‘No Upsets’ As Afghanistan Crush Sri Lanka In Asia Cup Opener

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RECASTS intro with Nabi quotes

Afghanistan skipper Mohammad Nabi on Saturday mentioned his workforce will likely be no pushovers within the Asia Cup Twenty20 event after a crushing eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka within the opening match.

Quick bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi returned figures of 3-11 to assist bundle out Sri Lanka for a paltry 105, a complete their batsmen overhauled in 10.1 overs in Dubai.

Left-hander Hazratullah Zazai, unbeaten on 37, and wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanllah Gurbaz, who hit 40 off 18 balls, placed on 83 runs for the opening wicket to construct on the dominance began by the bowlers.

Afghanistan, in Group B with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, have made a thumping begin to their marketing campaign within the six-nation event that acts as a tune-up to the T20 World Cup in October-November in Australia.

“There aren’t any upsets towards opposition groups. We have now correctly labored on this event,” Nabi mentioned after being requested on Afghanistan creating shock wins. “We got here early, labored exhausting and tried to acclimatise.”

Afghanistan, who received Take a look at standing in 2017 and performed their first five-day match towards India a yr later, have made large strides in worldwide cricket.

“We have now come right here to play as a correct Take a look at nation. We aren’t right here to take part and return. We’ll struggle on pitches that favour our strengths,” mentioned Nabi.

“We wish to qualify for the following spherical (Tremendous 4) and provides a tricky time to opposition groups.”

Nabi credited the bowling led by Farooqi and the batting with Gurbaz giving the workforce a fiery begin in his opening blitz to tear into the Sri Lankan assault.

He mentioned each bowling and batting have been “good”.

Farooqi, a left-arm fast, stood out for Afghanistan after he struck with successive deliveries within the first over of the innings to ship Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka trudging again to the pavilion for 2 and nought.

Naveen-ul-Haq then despatched again Pathum Nissanka caught behind after the batsman reviewed the on-field name and the third-umpire upheld the choice regardless of no seen spike on the ultra-edge, leaving the batsman and dressing room shocked.

Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka mentioned “with this expertise and all, in my view that is not out” — a thought that was shared by his opposition quantity Nabi within the post-match press convention.

At that time Sri Lanka have been scuffling with simply 5 runs on the board and three wickets down within the opening two overs.

Danushka Gunathilaka (17) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (38) tried to hit again with a flurry of boundaries in a 20-run sixth over earlier than spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman broke the 44-run stand.

Wickets saved tumbling with the thirteenth over offering two run outs, together with the top of Rajapaksa whereas making an attempt a second run.

Chamika Karunaratne made 31 to take the workforce whole previous 100 earlier than being bowled by Farooqi.

Afghanistan openers got here out all weapons blazing as Gurbaz smashed three fours and 4 sixes in his 18-ball blitz earlier than falling to leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga.

Zazai saved up the assault with Ibrahim Zadran, who made 15 earlier than being run out, to carry alive the Afghan supporters and silence the Sri Lankan crowd.

India meet Pakistan in a hotly-anticipated Group A conflict on Sunday on the similar venue.