Watch: Dilshan Madushanka uproots middle stump to send back Rahmanullah Gurbaz in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Published at :October 31, 2023 at 2:44 AM

Modified at :October 31, 2023 at 3:58 AM

Dilshan Madushanka sent back Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck.

In a make-or-break match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Afghanistan won the toss and opted to field first. Both teams got what they wished for at the toss, Afghanistan wanted to bowl, while Sri Lanka wanted to bat first.

Afghanistan delivered an impressive performance by holding Sri Lanka to a total of 241 runs on a pitch that didn't have any hidden challenges. Fazalhaq Farooqi, who was making a comeback, made an early impact by dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne, who was also making a return. Nissanka and Kusal Mendis then established stability in the innings with a partnership of 62 runs, but they chose not to go on the offensive against bowlers.

During the middle stage of the game, Shahidi strategically utilized his spinners to maintain control over the run rate. This strategy paid off as the well-set Mendis and Samarawickrama fell victim to the impressive bowling of Mujeeb. This led to a sudden collapse, with Sri Lanka going from 134 for 2 to 185 for 7.

Mathews hung in there and found a reliable partner in Theekshana, helping Sri Lanka cross the 240-run mark. Nevertheless, Afghanistan appeared to be in a better position at the break, even though we recently witnessed India successfully defend a similar total against England.

Dilshan Madushanka knocks over Gurbaz in the very first over

In their chase of 242 runs, Afghanistan faced a big problem right at the start of their innings. Their best batsman in the tournament, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, got out on the fourth ball of the very first over bowled by Dilshan Madushanka in a great beginning for Sri Lanka.

Madushanka bowled a full delivery that moved inwards, and Gurbaz, in an attempt to hit the ball, missed it. Instead, the ball hits his leg and knocked down the middle stump. It's a major wicket, and Sri Lanka got the kind of start they're hoping for in the match. Gurbaz's dismissal marked Madushanka's 12th wicket of the tournament.

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In this crucial do-or-die match, both teams are eager to secure a victory. The winner will stay in the race for the semi-finals, while the loser will have a very slim chance and will need to rely on other match outcomes.