<p><strong>NEW DELHI:</strong> In a thrilling contest, Afghanistan defeated hosts Sri Lanka by three runs in the third Twenty20 international to save face.<br />
Afghanistan’s captain Ibrahim Zadran was overjoyed by his side’s thrilling triumph, even though his squad had suffered six straight defeats on a miserable trip.</p>
<p><img decoding=”async” class=”alignnone wp-image-430775″ src=”https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/theindiaprint.com-third-twenty20-international-afghanistan-defeats-sri-lanka-by-a-thrilling-three-ru.jpg” alt=”theindiaprint.com third twenty20 international afghanistan defeats sri lanka by a thrilling three ru” width=”1017″ height=”572″ title=”Third Twenty20 International: Afghanistan defeats Sri Lanka by a thrilling three runs 15″ srcset=”https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/theindiaprint.com-third-twenty20-international-afghanistan-defeats-sri-lanka-by-a-thrilling-three-ru.jpg 400w, https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/theindiaprint.com-third-twenty20-international-afghanistan-defeats-sri-lanka-by-a-thrilling-three-ru-390×220.jpg 390w, https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/theindiaprint.com-third-twenty20-international-afghanistan-defeats-sri-lanka-by-a-thrilling-three-ru-150×84.jpg 150w” sizes=”(max-width: 1017px) 100vw, 1017px” /></p>
<p>“I am happy with the win,” Zadran said, admitting that their series defeat had been bittersweet.</p>
<p>Sri Lanka came into the match as favorites, having previously won the three-match Twenty20 series and dominated the Test match and one-day international series with a perfect 3-0 sweep. Afghanistan, on the other hand, showed unflinching will to secure at least one win and prevent a whitewash.</p>
<p>There were anxious moments in the contest as Sri Lanka attempted to reach a goal of 19 runs off the last over, but their brave players failed to make the necessary runs.<br />
Despite marking a noteworthy turning point in his T20 career with an unbeaten 65 off 39 balls that included seven fours and two sixes, Kamindu Mendis’ performance was unable to seal victory for the hosts.<br />
Tensions between players and officials erupted during the last overs after a disputed high full toss was not called by the square leg umpire. In the tense environment, Wanindu Hasaranga, the skipper of Sri Lanka, was seen arguing with the umpires.<br />
“We performed well in the first two games,” Hasaranga said, giving his squad credit for their efforts even if they lost.<br />
Afghanistan’s openers, who scored 88 runs off 44 balls, were key contributors to their impressive total. Afghanistan won because of Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s tenacious 70-run innings, even though he was offered lifelines with two missed catches.<br />
Matheesha Pathirana’s two wickets in two balls as Sri Lanka rallied late in the innings demonstrated the team’s late comeback with the ball.<br />
Afghanistan gained a hard-fought win in the tour’s last match, demonstrating their tenacity in the face of a run of losses in all forms. It was an exciting contest.</p>
