Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal showcased stellar performances in the Sri Lanka vs. Afghanistan Test match, propelling Sri Lanka to a dominant position at 410/6 on Day 2. Mathews’ remarkable century (141) marked his 16th in Tests, while Chandimal’s valuable contribution (107) formed a crucial 232-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Facing leg spin bowler Qais Ahmed, Mathews faced 259 deliveries, hitting three sixes and 14 boundaries. Chandimal, the earlier centurion, delivered a composed innings with a six and 10 boundaries. Their partnership, spanning 380 deliveries, steered Sri Lanka after a challenging start at 148-3.
Starting at 80 without loss, Sri Lanka responded resiliently to Afghanistan’s first innings total of 198. Seamer Naveed Zadran claimed key wickets, dismissing Madushka (37) and inducing a catch from Kusal Mendis (10). Captain Karunaratne’s impressive 77 and contributions from other batsmen ensured Sri Lanka’s dominance.
Sri Lanka’s innings had its share of drama, with Mathews dismissed hit wicket, and captain Dhnanjaya de Silva run out after Chandimal’s departure. The day concluded with Sadeera Samarawickrama at 21. Naveed Zadran and Qais Ahmed took two wickets each for Afghanistan.
Afghanistan, bowled out for 198 on Day 1, saw Rahmat Shah top-scoring with 91. This one-off Test is significant as the first encounter between the two nations since Afghanistan gained Test status in 2018. Stay tuned for more Sri Lanka vs. Afghanistan series updates and Test match highlights.
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