2nd T20I: 36 year old Mathews did a brilliant all-round performance, Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by 72 runs

 

Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by 72 runs in the second match of the 3-match T20 International series with the help of a brilliant all-round performance by Angelo Mathews. With this, Sri Lanka took an unassailable lead of 2-0. In the second T20 International match played at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla, Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bowl. 

Batting first, Sri Lanka scored 187 runs on the scoreboard after losing 6 wickets in 20 overs. Sadira Samarawickrama scored the most runs for the team. He scored a half-century of 51 runs in 42 balls with the help of 5 fours. Angelo Mathews returned unbeaten after scoring 42 runs in 22 balls with the help of 2 fours and 4 sixes. Samarawickrama and Mathews made a half-century partnership of 66 (34). Pathum Nissanka scored 25 runs in 11 balls with the help of 5 fours. Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai took maximum 2-2 wickets for Afghanistan. Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqui took one wicket each. 

Chasing the target, the entire Afghanistan team collapsed on the score of 115 in 17 overs. Karim Janat scored the most runs for Afghanistan. He scored 28 runs in 23 balls with the help of 2 fours and a six. Mohammad Nabi contributed 27 runs in 17 balls with the help of one four and 2 sixes. Angelo Mathews, Mathisha Pathirana, Binura Fernando and captain Wanindu Hasaranga took maximum 2-2 wickets for Sri Lanka. Mahish Tikshina and Dasun Shanaka took one wicket each. 

Sri Lanka's playing XI:  Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjay de Silva, Sadira Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga (captain), Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Mahish Tikshina, Binura Fernando, Mathisha Pathirana. 

Afghanistan's playing XI:  Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Umarzai, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Noor Ahmed, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqui.