Afghanistan powered to a thrilling three-run victory against hosts Sri Lanka in the third T20 international in Dambulla on Wednesday.
Despite losing the series, Afghan skipper Ibrahim Zadran expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I am happy with the win."
The series had been a tough ordeal for Afghanistan, losing six consecutive matches, with Sri Lanka securing the T20 series, the one-off Test match, and the one-day international series in a comprehensive 3-0 clean sweep.
In a dramatic finish, Sri Lanka needed 36 runs from the last two overs, but Afghanistan's bowlers held their nerve. Dasun Shanaka's run-out brought the chase down to 24 off eight balls, leaving Sri Lanka with 19 runs needed off the final over. The last six balls saw heightened tensions and controversy, with a contentious high full toss not called a no-ball, leading to exchanges between Sri Lankan captain Wanindu Hasaranga and the umpires.
Despite a valiant effort by Kamindu Mendis, who scored an unbeaten 65 off 39 balls, including a maiden T20 half-century, Sri Lanka fell short by three runs. The openers provided a strong start, adding 64 runs in 35 balls, but Afghanistan's bowlers, led by Noor Ahmad, managed crucial breakthroughs.
Afghanistan owed their big total, crossing the 200-run mark, to their openers, particularly Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 70 runs after surviving two dropped catches. Gurbaz acknowledged feeling pressure but credited his success to playing his natural game and taking responsibility.
Sri Lanka's efforts to fight back were hampered by injuries, with Kusal Mendis retiring hurt after a failed boundary attempt and Pathum Nissanka posting a T20 half-century before retiring with a hamstring injury.
Despite Matheesha Pathirana claiming two quick wickets, Afghanistan's total proved insurmountable, securing them a hard-fought victory in the final T20 international.
