Kusal Mendis’ sparkling century was not enough to earn Sri Lanka victory as a Rahmanullah Gurbaz-inspired Afghanistan won a rain-affected clash in Guwahati.
Batting first, Mendis arrived at the crease following the early departure of Dimuth Karunaratne and was quickly into his stride.
The 18th over was particularly punishing, Mendis taking 18 from it including three consecutive boundaries, and he quickly moved to a 59-ball century.
With his score on 158, including 19 fours and six sixes, Mendis retired at the end of the 30th over and Afghanistan fought back with the ball thereafter, Mohammad Nabi claiming four for 44 – including two in two balls in the 39th over – as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 294 with 22 balls unused.
A strong show with the bat as Afghanistan fine-tune #CWC23 preparations with a win 💪#AFGvSL | 📝: https://t.co/Mc8CP1XhGu pic.twitter.com/6oUHrieiKV
— ICC (@ICC) October 3, 2023
Kasun Rajitha claimed the scalp of Ibrahim Zadran amid a miserly opening spell which saw his five overs cost just two runs, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah proved much tougher to dislodge.
The pair’s century stand came either side of a rain delay, after which the target was adjusted to 257 from 42 overs, and kicked on in style as the target loomed into view.
Rahmanullah was first to three figures, hitting three sixes in the 31st over before clearing the ropes three times in succession in the next, which also saw him bring up his century.
He and Rahmat both retired shortly after, as Azmatullah Omarzai hit the winning runs with 23 balls to spare.