{"id":1802,"date":"2022-12-01T05:06:40","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T05:06:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2022\/12\/01\/twitter-reactions-charith-asalanka-stars-in-sri-lankas-series-levelling-win-over-afghanistan\/"},"modified":"2022-12-01T05:06:40","modified_gmt":"2022-12-01T05:06:40","slug":"twitter-reactions-charith-asalanka-stars-in-sri-lankas-series-levelling-win-over-afghanistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2022\/12\/01\/twitter-reactions-charith-asalanka-stars-in-sri-lankas-series-levelling-win-over-afghanistan\/","title":{"rendered":"Twitter reactions: Charith Asalanka stars in Sri Lanka\u2019s series-levelling win over Afghanistan"},"content":{"rendered":"

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In the third and final ODI between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan<\/a>, the hosts came up on top in a thrilling contest to register a memorable victory and level the series.<\/p>\n

Chasing 314, Sri Lanka got off to a good start with openers Pathum Nissanka<\/strong> (35) and Kusal Mendis<\/strong> (67) adding over a hundred runs for the first wicket, but they played slowly. The spin attack of Mohammad Nabi<\/strong> and Rashid Khan<\/strong> started creating problems, with Rashid, in particular, destroying the middle order. The spin duo reduced Sri Lanka to 164\/4 in 30.3 overs.<\/p>\n

Then Charith Asalanka<\/strong> and captain Dasun Shanaka<\/strong> calmed things down by adding a crucial partnership of 79 runs for the fifth wicket. However, Rashid again brought back Afghanistan by removing Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga<\/strong> as the Islanders were reeling at 249\/6 after 43.1 overs, with Asalanka soldiering on with a cramp.<\/p>\n

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However, an unlikely hero emerged in the form of youngster Dunith Wellalage<\/strong>, who accelerated the run flow by smashing a few boundaries when Sri Lanka looked out of the chase. Asalanka, on the other hand, continued chipping the runs and took Sri Lanka over the finish line with a winning six over deep mid-wicket, playing a splendid knock of 83 unbeaten off 72 balls.<\/p>\n

Earlier, Ibrahim Zadran<\/strong>, who had smashed a tremendous hundred in the series opener<\/a>, once again shined with the bat and hit another century. The Afghan opener scored 162 off 138 balls, including 15 fours and 4 sixes, as the tourists ended up reaching 313\/8 in their allotted 50 overs.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally happy with this performance. We were behind this chase, but we came out of it strong. I believe in my captain, he\u2019s a magnificent player, and his 40-odd runs were very helpful. I believed all the way, I know Wella (Wellalage) is a good player. The leg is better now, but at some stages, I thought if I must come out. Glad I fought through it,\u201d<\/em> said Asalanka after the match.<\/p>\n

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Here is how Twitter reacted:<\/h2>\n