The Sri Lankan's will be hoping that this win will give them real belief ahead of their next outing against the West Indies on Sunday. Afghanistan, on the other hand , must quickly put this behind them as they look to claim their first win in thier next match against England on Wednesday.
It was the Dilshan show in the second innings as he hit an unbeaten 83 from 56 deliveries and kept putting the pressure on an inexpierenced Afghanistan attack. A perfect innings from the legend of the game which earned his side the victory and takes them level with the West Indies at the top of the group.
After Afghanistan batted, the Sri Lankan's knew that they were always going to be in with a great chance of pulling off a victory as they have many match winners in their ranks. In the end it was comfortable but, at one stage it was looking like it could go either way.
Dilshan hits the winning runs with a four through mid-wicket to take his side to a hard-fought win over a competitive Afghanistan side who will cause problems to many of the teams in Group 1.
SRI LANKA WIN BY SIX WICKETS!
Eleven required from the final two overs with six wickets remaining.
Overs 18 143-4: Once more a misfield from the Afghanistan brings three extra runs and they have lost this for themselves. A further thirteen runs come from the next over as Sri Lanka are easing through to their target and have been gifted a number of runs in this match.
Overs 17 130-4: We are coming towards the end of this match now and over upon over its looking far more likely that it will be Sri Lanka who will win this one with just 23 required from the final three overs. 11 from the over and so it's Sri Lanka's over once more.
Overs 16 120-4: If Afghanistan are to lose this match they will have nobody other than themselves to blame as for the second time they have let the ball slip through their legs adding a further three to the total. Seven came from the over but, had they not have had the misfield it could have been even better.
In at six for Sri Lanka is their captian Angelo Mathews.
Wicket Chamara Kapugedera must go! He was run-out via a deflection from Nabi which hit the stumps and he was some way outside of his crease.
Overs 15 113-3: 14 runs from the over and Sri Lanka are looking like they will win this one with ease. Dilshan has moved onto 63 from just 43 and looks like taking his side to victory once more.
Overs 14 99-3: Another quiet over for Sri Lanka but, it could and should have been so much better for Afghanistan as a clumsy misfield cost them three runs. Really need to get a grip on the match now as Dilshan is looking really dangerous now.
Rashid returns back into the attack in the place of Nabi.
Overs 13 92-3: Another solid over for noth sides as just seven runs come from the over. The over brought the important wicket of the dangerous Perera which will give Afghanistan a real boost heading into the last seven overs.
Wicket Perera is out! He has to go out run-out from the keeper Shahzad as he hits the stumps from 20 yards away. There is nothing in it and the decsion could of gone either way but it's the bowling side who have been given the benefit of the doubt. Huge wicket! 85-3
Overs 12 85-2: Eight runs come from the twelve over as the Sri Lankan duo rotate the strike well. This is going to come down to the smallest of margins you sense as neither side look dead certs to win the match from this position.
Overs 11 77-2: Another quiet over which suits Afghanistan as just the six runs come from the over, four of which were byes. With just nine overs remaining the Sri Lankan's require 77 so you sense this one will go right down to the wire.
Samiullah Shenwari replaces the youngster Rashid with the ball.
Overs 10 71-2: What looked like being a fine over is ruined on the final ball when Perera hits a six off Nabi as 11 runs come from the over. Dilshan was getting furstrated in that over and he knows that he must remain calm to see his side home.
Overs 9 60-2: Another great over for Afghanistan as the wicket keeps the run scoring to a miniuim. Just six runs came from the over but, something Afghanistan need to be wary of is that the Sri Lankan's have sent in Perera who doesn't normally bat at four it's a promotion to get some quick runs.
In at four for Sri Lanka is Thisara Perera.
Wicket for Afghanistan! Thirimanne has gone for just six out bowled to the 17 year-old Rashid. Afghanistan are well in this one. Stay tuned.
Overs 8 54-1: A better over for Sri Lanka as ten runs come from the over. Dilshan once more finds the rope and has quickly reached 32. This one is really in the ballance and it's tough to say which way it will go.
Overs 7 44-1: An impressive start from Rashid as just three runs come from the over and Afghanistan have really put a stop to the flow of runs since the wicket and are really in this one now. You still sense that the wicket of Dilshan will be crucial as to the outcome of this match.
A change of bowling at the other end as 17 year-old Rashid Kahn replaces Dawlat Zadran.
Overs 6 41-1: A wicket madien for Nabi in his first over to bring his side back into this encounter. A great over of spin and he has really given his side a lift at the end of the power-play.
In at three for Sri Lanka is Lahiru Thirimanne.
Wicket for Afghanistan! Chandimal goes for just 17 out caught off the bowling of Nabi. Game on?
Nabi is onto bowl replacing Hamid Hassan.
Overs 5 41-0: A better over for Afghanistan as only six come from the over but, Dilshan is still at the wicket and so the danger still remains. Chandimal joins the party hitting the only boundary of the over moving onto 17 from 16 balls.
Overs 4 35-0: Dilshan has really got into the grove now as he finds the ropes twice in the overs and they are ticking the scoreboard over really nicely at the moment. Afghanistan really need to break this stand if they are to stay in with a chance.
Overs 3: 25-0 Another great over for the Sri Lankan's as Dilshan gets going hitting two sixes in the over one of which came from his favourite shot- the dilscoop. In total 13 runs come from the over an Sri Lanka are well on their way after just three overs.
A change of bowling sees Dawlat Zadran replace spinner Karim Khan.
Overs 2: 12-0 A much better over for Afghanistan as just two runs come from the over as Dilshan is getting himself in rather than going for all of the big shots right from the off. Just two singles come from the second over.
It will be Hamid Hassan to open from the other end.
Overs 1: Sri 10-0 A brillant start for the Sri Lankan's as Chandimal sees off the first three deliveries before hitting a four and a six in the next two. He finishes the over with a defensive shot for a dot. Sri Lanka in control from the off.
It will be Karim Khan with the opening over. Dinesh Chandimal to take the first ball.
SRI LANKA 2ND INNINGS
Hello everyone. I am Tom Mason and I will be bringing you live commentary of Sri Lanka's run chase. It will be exciting if Afghanistan can get some early wickets. Sri Lanka require 154 from 20 overs to win the match.
15:44 - With that I have been Brandon Sayer bringing you live commentary of the first innings of today's game. I will take a break and hand you over to Tom Mason as he takes you through the run chase. Goodbye.
15:43 - A very good end to the innings for Afghanistan with captain Stanikazi scoring a very impressive half century to get his team up to a good score. Sri Lanka will be worried as after 10 overs they were in full control of the game. Will be a good second innings if they can chase it down.
END OF INNINGS! Afghanistan 153-7. Sri Lanka require 154 to win from 20 overs.
Overs 20: AFG 153-7 The first two deliveries of the over go for two runs each. A single then comes from the third ball. Najib then hits a massive six and then a four back to back to bring up the 150 for Afghanistan. A two finishes the innings. A very competitive total scored
Kulasekara comes back into the bowling attack to replace Chameera.
Overs 19: AFG 136-7 the over starts with a single. Stanikazi then hits a massive six of the second ball. The captain then takes a single and then Shadiq tried to hit a big shot but is caught on the boundary. Stanikzai then hits a big four. A second wicket then came in the over form the final ball as the captain reversed swept straight to Chandimal.
Najib Zadran comes in at number nine for Afghanistan.
Wicket for Sri Lanka! Asghar Stanikazi is gone for sixty-two off forty-seven balls. Perera the bowler. Chandimal the catcher.
Dawlat Zadran comes in at number eight for Afghanistan.
Wicket for Sri Lanka! Shafiq is gone for five off seven balls. Perera the bowler. Thirimanne the catcher.
Perera comes back into the bowling attack for Sri Lanka to replace Kulasekara.
Overs 18: AFG 124-5 The bowler bowls a dot ball from the first ball. The next two balls bring two singles and that took Stanikazi to his fifty. The bowler then bowls a wide before three singles finish the over. Massive two overs coming up.
Fifty for Stanikazi from 42 balls! Brilliant from the captain.
Chameera comes back into the bowling attack for Sri Lanka to replace Perera.
Overs 17: AFG 118-5 The first ball of the over only brings a single. Shenwari then goes big hitting a massive six of the second ball. Next ball he tried to do the same but was caught on the boundary. Two singles come from the next two balls. Stanikazi then goes big and gets a four to end the over.
Shafiq comes in at number seven for Afghanistan.
Wicket for Sri Lanka! Samiullah Shenwari is out for thirty-one off fourteen balls. Kulasekara the bowler. Perera the catcher.
Kulasekara comes back into the bowling attack for Sri Lanka to replace Herath.
Overs 16: AFG 105-4 The first two balls of the over only go for two singles. The next ball is a dot before the batsmen get a single from the fourth ball. Shenwari then from the fifth ball smashes the ball down the ground for a four. A four then comes from the final ball as Shenwari reverse sweeps the ball for four. The 100 came up for Afghanistan in that over.
100 up for Afghanistan!
Perera comes back into the bowling attack for Sri Lanka to replace Chameera.
Overs 15: AFG 94-4 Herath comes back in and bowls two dot balls from the first two balls of the over. Stanikazi then goes a for a big six and gets one just about as it bursts through the fielders hands. A single from the next ball brings Shenwari on strike who himself slog sweeps for a massive six from the fifth ball. The over ends with a dot ball.
Herath comes back into he bowling attack for Sri Lanka to replace Siriwardena.
Overs 14: AFG 81-4 Two singles come from the first two balls of the over. The bowler then responds with a dot ball from the third ball. The bowler then bowls a wide before three successive singles end the over.
Chameera comes back into the bowling attack for Sri Lanka to replace Perera.
Overs 13: AFG 75-4 Three singles come form the first three deliveries of the over. Stanikazi then decide to go big hitting two massive sixes in a row. Next ball the captain then takes a single to keep strike.
Siriwardena comes into the bowling attack for Sri Lanka to replace Herath.
Overs 12: AFG 59-4 The first ball of the over is a dot ball. Three singles then come from the next three deliveries. Shenwari then gets a boundary to release the pressure by cutting the ball for a four off the fifth ball. The over ends with a single.
Overs 11: AFG 51-4 The first three balls of the over only go for three singles. The bowler then bowls a dot next ball before a single comes from the fifth ball. A fourth wicket fell for Afghanistan off the last ball of the over as Herath gets Nabi out LBW with a brilliant delivery.
Samiullah Shenwari comes in at number six for Afghanistan.
Wicket for Sri Lanka! Mohammed Nabi is gone for three off four balls LBW to Herath.
Overs 10: AFG 47-3 A single comes from the first ball of the over. The second ball brings another wicket when Khan tried to hit a big shot but only edges it enough to wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal. The next ball sees Nabi get off the mark next ball with a single. The over ends with two dot balls.
Mohammed Nabi comes in at number five for Afghanistan.
Wicket for Sri Lanka! Karim Khan is gone for a zero off seven balls. Perera the bowler. Chandimal the catcher.
Thisara Perera comes into the bowling attack for Sri Lanka to replace Chameera.
Overs 9: AFG 45-2 Herath starts the over by getting the wicket of Noor Ali bowling him around his legs. The next ball is a wide before five dots in a row. Fantastic from the spinner Herath.
Karim Khan comes in at number four for Afghanistan.
Wicket for Sri Lanka! Noor Ali is gone for twenty off twenty-three balls bowled by Herath.
Overs 8: AFG 44-1 The over starts with a dot ball. Stanikazi then gets a single off the second ball of the over before two dots from the next two balls. A leg bye from the fifth ball of the over brings one and then the over finishes with a dot ball. Good over from the youngster.
Overs 7: AFG 42-1 Ali hits a single from the first ball of the over. Stanikazi then goes big from the second ball smashing the spinner away for a four. The next three deliveries are all dot balls before a single from the final ball of the over. Decent start for Herath.
Ragana Herath comes into the bowling attack for Sri Lanka to replace Matthews.
Overs 6: AFG 36-1 Stanikazi starts the over by getting two runs from the first ball. The next three deliveries only go for three singles. A dot delivery is bowled from the fifth ball before a single is hit from the final ball. End of the power play sees Afghanistan going at run a ball.
Dushmantha Chameera comes into the bowling attack for Sri Lanka to replace Kulasekara.
Overs 5: AFG 30-1 Stanikzai gets of the mark first ball of the over with a flick to the leg side for a single. Ali then hits lovely shot to the leg side for a boundary. Two singles follow from the next two balls. Before Matthews bowls a wide. The bowler finished well with two dot balls to end the over.
Overs 4: AFG 22-1 The over starts with a dot. Ali finally shows some aggression himself but is lucky to get away with a streaky boundary. Next ball Ali then gets hold of one and hits a lovely shot for a four. Two dot balls follow and then Ali hits a two from the final ball.
Overs 3: AFG 12-1 Ali tucks away a single to leg side for one off the first ball of the over. Mathews then bowls a wide before two dot balls in a row. Shahzad finally shows some aggression smashing a four straight back down the ground. Shahzad then tries to hit another big shot but this time he skies it in the air and it is caught. Big wicket for for Sri Lanka to get.
Asghar Stanikazi is in at number three for Afghanistan.
Wicket for Sri Lanka! Mohammed Shahzad is gone for eight off twelve balls. Matthews the bowler. Dushmantha the catcher.
Overs 2: AFG 6-0 Kulasekara starts the the over with a wide before Shahzad hits the next ball for two runs. The rest of the over is good with all the deliveries being dot balls. Slow start to the game.
Nuwan Kulasekara will open the bowling from the other end for Sri Lanka.
Overs 1: AFG 3-0 Shahzad gets of the mark first ball with a flick to the leg side for a single. The next three deliveries are dot balls. Noor Ali then gets a single to get off the mark before Shahzad gets another single of the final ball of the over.
Angelo Matthews will open the bowling for Sri Lanka. Mohammed Shahzad is on strike for Afganistan.
AFGHANISTAN 1ST INNINGS
13:44 - Afghanistan Team: M Shahzad, N Zadran, A Stanikzai, K Sadiq, G Naib, S Shenwari, N Zadran, S Shafiq, R Khan, D Zadran, H Hassan.
13:43 - Sri Lanka Team: Dilshan, Chandimal(w), Thirimanne, Kapugedera, A Mathews(c), M Siriwardana, Shehan Jayasuriya, T Perera, Kulasekara, Chameera, Herath.
13:35 - Afghanistan have won the toss and have chosen to bat first!
13:30 - It's time for the toss!
It will take a fantastic performance from Afghanistan and an off day from the Sri Lankan's if the Afghans can cause one of the biggest shocks in recent years as there should be some gulf in class between the two given that some of the Afghanistan players are only part-time and have other lives outside of cricket and this event gives them a real chance to show their worth and put their name out there and become hero's back home.
The retirement of stalwarts Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene has hurt the Islanders, as they have not yet found suitable replacements for them. Malinga is travelling with the team but might sit out of the clash; otherwise Sri Lanka have no injury worries. As for the minnows Afghanistan have some players who have played consistently and in Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Shahzad and the Zadran brothers, they have experienced players who have played International cricket in the past. While they are not expected to win here, do not write Afghanistan off as they are capable off pulling a shock win over the present Sri Lankan side.
The Afghans will certainly have more rhythm heading into this one as they have been playing in the previous stages and so by now will know the conditions well and know exactly what to expect. Even though they were playing against the so called lesser nations in the past couple of weeks, they have been performing well mainly with the bat which will give them great levels of confidence heading into the first match.
It will be vital for both teams to get off to a brilliant start to the competition, as with only four games in this stage, if you lose your first one your facing the prospect of needing to win your final three matches in order to progress through to the semi-finals.
The last time these two sides met was back in the 2015 World Cup where Sri Lanka came out on top by four wickets with ten balls remaining. The game though showed that Afghanistan could push the Sri Lankans close and, therefore, they will take faith into this game that they can cause an upset.
Since winning the 2014 World T20, Sri Lanka have struggled somewhat, which is mainly down to losing some of their key players in Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene who have both retired. Since then there has been a period of transition for the Sri Lankan team with the captain Angelo Matthews trying to lead his team back to where they were two years ago.
Afghanistan qualified for the Super 10's last week after topping their group; which consisted of Zimbabwe, Hong Kong and Scotland. therefore, they will be confident going into this game. Overall the Afghans have won 16 of their last 19 T20 fixtures. The Sri Lankans though come into the game in bad form having only won three of their last thirteen T20 fixtures.
This is the second game in Group 1 after England faced off against the West Indies yesterday. Both teams will know it is vital to get off to a perfect start in the group with how short this tournament is. Sri Lanka come into the game as favourites, but Afghanistan are on the rise and won't be pushovers in the group.
Good afternoon, all! Hello, and Welcome to VAVEL UK's live ball-by-ball commentary of this World T20 Group 1 clash, between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. The toss is set for around 13:30 GMT, with the game getting underway at 14:00 GMT, weather permitting. Stick with us as we preview and build up to this hugely exciting game.