Rain ruined Sri Lanka’s chances of levelling the series after dismissing Afghanistan for 228 in the second ODI and the slender possibility of automatic qualification for the 2023 World Cup with the game being abandoned at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium tonight. The rains came down soon after the first session with Sri Lanka on 10 for no loss with the openers facing only 2.4 overs when the match was called off following three stoppages.

Sri Lanka’s remote world cup automatic qualification chances following defeat to Afghanistan in the ODI opener a day ago further receded with the hosts getting only 5 Super League points for a no decision. Afghanistan, on the other hand, moved up the points table with their 5 points from the washout adding to their aggregate of 110 points prior to this game. It was an utter disappointment for the Lankans after having restricted Afghanistan to a target within their reach. On a slower surface to the previous game Afghanistan was checked from what looked another ominous start of 141 for 3 after 28.3 overs when fast bowler Kasun Rajitha grabbed 3 wickets for 31 to put the hosts back in the game sparking a middle order collapse as the visitors slithered to 6 for 195 after 41.5 overs. Mahesh Theekshana took 2 for 49 and Lahiru Kumara 2 for 50.

CHIEF SCORES: Afghanistan 228 48.2 Overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 68, Rahmat Shah 58, Hashmatullah Shahidi 28, Kasun Rajitha 3/31, Mahesh Theekshana 2/49, Lahiru Kumara 2/50) Sri Lanka 10/0 (Pathum Nissanka n.o. 2,.Kusal Mendis n.o. 2)