Easy half-centuries from Sri Lanka openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka made short work of Afghanistan on Wednesday in a nine-wicket drubbing that clinched a 2-1 ODI series win for the hosts.
Sri Lanka strode to 120 with 34 overs to spare in Hambantota, striding past the 117 set by Afghanistan.
Nissanka did not waste time when the chase began, racing to his seventh ODI half-century in 32 balls with eight fours and two sixes.
Fast-bowling spearhead Chameera established Sri Lanka’s dominance early with two fiery spells at the crease that left the tourists unable to post a decent partnership.
Chameera, playing his first series after ankle surgery that sidelined him for seven months, earned man of the match honors with his 4-63.
Leg Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga polished off the Afghan tail with 3-7 while quick Lahiru Kumara claimed two wickets, leaving the tourists flailing on 116.
Kusal Mendis was unbeaten on 11 as Sri Lanka reached the target in just 16 overs to end the game early.
Afghanistan won the first game comprehensively by six wickets, but Sri Lanka bounced back to take the second game by 132 runs.
Afghanistan’s drubbing on Wednesday came after star leg spinner Rashid Khan was recalled to the team.
Rashid, who missed the first two games because of a back injury, returned at the expense of Noor Ahmad. Allrounder Gulbadin Naib also made a comeback to the lineup in place of Azmatullah Omarzai.
This is Sri Lanka’s last game before the World Cup qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe. Afghanistan has already secured a spot at the World Cup to be held in India starting in October.
