Cricket Scorecard

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is up for a chat. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, ! STUMPED! Wanindu Hasaranga has three wickets under his belt and he will be mighty pleased! This is tossed up, around off, Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes down the pitch to heave it over mid-wicket, but misses it completely and Kusal Mendis takes the bails off in a flash. Afghanistan finish on 144 for 8!

Afghanistan got off to a steady start as they negotiated the swing early against the Sri Lankan pace bowlers. They scored 42 runs in the Powerplay without losing a wicket but lost Rahmanullah Gurbaz right after as he was bowled by Lahiru Kumara. Sri Lanka got a bit of control thereafter with their spinners but Usman Ghani kept getting the occasional boundaries before he was dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga. Ibrahim Zadran and Najibullah Zadran both got off to decent starts like the openers 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Azmatullah Omarzai, Flighted full and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai knocks this into the air towards long off and they take a single as the ball falls short. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Wanindu Hasaranga bowls this full and outside off, Mujeeb Ur Rahman shapes up for the switch hit but gets it towards point for a single. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rashid Khan, ! TIMBER! Wanindu Hasaranga sends Rashid Khan back to the hut! He bowls the googly this time, on middle, turning in, Rashid Khan skips down the track to slog it away, but plays all over it and the ball goes through to rattle the stumps. This is turning out to be a great decision from Dasun Shanaka to give the last over to Wanindu Hasaranga.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Azmatullah Omarzai, Tossed up, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai uses his feet to play at it but gets an inside edge as the ball goes to the off side. A single is taken.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Azmatullah Omarzai, Shorter and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to cut but misses.

Kasun Rajitha to Azmatullah Omarzai, A slower one, full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai drievs it towards long off for a single.

Kasun Rajitha to Mohammad Nabi, ! TAKEN! The catch is taken this time and Mohammad Nabi has to go back to the hut. This is full and outside off, Mohammad Nabi reaches for it and tries to go over cover, but slices it up in the air towards th cover region where Dasun Shanaka settles under it and completes the catch.

Afghanistan have just collapsed towards the end and they would feel like they have 10-15 runs short of a reasonable total on the board! They have managed to put up 144 runs which could be enough if their spinners come to the party. Sri Lanka will be thrilled with their effort with the ball but will have to look closely at their catching. That level of fielding at an international level is unacceptable and if they had taken their chances they would have been right on top of this game.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman has walked out to the crease. 

Sri Lanka's fielding continues to be their kryptonite as they have been unable to take some of their catches in this game as well. 

Kasun Rajitha to Mohammad Nabi, WIDE! This is on a length but way outside off. Wided.

Kasun Rajitha to Rashid Khan, Dropped again! Kasun Rajitha serves this full and on off, Rashid Khan goes for the helicopter shot but hits it straight towards cover where Dasun Shanaka drops a sitter.

Kasun Rajitha to Rashid Khan, ! c Dasun Shanaka b Kasun Rajitha.

Kasun Rajitha to Rashid Khan, Wide!

Kasun Rajitha to Rashid Khan, This is pitched up, on off, Rashid Khan goes for the big heave but cannot connect.

Kasun Rajitha to Rashid Khan, ! This is full again and outside off, Rashid Khan slashes at it, but gets a outside edge towards the keeper where Kusal Mendis leaps, but cannot grab it and parries it towards third man. Two runs taken!

Kasun Rajitha to Rashid Khan, ! Brilliant shot! This is full and on off, Rashid Khan smashes it over extra cover for a boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rashid Khan, Another full delivery bowled outside the off stump, Rashid Khan knocks this to long off and takes a single to keep strike. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Rashid Khan, Flights this one full and outside off, Rashid Khan taps this to the left of the bowler. 

Rashid Khan is the new batter out in the middle. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Mohammad Nabi, Maheesh Theekshana bowls this full as well and angling down leg, Mohammad Nabi clips this towards wide long on and the look for two but a misfield in the deep allows them to take three runs. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Rashid Khan, Maheesh Theekshana fires this one full and into the pads, Rashid Khan clips this to deep square leg and takes a single to get off the mark. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Mohammad Nabi, ! RUN OUT! A very unlucky way to get dismissed, but Sri Lanka won't mind. This is short and on off, Mohammad Nabi tucks it towards deep mid-wicket for a run, Naib wants the second run and sets off. However, he is sent back mid-way through, and while going back his bat gets stuck in the ground and he tries to roll over to get to he crease, but by the time he gets in, Kusal Mendis takes the bails off. He has injured his shoulder too. Afghanistan lo

Maheesh Theekshana to Gulbadin Naib, A full toss, on off, Gulbadin Naib drives it long off for a single.

Kasun Rajitha to Mohammad Nabi, ! Mohammad Nabi finds the gap this time! This is full again, on off, slower too, Mohammad Nabi waits for it drills it wide of mid off for a boundary.

Kasun Rajitha to Mohammad Nabi, This is short and on middle, Mohammad Nabi stays there and pulls it wide of deep square leg where the fielder dives to his right to stop it. Two runs taken!

Kasun Rajitha to Mohammad Nabi, Kasun Rajitha gets away with it! He bowls another slower one, full and on off, Mohammad Nabi waits for and smashes it straight to cover.

Kasun Rajitha to Gulbadin Naib, A slower one, full and on middle, Gulbadin Naib drills it down to long on for a single. Oh..no! It is called a no ball for overstepping. Free hit coming up...

Kasun Rajitha to Mohammad Nabi, Bowls this back of a length and outside off, Mohammad Nabi pulls this to deep mid-wicket and takes a single. 

Kasun Rajitha to Mohammad Nabi, He bowls this one full and angled int the pads, Mohammad Nabi clips this wide of deep mid-wicket and they take two runs. 

Mohammad Nabi the captain of Afghanistan makes his way out to the middle and Kasun Rajitha has been brought into the attack. 

Kasun Rajitha to Gulbadin Naib, Kasun Rajitha bowls this one full and outside off, Gulbadin Naib thumps this down the ground towards long on. Wanindu Hasaranga comes running in to attempt a catch but the ball his well short. he does well to stop the ball from going past him as he sticks out his left hand. The batters take just a run. 

Dhananjaya de Silva to Najibullah Zadran, ! TAKEN! Najibullah Zadran tries to be aggressive but holes out! Dhananjaya de Silva gets the breakhtrough. He flights this up, full and on off, Najibullah Zadran goes for the big heave over long off, but hits it with the bottom part of his bat. As a result, the ball goes in the air and Wanindu Hasaranga takes a good catch at long off moving backwards. Afghanistan lose their fourth wicket.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Gulbadin Naib, Tossed up, full and on middle, Gulbadin Naib tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Gulbadin Naib, Short again and on middle and leg, Gulbadin Naib flicks it towards deep square leg for a brace.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Najibullah Zadran, Quicker, short and on middle, Najibullah Zadran works it towards mid-wicket for one.

Dhananjaya de Silva has been brought into the attack for his first over. 

Dhananjaya de Silva to Najibullah Zadran, ! Poor delivery and rightly punished! This is short and on off, Najibullah Zadran goes back and pulls it wide of the deep square leg fielder for a boundary.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Gulbadin Naib, Floated and around leg, Gulbadin Naib tucks it towards square leg for a single.

Pramod Madushan to Najibullah Zadran, Back-of-a-length delivery bowled outside the off stump, Najibullah Zadran pulls this into the air and the ball lands in the vacant deep mid-wicket region. They take a couple of runs. 

Pramod Madushan to Gulbadin Naib, Slower delivery bowled full and in line with the stumps, Gulbadin Naib waits on it and works this down to long on for a single. 

Pramod Madushan to Gulbadin Naib, Slightly short and wide outside off, Gulbadin Naib cuts this and the ball bounces just short of the point fielder who does well to collect it.

Pramod Madushan to Najibullah Zadran, Bangs this in short and wide outside off, Najibullah Zadran pulls this to deep square leg and takes a run.

Pramod Madushan (2-0-19-0) is back on.

Pramod Madushan to Najibullah Zadran, Delivers this one wide outside off on a fuller length, Najibullah Zadran looks to stroke this through the off side with no feet movement and gets beaten. 

Afghanistan have a good foundation for their big hitters to take it on from here. They will look to get near the 160-run mark to give their bowlers the best possible chance to defend it.

Pramod Madushan to Gulbadin Naib, Pramod Madushan bowls this one a good length and in line with the stumps. Gulbadin Naib blocks this towards long on and take a single. That brings up the 100 for Afghanistan.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Gulbadin Naib, Goes back to bowing full and just outside the off pole, Gulbadin Naib gets his front foot well forward but gets an inside edge to the right of mid-wicket and they take one. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Najibullah Zadran, Bowls this one a fraction short and outside off, Najibullah Zadran pulls this to deep mid-wicket for yet another single. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Gulbadin Naib, Flights this one full and outside off, Gulbadin Naib gets on one knee and drags the ball to deep mid-wicket for a run. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Najibullah Zadran, Loopy delivery bowled full and pitching outside leg, Najibullah Zadran attempts the reverse sweep but gets an edge to the leg side for a single. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Najibullah Zadran, Flights a googly full and wide outside off, Najibullah Zadran pushes at this but is beaten on the outside edge. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Najibullah Zadran, Wanindu Hasaranga flights this full and outside off, Najibullah Zadran defends this towards cover. 

Lahiru Kumara to Najibullah Zadran, Bowls this one back of a length and outside off, Najibullah Zadran gets on his toes and cuts this to deep point and they run hard to complete three runs. 

Lahiru Kumara to Gulbadin Naib, This is on a good length as well and angled down leg, Gulbadin Naib mistimes his shot towards fine leg and takes a single to get off the mark. 

Lahiru Kumara to Gulbadin Naib, What a jaffa to follow up the short balls! Bowls this on a good length and gets the ball to nip back in sharply. Gulbadin Naib gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball goes over the stumps. 

Lahiru Kumara to Gulbadin Naib, WIDE! Another short ball banged in and angled down leg. Gulbadin Naib ducks under this one but the umpire decides that this is wide. 

Lahiru Kumara to Gulbadin Naib, Bangs this one in short to welcome the new batter. Gulbadin Naib sways out of the way and lets the ball go through to the keeper. 

Gulbadin Naib comes out to the middle now.

Lahiru Kumara to Ibrahim Zadran, ! CAUGHT! Lahiru Kumara has taken yet another wicket and Ibrahim Zadran has to make the long walk back to the shed. This is bowled on a good length and outside the off pole, Ibrahim Zadran makes room and looks to thump this over the mid off fielder. The length was not right and therefore mistimes his shot straight to Bhanuka Rajapaksa at mid off. Afghanistan have lost their thrid wicket now. 

Lahiru Kumara (3-0-24-1) to bowl out now.

Lahiru Kumara to Najibullah Zadran, Lahiru Kumara bowls this on a good length and just outside off, Najibullah Zadran pushes at the ball and gets an inside edge towards mid-wicket. They take a quick single though and rotate the strike. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Najibullah Zadran, Flighted delivery full and on an off stump line, Najibullah Zadran knocks this to long off and takes a single to retain strike. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Najibullah Zadran, WIDE! Goes 'round the wicket to the left-hander and fires this one down leg side on a fuller length. Najibullah Zadran misses his clip and this is called wide by the umpire. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, Maheesh Theekshana bowls this short again and on leg, Ibrahim Zadran moves back and works it towards the mid-wicket region for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, This is angled into the pads on a shorter length, Ibrahim Zadran clips this to deep mid-wicket and they take a brace. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Ibrahim Zadran has swatted this away! Maheesh Theekshana bowls full once again and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran gets nicely under this one and heaves this over long off for a huge hit. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, Shortish and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran makes room and punches it wide of long off for a brace. Good running!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Wanindu Hasaranga flights a googly full and in line with the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran misses his flick and the ball goes off the pads to third man and they take a leg bye. Wanindu Hasaranga is convinced this is out and Dasun Shanaka decides to review this. UltraEdge shows no bat is involved and Ball Tracking indicates that the ball is missing the leg stump. The onfield decision stays and Sri Lanka lose their review. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, ! This has been crunched away! Maheesh Theekshana flights one full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran gets a stride forward and strokes this to deep cover for a cracking boundary. 

Review time! Sri Lanka have taken a review for a LBW decision.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Najibullah Zadran, This is bowled full as well and wide outside off, Najibullah Zadran clips this towards short mid-wicket with soft hands and takes off for another risky run. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Najibullah Zadran, Loopy delivery bowled full and outside the off stump, Najibullah Zadran drives this to wide long off and they rush across for two runs. Wanindu Hasaranga does well to flick the throw onto the stumps but the batter has made it back safe. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Najibullah Zadran, Wanindu Hasaranga bowls this one full and in line with the stumps, Najibullah Zadran taps the ball to the left of the bowler. 

Najibullah Zadran walks out to bat now.

DRINKS! Afghanistan will be happy with the start they have with the platform being set for their hitters to come and exploit the death overs. Sri Lanka have managed to get rid of the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz but will be hoping for more wickets after the break. The spinners have managed to keep it tight but this could easily go all wrong if they lose their discipline. There is a lot more action to come our way shortly. Wanindu Hasaranga (1-0-3-0) to bowl after the break.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Usman Ghani, ! CAUGHT! Wanindu Hasaranga has the breakthrough right after the break and he will be a relieved man! Gives the ball some air but bowls it short and outside the off pole, Usman Ghani backs himself to clear the short leg side boundary but mistimes his pull shot. The ball flies towards the deep mid-wicket fielder where the captain Dasun Shanaka takes an easy catch. Usman Ghani has to depart after getting off to a good start. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Usman Ghani, Wanindu Hasaranga begins the over with a shortish delivery outside off, Usman Ghani mistimes his cut to short third man. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, Flatter delivery, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran looks to block it out, but gets an outside edge towards the third man fence, the fielder from short third man gives chases and keeps it in. Two runs taken!

Maheesh Theekshana to Usman Ghani, Quicker one, short and on leg, Usman Ghani flicks it off the back foot through square leg for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Usman Ghani, Slower through the air, on middle, Usman Ghani leans on and blocks it out.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, Floated, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran lofts it towards long off with not much timing for just a run.

Maheesh Theekshana will bowl the last over before the refreshment break. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, Shortish and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran stays there and knocks it towards short mid-wicket.

Maheesh Theekshana to Usman Ghani, Tossed up, on middle, Usman Ghani uses his feet to work it to the leg side, but gets a leading edge towards cover. A single is taken.

Lahiru Kumara to Ibrahim Zadran, Lahiru Kumara bowls this on a good length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran knocks it to the off side.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, Back of a length and outside off, Usman Ghani slashes it through point for a single.

Lahiru Kumara to Ibrahim Zadran, Lahiru Kumara bangs in a bouncer, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran ducks under it. Kusal Mendis jumps to collect it, but the batters run a bye.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, Short of a length and middle, Usman Ghani works it towards mid on for a run.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, ! BANG! Usman Ghani connects this time. This is full and on off, Usman Ghani stays there and smokes it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, WIDE! Lahiru Kumara loses his line again and serves this length delivery down the leg, Usman Ghani misses his pull shot. Wided.

Lahiru Kumara to Ibrahim Zadran, This is back of a length and on leg, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to the leg side for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls this full as well and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran drives this down to long off and takes a single to keep strike. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Usman Ghani, Another loopy delivery bowler full and angling down leg, Usman Ghani charges down the wicket and gets an inside edge to deep square leg for one. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Usman Ghani, Flights this one full and just outside the off pole, Usman Ghani blocks this back to the bowler's left. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up, full and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran eases it towards long on for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, TWO BYES! This is short again and on off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to cut it away, but misses and it goes through to the keeper. However, Kusal Mendis tries to be cheeky and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses and the ball goes towards the long off region. Two runs taken.

Wanindu Hasaranga has been brought into the attack and Sri Lanka will be hoping he gets his mojo back. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Wanindu Hasaranga starts with a short delivery and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran cuts it towards backward point.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, Length again and on off, Usman Ghani punches it but finds the point fielder again.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, This is on a good length and on off, Usman Ghani pushes it towards point.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, Lahiru Kumara serves this on a yorker length and on off, Usman Ghani digs it out towards mid on.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, On a length and on off, Usman Ghani looks to cut it but gets an inside edge towards the keeper who lets it through towards fine leg. Two runs taken!

Lahiru Kumara has been brought back into the attack. He went for 9 runs in his first over. 

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, WIDE! This is on a hard length and down the leg again, Usman Ghani misses his hook shot. Wided.

Lahiru Kumara to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls this one back of a length as well and into the batter, Ibrahim Zadran mistimes his pull towards short fine leg and takes a single to get off the mark.

Lahiru Kumara to Ibrahim Zadran, WIDE! Lahiru Kumara bangs this in short and angling down leg, Ibrahim Zadran looks to pull but misses and is called wide by the umpire. 

Ibrahim Zadran makes his way out to the middle at number 3.

Lahiru Kumara to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! TIMBER! Lahiru Kumara draws first blood! Sri Lanka get the much-needed breakthrough right after the Powerplay. Kumara bowls this full and on middle, angling in, Rahmanullah Gurbaz decides to go for the big shot over mid off but loses his shape and the ball goes through to shatter the stumps. A good cameo from Gurbaz comes to an end.

Maheesh Theekshana to Usman Ghani, Floated, full and on off, Usman Ghani pushes it towards cover. Afghanistan are on 42 for none after the end of Powerplay.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Quicker one, short and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes room and smashes it back towards the bowler where Maheesh Theekshana parries it towards the cover region. A single is taken.

Maheesh Theekshana to Usman Ghani, Tossed up, full and on off, Usman Ghani drives it through cover for a run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A bit short and on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz moves back and works it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana has been brought into the attack for the last over of the Powerplay. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Usman Ghani, Slower through the air and on off, Usman Ghani looks to flick it away, but closes the face of the bat early, and gets a leading edge to the off side.

Maheesh Theekshana to Usman Ghani, Maheesh Theekshana starts with a low full toss, on off, Usman Ghani drills it towards mid off.

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slower delivery to end the over as this is served full and outside the off stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays this with soft hands towards point and looks for one but is sent back by Usman Ghani. 

Pramod Madushan to Usman Ghani, Delivers this one a fraction short and outside off, Usman Ghani cuts this to deep backward point and takes one to give Rahmanullah Gurbaz the strike. 

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This is in line with the stumps on a good length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps this towards mid-wicket and takes a quick single. 

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! This has been beautifully flicked away! Pramod Madushan decides to bowl full once again and outside the off pole. Rahmanullah Gurbaz does not even need to move and he deposits this into the cow corner boundary for a maximum. 

Pramod Madushan to Usman Ghani, Half a chance here as Pramod Madushan bowls this on a good length and just outside off and he induces an outside edge. Usman Ghani feels for this and the ball just goes past the gully fielder for a single. 

Change of ends for Pramod Madushan (1-0-6-0).

Pramod Madushan to Usman Ghani, ! Afghanistan are getting a move on as they have seen off the early movement! Pramod Madushan bowls this full and outside off, Usman Ghani gets his front foot forward and lofts this towards deep mid-wicket for four more runs. 

Lahiru Kumara to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Rahmanullah Gurbaz looking dangerous now! Lahiru Kumara goes full at the stumps after the short ball and Rahmanullah Gurbaz is ready. He thumps this back past the bowler for a straight boundary.

Lahiru Kumara to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Some extra bounce on offer here! Lahiru Kumara bowls this back of a length and in line with the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to block and gets hit on the gloves as the ball falls into the pitch. 

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, Bowls this a fraction short and wide outside the off stump, Usman Ghani cuts this to the wide third man fielder and takes a single. 

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, Bowls this one on a good length and outside the off pole, Usman Ghani taps this towards the backward point fielder. 

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, ! That is the first boundary for Usman Ghani! Lahiru Kumara bowls a full delivery outside off, Usman Ghani drives this uppishly but in the gap on the offside and finds the deep cover fence for four runs. 

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, Lahiru Kumara begins his spell with a full delivery just outside off, Usman Ghani knocks this back towards the bowler.

Lahiru Kumara comes into the attack now.

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls this full and angled into the stumps from outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz defends this back to the bowler's left. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Goes back to bowling on a good length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz guides this to third man and they run well to take a couple of runs. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! BANG! What a shot from Rahmanullah Gurbaz! Kasun Rajitha goes full and angles this one down leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz charges down the wicket but keeps his shape and lofts the ball over long off for a biggie.

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls this slightly back of a length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is watchful as he lets it go through to the keeper. 

Kasun Rajitha to Usman Ghani, Goes a fraction fuller and wider outside off, Usman Ghani works this to deep backward point and takes a run to get off the mark. 

Kasun Rajitha to Usman Ghani, This is on a good length and outside off, Usman Ghani faces his first delivery in the third over and blocks it towards the point fielder. 

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls this one full and angling down leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clips this straight to short fine leg. 6 runs form the over. 

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Poor fielding from the captain there! Pramod Madushan bowls this full and outside iff, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives this straight to cover and a misfield allows them to complete a brace. 

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This is bowled full and aimed for the leg stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hits this uppishly to the right of the bowler and looks for a single as mid on comes and cuts it off He is sent back by Usman Ghani and if the throw had been better to the keeper's end, Rahmanullah Gurbaz was a goner. 

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Afghanistan get their first boundary and it comes from the bat of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Pramod Madushan bowls this short and wide outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets on his toes and spanks it to deep point for four runs. 

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls this one full and really wide outside the off pole as he sees Rahmanullah Gurbaz making room towards the leg side. The batter is unable to reach it. 

Pramod Madushan to share the attack with Kasun Rajitha.

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pramod Madushan starts off with a good length delivery in line with the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps this back down the pitch towards the bowler. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is finally off the mark. Kasun Rajitha serves this on a good length and outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz guides this to deep backward point and takes one. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Really good over so far as this is served full and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks this one towards cover. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Make that four! Kasun Rajitha bowls this on a good length and outside the off pole, Rahmanullah Gurbaz charges down the wicket this time and heaves but misses as it goes through to the keeper. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls this one slightly fuller but still outside the off stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz shoulders his arms to this one and three dot balls to start off. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This is slighter wider outside off on a good length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz chooses to leave this one alone. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Kasun Rajitha begins with a beautiful delivery. Movement straight away as he pitches this on a good length and just outside off. The ball moves away sharply and beats the outside edge of Rahmanullah Gurbaz's bat. 

We are done with the pre-match formalities. It is time for some action! The players are walking out to the middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Usman Ghani are the two openers for Afghanistan. Kasun Rajitha to start proceedings with the ball. Let's play...

The umpires and the players have lined up in the middle for the national anthems. It will be Sri Lanka's national anthem first followed by the national anthem of Afghanistan. 

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Gulbadin Naib (In place of Hazratullah Zazai), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Mohammad Nabi the captain of Afghanistan says that they will bat first. Adds that it is a used pitch and they will want to put runs on the board and then go on and defend it. Mentions that everyone is fine and the preparation is good except for Hazratullah Zazai who is injured. Tells that Mujeeb Ur Rahman will be important in the Powerplay as he knows this ground well.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Pramod Madushan (In place of Chamika Karunaratne).

PITCH REPORT - Samuel Badree is by the pitch and he says that there have been overnight showers and the ground staff has worked diligently to get a game going. Mentions that there are sizeable boundaries so it would help the bowlers a bit. He is joined by Nasser Hussain who says that it is quite dry for a Gabba pitch but it has held together well. Adds that there are darker areas in the pitch which may interest the spinners it may crumble. Claims that there is little but for the batters, pacers

Dasun Shanaka the skipper of Sri Lanka says that they would have batted first as well. Informs that they have one change. Claims that losses, as they suffered in the last two games, can happen in a tournament like this but they need to come back. Adds that they are a good fielding side and they just need to pick up their confidence in the field. Mentions that they need to win this game and then the next one as well to stand a chance of qualifying for the semi-final. 

TOSS - The captains are out in the middle. The coin is flipped into the air and lands in favor of Afghanistan. They have elected to BAT first.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is up for a chat. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, ! STUMPED! Wanindu Hasaranga has three wickets under his belt and he will be mighty pleased! This is tossed up, around off, Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes down the pitch to heave it over mid-wicket, but misses it completely and Kusal Mendis takes the bails off in a flash. Afghanistan finish on 144 for 8!

Afghanistan got off to a steady start as they negotiated the swing early against the Sri Lankan pace bowlers. They scored 42 runs in the Powerplay without losing a wicket but lost Rahmanullah Gurbaz right after as he was bowled by Lahiru Kumara. Sri Lanka got a bit of control thereafter with their spinners but Usman Ghani kept getting the occasional boundaries before he was dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga. Ibrahim Zadran and Najibullah Zadran both got off to decent starts like the openers 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Azmatullah Omarzai, Flighted full and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai knocks this into the air towards long off and they take a single as the ball falls short. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Wanindu Hasaranga bowls this full and outside off, Mujeeb Ur Rahman shapes up for the switch hit but gets it towards point for a single. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rashid Khan, ! TIMBER! Wanindu Hasaranga sends Rashid Khan back to the hut! He bowls the googly this time, on middle, turning in, Rashid Khan skips down the track to slog it away, but plays all over it and the ball goes through to rattle the stumps. This is turning out to be a great decision from Dasun Shanaka to give the last over to Wanindu Hasaranga.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Azmatullah Omarzai, Tossed up, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai uses his feet to play at it but gets an inside edge as the ball goes to the off side. A single is taken.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Azmatullah Omarzai, Shorter and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to cut but misses.

Kasun Rajitha to Azmatullah Omarzai, A slower one, full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai drievs it towards long off for a single.

Kasun Rajitha to Mohammad Nabi, ! TAKEN! The catch is taken this time and Mohammad Nabi has to go back to the hut. This is full and outside off, Mohammad Nabi reaches for it and tries to go over cover, but slices it up in the air towards th cover region where Dasun Shanaka settles under it and completes the catch.

Afghanistan have just collapsed towards the end and they would feel like they have 10-15 runs short of a reasonable total on the board! They have managed to put up 144 runs which could be enough if their spinners come to the party. Sri Lanka will be thrilled with their effort with the ball but will have to look closely at their catching. That level of fielding at an international level is unacceptable and if they had taken their chances they would have been right on top of this game.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman has walked out to the crease. 

Sri Lanka's fielding continues to be their kryptonite as they have been unable to take some of their catches in this game as well. 

Kasun Rajitha to Mohammad Nabi, WIDE! This is on a length but way outside off. Wided.

Kasun Rajitha to Rashid Khan, Dropped again! Kasun Rajitha serves this full and on off, Rashid Khan goes for the helicopter shot but hits it straight towards cover where Dasun Shanaka drops a sitter.

Kasun Rajitha to Rashid Khan, ! c Dasun Shanaka b Kasun Rajitha.

Kasun Rajitha to Rashid Khan, Wide!

Kasun Rajitha to Rashid Khan, This is pitched up, on off, Rashid Khan goes for the big heave but cannot connect.

Kasun Rajitha to Rashid Khan, ! This is full again and outside off, Rashid Khan slashes at it, but gets a outside edge towards the keeper where Kusal Mendis leaps, but cannot grab it and parries it towards third man. Two runs taken!

Kasun Rajitha to Rashid Khan, ! Brilliant shot! This is full and on off, Rashid Khan smashes it over extra cover for a boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rashid Khan, Another full delivery bowled outside the off stump, Rashid Khan knocks this to long off and takes a single to keep strike. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Rashid Khan, Flights this one full and outside off, Rashid Khan taps this to the left of the bowler. 

Rashid Khan is the new batter out in the middle. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Mohammad Nabi, Maheesh Theekshana bowls this full as well and angling down leg, Mohammad Nabi clips this towards wide long on and the look for two but a misfield in the deep allows them to take three runs. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Rashid Khan, Maheesh Theekshana fires this one full and into the pads, Rashid Khan clips this to deep square leg and takes a single to get off the mark. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Mohammad Nabi, ! RUN OUT! A very unlucky way to get dismissed, but Sri Lanka won't mind. This is short and on off, Mohammad Nabi tucks it towards deep mid-wicket for a run, Naib wants the second run and sets off. However, he is sent back mid-way through, and while going back his bat gets stuck in the ground and he tries to roll over to get to he crease, but by the time he gets in, Kusal Mendis takes the bails off. He has injured his shoulder too. Afghanistan lo

Maheesh Theekshana to Gulbadin Naib, A full toss, on off, Gulbadin Naib drives it long off for a single.

Kasun Rajitha to Mohammad Nabi, ! Mohammad Nabi finds the gap this time! This is full again, on off, slower too, Mohammad Nabi waits for it drills it wide of mid off for a boundary.

Kasun Rajitha to Mohammad Nabi, This is short and on middle, Mohammad Nabi stays there and pulls it wide of deep square leg where the fielder dives to his right to stop it. Two runs taken!

Kasun Rajitha to Mohammad Nabi, Kasun Rajitha gets away with it! He bowls another slower one, full and on off, Mohammad Nabi waits for and smashes it straight to cover.

Kasun Rajitha to Gulbadin Naib, A slower one, full and on middle, Gulbadin Naib drills it down to long on for a single. Oh..no! It is called a no ball for overstepping. Free hit coming up...

Kasun Rajitha to Mohammad Nabi, Bowls this back of a length and outside off, Mohammad Nabi pulls this to deep mid-wicket and takes a single. 

Kasun Rajitha to Mohammad Nabi, He bowls this one full and angled int the pads, Mohammad Nabi clips this wide of deep mid-wicket and they take two runs. 

Mohammad Nabi the captain of Afghanistan makes his way out to the middle and Kasun Rajitha has been brought into the attack. 

Kasun Rajitha to Gulbadin Naib, Kasun Rajitha bowls this one full and outside off, Gulbadin Naib thumps this down the ground towards long on. Wanindu Hasaranga comes running in to attempt a catch but the ball his well short. he does well to stop the ball from going past him as he sticks out his left hand. The batters take just a run. 

Dhananjaya de Silva to Najibullah Zadran, ! TAKEN! Najibullah Zadran tries to be aggressive but holes out! Dhananjaya de Silva gets the breakhtrough. He flights this up, full and on off, Najibullah Zadran goes for the big heave over long off, but hits it with the bottom part of his bat. As a result, the ball goes in the air and Wanindu Hasaranga takes a good catch at long off moving backwards. Afghanistan lose their fourth wicket.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Gulbadin Naib, Tossed up, full and on middle, Gulbadin Naib tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Gulbadin Naib, Short again and on middle and leg, Gulbadin Naib flicks it towards deep square leg for a brace.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Najibullah Zadran, Quicker, short and on middle, Najibullah Zadran works it towards mid-wicket for one.

Dhananjaya de Silva has been brought into the attack for his first over. 

Dhananjaya de Silva to Najibullah Zadran, ! Poor delivery and rightly punished! This is short and on off, Najibullah Zadran goes back and pulls it wide of the deep square leg fielder for a boundary.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Gulbadin Naib, Floated and around leg, Gulbadin Naib tucks it towards square leg for a single.

Pramod Madushan to Najibullah Zadran, Back-of-a-length delivery bowled outside the off stump, Najibullah Zadran pulls this into the air and the ball lands in the vacant deep mid-wicket region. They take a couple of runs. 

Pramod Madushan to Gulbadin Naib, Slower delivery bowled full and in line with the stumps, Gulbadin Naib waits on it and works this down to long on for a single. 

Pramod Madushan to Gulbadin Naib, Slightly short and wide outside off, Gulbadin Naib cuts this and the ball bounces just short of the point fielder who does well to collect it.

Pramod Madushan to Najibullah Zadran, Bangs this in short and wide outside off, Najibullah Zadran pulls this to deep square leg and takes a run.

Pramod Madushan (2-0-19-0) is back on.

Pramod Madushan to Najibullah Zadran, Delivers this one wide outside off on a fuller length, Najibullah Zadran looks to stroke this through the off side with no feet movement and gets beaten. 

Afghanistan have a good foundation for their big hitters to take it on from here. They will look to get near the 160-run mark to give their bowlers the best possible chance to defend it.

Pramod Madushan to Gulbadin Naib, Pramod Madushan bowls this one a good length and in line with the stumps. Gulbadin Naib blocks this towards long on and take a single. That brings up the 100 for Afghanistan.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Gulbadin Naib, Goes back to bowing full and just outside the off pole, Gulbadin Naib gets his front foot well forward but gets an inside edge to the right of mid-wicket and they take one. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Najibullah Zadran, Bowls this one a fraction short and outside off, Najibullah Zadran pulls this to deep mid-wicket for yet another single. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Gulbadin Naib, Flights this one full and outside off, Gulbadin Naib gets on one knee and drags the ball to deep mid-wicket for a run. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Najibullah Zadran, Loopy delivery bowled full and pitching outside leg, Najibullah Zadran attempts the reverse sweep but gets an edge to the leg side for a single. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Najibullah Zadran, Flights a googly full and wide outside off, Najibullah Zadran pushes at this but is beaten on the outside edge. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Najibullah Zadran, Wanindu Hasaranga flights this full and outside off, Najibullah Zadran defends this towards cover. 

Lahiru Kumara to Najibullah Zadran, Bowls this one back of a length and outside off, Najibullah Zadran gets on his toes and cuts this to deep point and they run hard to complete three runs. 

Lahiru Kumara to Gulbadin Naib, This is on a good length as well and angled down leg, Gulbadin Naib mistimes his shot towards fine leg and takes a single to get off the mark. 

Lahiru Kumara to Gulbadin Naib, What a jaffa to follow up the short balls! Bowls this on a good length and gets the ball to nip back in sharply. Gulbadin Naib gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball goes over the stumps. 

Lahiru Kumara to Gulbadin Naib, WIDE! Another short ball banged in and angled down leg. Gulbadin Naib ducks under this one but the umpire decides that this is wide. 

Lahiru Kumara to Gulbadin Naib, Bangs this one in short to welcome the new batter. Gulbadin Naib sways out of the way and lets the ball go through to the keeper. 

Gulbadin Naib comes out to the middle now.

Lahiru Kumara to Ibrahim Zadran, ! CAUGHT! Lahiru Kumara has taken yet another wicket and Ibrahim Zadran has to make the long walk back to the shed. This is bowled on a good length and outside the off pole, Ibrahim Zadran makes room and looks to thump this over the mid off fielder. The length was not right and therefore mistimes his shot straight to Bhanuka Rajapaksa at mid off. Afghanistan have lost their thrid wicket now. 

Lahiru Kumara (3-0-24-1) to bowl out now.

Lahiru Kumara to Najibullah Zadran, Lahiru Kumara bowls this on a good length and just outside off, Najibullah Zadran pushes at the ball and gets an inside edge towards mid-wicket. They take a quick single though and rotate the strike. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Najibullah Zadran, Flighted delivery full and on an off stump line, Najibullah Zadran knocks this to long off and takes a single to retain strike. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Najibullah Zadran, WIDE! Goes 'round the wicket to the left-hander and fires this one down leg side on a fuller length. Najibullah Zadran misses his clip and this is called wide by the umpire. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, Maheesh Theekshana bowls this short again and on leg, Ibrahim Zadran moves back and works it towards the mid-wicket region for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, This is angled into the pads on a shorter length, Ibrahim Zadran clips this to deep mid-wicket and they take a brace. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Ibrahim Zadran has swatted this away! Maheesh Theekshana bowls full once again and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran gets nicely under this one and heaves this over long off for a huge hit. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, Shortish and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran makes room and punches it wide of long off for a brace. Good running!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Wanindu Hasaranga flights a googly full and in line with the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran misses his flick and the ball goes off the pads to third man and they take a leg bye. Wanindu Hasaranga is convinced this is out and Dasun Shanaka decides to review this. UltraEdge shows no bat is involved and Ball Tracking indicates that the ball is missing the leg stump. The onfield decision stays and Sri Lanka lose their review. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, ! This has been crunched away! Maheesh Theekshana flights one full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran gets a stride forward and strokes this to deep cover for a cracking boundary. 

Review time! Sri Lanka have taken a review for a LBW decision.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Najibullah Zadran, This is bowled full as well and wide outside off, Najibullah Zadran clips this towards short mid-wicket with soft hands and takes off for another risky run. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Najibullah Zadran, Loopy delivery bowled full and outside the off stump, Najibullah Zadran drives this to wide long off and they rush across for two runs. Wanindu Hasaranga does well to flick the throw onto the stumps but the batter has made it back safe. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Najibullah Zadran, Wanindu Hasaranga bowls this one full and in line with the stumps, Najibullah Zadran taps the ball to the left of the bowler. 

Najibullah Zadran walks out to bat now.

DRINKS! Afghanistan will be happy with the start they have with the platform being set for their hitters to come and exploit the death overs. Sri Lanka have managed to get rid of the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz but will be hoping for more wickets after the break. The spinners have managed to keep it tight but this could easily go all wrong if they lose their discipline. There is a lot more action to come our way shortly. Wanindu Hasaranga (1-0-3-0) to bowl after the break.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Usman Ghani, ! CAUGHT! Wanindu Hasaranga has the breakthrough right after the break and he will be a relieved man! Gives the ball some air but bowls it short and outside the off pole, Usman Ghani backs himself to clear the short leg side boundary but mistimes his pull shot. The ball flies towards the deep mid-wicket fielder where the captain Dasun Shanaka takes an easy catch. Usman Ghani has to depart after getting off to a good start. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Usman Ghani, Wanindu Hasaranga begins the over with a shortish delivery outside off, Usman Ghani mistimes his cut to short third man. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, Flatter delivery, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran looks to block it out, but gets an outside edge towards the third man fence, the fielder from short third man gives chases and keeps it in. Two runs taken!

Maheesh Theekshana to Usman Ghani, Quicker one, short and on leg, Usman Ghani flicks it off the back foot through square leg for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Usman Ghani, Slower through the air, on middle, Usman Ghani leans on and blocks it out.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, Floated, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran lofts it towards long off with not much timing for just a run.

Maheesh Theekshana will bowl the last over before the refreshment break. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Ibrahim Zadran, Shortish and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran stays there and knocks it towards short mid-wicket.

Maheesh Theekshana to Usman Ghani, Tossed up, on middle, Usman Ghani uses his feet to work it to the leg side, but gets a leading edge towards cover. A single is taken.

Lahiru Kumara to Ibrahim Zadran, Lahiru Kumara bowls this on a good length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran knocks it to the off side.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, Back of a length and outside off, Usman Ghani slashes it through point for a single.

Lahiru Kumara to Ibrahim Zadran, Lahiru Kumara bangs in a bouncer, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran ducks under it. Kusal Mendis jumps to collect it, but the batters run a bye.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, Short of a length and middle, Usman Ghani works it towards mid on for a run.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, ! BANG! Usman Ghani connects this time. This is full and on off, Usman Ghani stays there and smokes it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, WIDE! Lahiru Kumara loses his line again and serves this length delivery down the leg, Usman Ghani misses his pull shot. Wided.

Lahiru Kumara to Ibrahim Zadran, This is back of a length and on leg, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to the leg side for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls this full as well and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran drives this down to long off and takes a single to keep strike. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Usman Ghani, Another loopy delivery bowler full and angling down leg, Usman Ghani charges down the wicket and gets an inside edge to deep square leg for one. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Usman Ghani, Flights this one full and just outside the off pole, Usman Ghani blocks this back to the bowler's left. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up, full and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran eases it towards long on for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, TWO BYES! This is short again and on off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to cut it away, but misses and it goes through to the keeper. However, Kusal Mendis tries to be cheeky and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses and the ball goes towards the long off region. Two runs taken.

Wanindu Hasaranga has been brought into the attack and Sri Lanka will be hoping he gets his mojo back. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Wanindu Hasaranga starts with a short delivery and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran cuts it towards backward point.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, Length again and on off, Usman Ghani punches it but finds the point fielder again.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, This is on a good length and on off, Usman Ghani pushes it towards point.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, Lahiru Kumara serves this on a yorker length and on off, Usman Ghani digs it out towards mid on.

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, On a length and on off, Usman Ghani looks to cut it but gets an inside edge towards the keeper who lets it through towards fine leg. Two runs taken!

Lahiru Kumara has been brought back into the attack. He went for 9 runs in his first over. 

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, WIDE! This is on a hard length and down the leg again, Usman Ghani misses his hook shot. Wided.

Lahiru Kumara to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls this one back of a length as well and into the batter, Ibrahim Zadran mistimes his pull towards short fine leg and takes a single to get off the mark.

Lahiru Kumara to Ibrahim Zadran, WIDE! Lahiru Kumara bangs this in short and angling down leg, Ibrahim Zadran looks to pull but misses and is called wide by the umpire. 

Ibrahim Zadran makes his way out to the middle at number 3.

Lahiru Kumara to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! TIMBER! Lahiru Kumara draws first blood! Sri Lanka get the much-needed breakthrough right after the Powerplay. Kumara bowls this full and on middle, angling in, Rahmanullah Gurbaz decides to go for the big shot over mid off but loses his shape and the ball goes through to shatter the stumps. A good cameo from Gurbaz comes to an end.

Maheesh Theekshana to Usman Ghani, Floated, full and on off, Usman Ghani pushes it towards cover. Afghanistan are on 42 for none after the end of Powerplay.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Quicker one, short and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes room and smashes it back towards the bowler where Maheesh Theekshana parries it towards the cover region. A single is taken.

Maheesh Theekshana to Usman Ghani, Tossed up, full and on off, Usman Ghani drives it through cover for a run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A bit short and on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz moves back and works it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana has been brought into the attack for the last over of the Powerplay. 

Maheesh Theekshana to Usman Ghani, Slower through the air and on off, Usman Ghani looks to flick it away, but closes the face of the bat early, and gets a leading edge to the off side.

Maheesh Theekshana to Usman Ghani, Maheesh Theekshana starts with a low full toss, on off, Usman Ghani drills it towards mid off.

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slower delivery to end the over as this is served full and outside the off stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays this with soft hands towards point and looks for one but is sent back by Usman Ghani. 

Pramod Madushan to Usman Ghani, Delivers this one a fraction short and outside off, Usman Ghani cuts this to deep backward point and takes one to give Rahmanullah Gurbaz the strike. 

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This is in line with the stumps on a good length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps this towards mid-wicket and takes a quick single. 

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! This has been beautifully flicked away! Pramod Madushan decides to bowl full once again and outside the off pole. Rahmanullah Gurbaz does not even need to move and he deposits this into the cow corner boundary for a maximum. 

Pramod Madushan to Usman Ghani, Half a chance here as Pramod Madushan bowls this on a good length and just outside off and he induces an outside edge. Usman Ghani feels for this and the ball just goes past the gully fielder for a single. 

Change of ends for Pramod Madushan (1-0-6-0).

Pramod Madushan to Usman Ghani, ! Afghanistan are getting a move on as they have seen off the early movement! Pramod Madushan bowls this full and outside off, Usman Ghani gets his front foot forward and lofts this towards deep mid-wicket for four more runs. 

Lahiru Kumara to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Rahmanullah Gurbaz looking dangerous now! Lahiru Kumara goes full at the stumps after the short ball and Rahmanullah Gurbaz is ready. He thumps this back past the bowler for a straight boundary.

Lahiru Kumara to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Some extra bounce on offer here! Lahiru Kumara bowls this back of a length and in line with the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to block and gets hit on the gloves as the ball falls into the pitch. 

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, Bowls this a fraction short and wide outside the off stump, Usman Ghani cuts this to the wide third man fielder and takes a single. 

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, Bowls this one on a good length and outside the off pole, Usman Ghani taps this towards the backward point fielder. 

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, ! That is the first boundary for Usman Ghani! Lahiru Kumara bowls a full delivery outside off, Usman Ghani drives this uppishly but in the gap on the offside and finds the deep cover fence for four runs. 

Lahiru Kumara to Usman Ghani, Lahiru Kumara begins his spell with a full delivery just outside off, Usman Ghani knocks this back towards the bowler.

Lahiru Kumara comes into the attack now.

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls this full and angled into the stumps from outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz defends this back to the bowler's left. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Goes back to bowling on a good length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz guides this to third man and they run well to take a couple of runs. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! BANG! What a shot from Rahmanullah Gurbaz! Kasun Rajitha goes full and angles this one down leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz charges down the wicket but keeps his shape and lofts the ball over long off for a biggie.

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls this slightly back of a length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is watchful as he lets it go through to the keeper. 

Kasun Rajitha to Usman Ghani, Goes a fraction fuller and wider outside off, Usman Ghani works this to deep backward point and takes a run to get off the mark. 

Kasun Rajitha to Usman Ghani, This is on a good length and outside off, Usman Ghani faces his first delivery in the third over and blocks it towards the point fielder. 

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls this one full and angling down leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clips this straight to short fine leg. 6 runs form the over. 

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Poor fielding from the captain there! Pramod Madushan bowls this full and outside iff, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives this straight to cover and a misfield allows them to complete a brace. 

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This is bowled full and aimed for the leg stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hits this uppishly to the right of the bowler and looks for a single as mid on comes and cuts it off He is sent back by Usman Ghani and if the throw had been better to the keeper's end, Rahmanullah Gurbaz was a goner. 

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Afghanistan get their first boundary and it comes from the bat of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Pramod Madushan bowls this short and wide outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets on his toes and spanks it to deep point for four runs. 

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls this one full and really wide outside the off pole as he sees Rahmanullah Gurbaz making room towards the leg side. The batter is unable to reach it. 

Pramod Madushan to share the attack with Kasun Rajitha.

Pramod Madushan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pramod Madushan starts off with a good length delivery in line with the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps this back down the pitch towards the bowler. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is finally off the mark. Kasun Rajitha serves this on a good length and outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz guides this to deep backward point and takes one. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Really good over so far as this is served full and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks this one towards cover. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Make that four! Kasun Rajitha bowls this on a good length and outside the off pole, Rahmanullah Gurbaz charges down the wicket this time and heaves but misses as it goes through to the keeper. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls this one slightly fuller but still outside the off stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz shoulders his arms to this one and three dot balls to start off. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This is slighter wider outside off on a good length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz chooses to leave this one alone. 

Kasun Rajitha to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Kasun Rajitha begins with a beautiful delivery. Movement straight away as he pitches this on a good length and just outside off. The ball moves away sharply and beats the outside edge of Rahmanullah Gurbaz's bat. 

We are done with the pre-match formalities. It is time for some action! The players are walking out to the middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Usman Ghani are the two openers for Afghanistan. Kasun Rajitha to start proceedings with the ball. Let's play...

The umpires and the players have lined up in the middle for the national anthems. It will be Sri Lanka's national anthem first followed by the national anthem of Afghanistan. 

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Gulbadin Naib (In place of Hazratullah Zazai), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Mohammad Nabi the captain of Afghanistan says that they will bat first. Adds that it is a used pitch and they will want to put runs on the board and then go on and defend it. Mentions that everyone is fine and the preparation is good except for Hazratullah Zazai who is injured. Tells that Mujeeb Ur Rahman will be important in the Powerplay as he knows this ground well.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Pramod Madushan (In place of Chamika Karunaratne).

PITCH REPORT - Samuel Badree is by the pitch and he says that there have been overnight showers and the ground staff has worked diligently to get a game going. Mentions that there are sizeable boundaries so it would help the bowlers a bit. He is joined by Nasser Hussain who says that it is quite dry for a Gabba pitch but it has held together well. Adds that there are darker areas in the pitch which may interest the spinners it may crumble. Claims that there is little but for the batters, pacers

Dasun Shanaka the skipper of Sri Lanka says that they would have batted first as well. Informs that they have one change. Claims that losses, as they suffered in the last two games, can happen in a tournament like this but they need to come back. Adds that they are a good fielding side and they just need to pick up their confidence in the field. Mentions that they need to win this game and then the next one as well to stand a chance of qualifying for the semi-final. 

TOSS - The captains are out in the middle. The coin is flipped into the air and lands in favor of Afghanistan. They have elected to BAT first.