Twitter Reactions: Afghanistan take down Sri Lanka in Pune to stay alive in the semi-final race

Afghanistan continued their dream run in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as they beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in Match 30 on Monday, October 30 at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. After being put in to bat first, Sri Lanka got bundled out for 241 in 49.3 overs. In reply, Afghanistan chased down the target in 45.2 overs with Azmatullah Omarzai top-scoring with 73* off 63.

They didn’t get off to a great start in their chase losing their opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz (0 off 4) in the first over itself. However, Ibrahim Zadran (39 off 57) and Rahmat Shah (62 off 74) added 73 runs for the second wicket to stabilize the innings. Following their dismissals, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (58* off 74) and Azmatullah Omarzai got involved in an unbeaten 111-run stand to help their side win by seven wickets.

Also Check: Kusal Mendis hilariously falls onto the stumps while collecting the ball during AFG vs SL clash

Earlier in the day, after being put in to bat first, Sri Lanka lost their opener Dimuth Karunaratne (15 off 21) cheaply with just 22 runs on the board. Following his dismissal, Pathum Nissanka (46 off 60) and Kusal Mendis (39 off 50) added 62 runs for the second wicket off 77 balls. However, both failed to convert their starts into a big score as they got dismissed by Azmatullah Omarzai and Mujeeb Ur Rahman respectively.

Fazalhaq Farooqi starred with the ball in the first innings

After the duo returned to the pavilion, Sri Lanka lost wickets in quick succession as batters kept coming in and going out. Charith Asalanka (22 off 28), Dhananjaya de Silva (14 off 26) and Angelo Mathews (23 off 26) all departed cheaply leaving their side reeling at 185/7.

Maheesh Theekshana batted smartly in the end and helped his side reach the total of 241 in 49.3 overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi was the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan as he picked 4/34 in ten overs while Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/38) also picked two wickets.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Points Table

Meanwhile, X was abuzz with reactions on Afghanistan’s emphatic win. Here are some of the posts:

Congratulations to Afghanistan on their victory against Sri Lanka With three more games to go, they can make it to semi-finals.

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) October 30, 2023

Many congratulations Afghanistan for your third victory. Beating 3 former world champions 👏

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 30, 2023

Azmatlullah Omarzai is a proper talent. Fast bowling all rounders are hard to find Protect them if you have them. #AFGvsL

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 30, 2023

Hats off to @ACBofficials for their relentless spirit and remarkable performance. They've come a long way! #CWC23 #AFGVSL

— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) October 30, 2023

#Afghanistan has been a formidable team throughout, showcasing excellence from ball one. Their strength and dedication as a team are truly impressive, and their growth and maturity shine through. Players like @RGurbaz_21 and @fazalfarooqi10 have shown great growth as players…

— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) October 30, 2023

Comfortable win by @ACBofficials! Commendable game by the team. Congratulations!#CWC23 #AfgvSL

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 30, 2023

Sabash Afgan quality cricket 🏏 #WorldCup2023 Mubarak ho

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 30, 2023

.@Hashmat_50 and @AzmatOmarzay rising to the occasion 👏🏾 Afghanistan smelling victory here!!#CWC23 #AFGVSL

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) October 30, 2023

This #SLvAfg game is simmering quite nicely…Afghanistan are ahead but only marginally, it feels. #CWC23

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 30, 2023

.@RahmatShah_08's 50 is exactly what Afghanistan needed 🙌🏾 The game is finely poised.#CWC23 #AFGVSL

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) October 30, 2023

Eng, Pak and now SL! Well done @ACBofficials 👏🏽 They have been a breath of fresh air this tournament! There's been a marked improvement in their cricket especially in batting and it's so good to see! #AFGvSL #CWC2023 pic.twitter.com/fx4PyBTrPX

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) October 30, 2023