed. But they surely need to step up with the bat. This second match is just like a virtual knockout for the tourists to save the series. Sri Lanka on the other hand, if they win, will clinch the series of the last leg of this tour, but Afghanistan are known and grown for their fightback. It won't be an easy task for the hosts. Who do you think will take the second game home?