Sri Lanka kept their T20 World Cup hopes alive with a clinical six-wicket win over Afghanistan at the Gabba in Brisbane on Tuesday.
Dhananjaya de Silva steered his team to a win after scoring 66 as Sri Lanka cruised to 148-4 with nine balls remaining.
Having won the toss and deciding to bat first, Afghanistan made 144-8 with Wanindu Hasaranga of Sri Lanka taking 3-13. Sri Lanka then chased down the target with ease, dashing Afghanistan’s hopes of securing a spot in the semi-finals.
Where to now?
The victory sees Sri Lanka stay in contention for an unlikely semi-final berth, although they will need everything to go right for them if they are to finish in the top two in Group 1.
Dasun Shanaka’s side rise to third in the Group 1 standings and will need to defeat England on Saturday – and have other results go their way – to have any chance of sneaking in.
But Afghanistan’s frustrating tournament is over, with Friday’s clash against hosts Australia now their final chance to earn a victory at the T20 World Cup.
