Thisara Perera's 3-Wicket Haul Seals It for Sri Lankan Lions
Sri Lankan Lions have won by 15 runs. Sri Lankan Lions batted first and posted 153/6 in 20 overs. Afghanistan Pathans, chasing 154, fell short at 138/6 in 20 overs.
Milinda Siriwardana was the standout in the first innings, scoring 37 off 25 balls (SR 148). 2 sixes and 2 fours provided the impetus. The powerplay yielded 35 runs — early wickets put them under pressure from the start.
Shabir Noori fought hard with 39 off 20 balls, but it was not enough to haul Afghanistan Pathans over the line. The required rate climbed too steeply in the end.
With the ball, Thisara Perera delivered figures of 3/13 in 4 overs (Econ 3.3). Crucial breakthroughs at key moments that shifted the momentum.
AFGP lead the series 1-0. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.
The Turning Point
Over 15 of the first innings was the inflection point — 21 runs came off it, shifting the momentum and setting the stage for a total that ultimately proved too much.
Key Performers
39 off 20 balls (SR 195), 4 fours, 3 sixes
3/13 in 4 overs (Econ: 3.25)
37 off 25 balls (SR 148), 2 fours, 2 sixes
Verdict
Sri Lankan Lions showed composure when it mattered most and deserve this victory. Afghanistan Pathans will rue missed opportunities — a 15 runs deficit could have been avoided with sharper execution in the key moments. AFGP lead the series 1-0. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.