Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have come together in ODIs four times beginning in 2014. The Islanders emerged victorious on three occasions whilst Afghanistan delivered them a knockout blow in the 2018 Asia Cup.
Although their first meeting in 2014 in the Asia Cup was a one-sided affair, Afghanistan have continued to give Sri Lanka a run for their money since then. Besides the game they won in 2018, they made the Lankans work hard for their victory in the other two outings.
Here’s a look at the ODI records between these two teams.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan ODI records
Most runs
Kusal Perera, who played three of the four matches played between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, scored 128 runs at an average of 42.66. He scored the most runs among any batter in the meetings between these sides.
Most wickets
Thisara Perera has played all four of these fixtures against Afghanistan and picked up 10 wickets, the most by any bowler. He did so at an impressive economy of 4.75 and a strike rate just under 20 (19.80).
Highest individual score
Mahela Jayawardene chipped in with a terrific century when the sides met in Dunedin back in 2015. Chasing 233 runs, Jayawardene’s superb ton kept the Lankan boat afloat after they were reduced to 51/4 in 12 overs. Sri Lanka won the match by four wickets and 10 balls to spare, as Jayawardene was named Player of the Match.
Best bowling figures
Thisara Perera is the only bowler to take a five-fer in the ODI clashes between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. His 5/55 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in 2018 unfortunately ended in a losing cause, but they are the best bowling figures registered in an ODI between these teams.
Highest team total
In their first-ever meeting in Mirpur, Sri Lanka batted first and scored 253/6 in 50 overs. After a slow start where they scored just 50 runs in 15 overs, Sangakkara propelled the scorecard forward with a half-century. This is the highest team total registered in an ODI between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
Lowest team total
In the same ODI where Sri Lanka registered the highest team total, Afghanistan were bowled out for 124 runs in the second innings. This is the lowest score in a Sri Lanka-Afghanistan ODI game.
