Cricket Highlights, March 12: Asian Legends League 2025 (5th Match) – SLLS vs AFGP

SLLS vs AFGP (5th Match) – Highlights

In a thrilling encounter at the Miraj International Cricket Stadium in Udaipur, the SLLS emerged victorious over AFGP by 13 runs in the 5th match of the Asian Legends League 2025. The match SLLS vs AFGP, which took place on March 12, 2025, was a showcase of intense cricket, with both teams putting up a valiant effort.

SLLS batted first and set a challenging target of 170 for the Afghanistan Pathans. The innings started on a positive note with Leo Fransisco, the wicketkeeper, scoring a crucial 31 runs, while Dilshan’s 29 runs laid the foundation for the innings. However, the middle order faltered under pressure as key players like Lasith Lakshan and Thisara Perera were dismissed cheaply. 

Despite the collapses, Raveen Sayer contributed with a quickfire 35 runs, and Malinda Pushpakumara chipped in with 14 runs. A crucial run out of Mevan Fernando and several dismissals towards the end ensured that Sri Lanka finished with 169 runs for 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Afghanistan Pathans bowled well, with Munis Ansari and Sahejadkhan Pathan being the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets each. Farman Ahmed also played a key role with the ball, taking two wickets, including the important scalp of Thisara Perera.

In reply, AFGP began their chase with some early setbacks. The Sri Lankan bowlers applied early pressure, with Vikum Sanjaya being the standout performer. He picked up the important wickets of Mausib Khan and Shoaib Khan, leaving Afghanistan at 46 for 2 in the fourth over. Asad Pathan tried to stabilize the innings but was run out after scoring 7 runs. 

The Pathans’ batting collapse continued as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Asghar Afghan, the Afghanistan captain, was run out for a mere 6 runs, and Ayaan Khan’s resistance was cut short by Malinda Pushpakumara, who took three wickets in the middle overs, giving Sri Lanka a firm grip on the match. Despite some brief resistance from the tail, including Sahejadkhan Pathan’s unbeaten 6, Afghanistan could only manage 156 runs before being all out in 19.1 overs. 

The Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Vikum Sanjaya (who claimed 2 wickets) and Malinda Pushpakumara, who finished with 3 wickets, were too good for the Afghanistan batters, who struggled to build partnerships.

The match’s defining moments were the consistent pressure created by the Sri Lankan bowlers, the vital middle-order partnerships, and Afghanistan’s inability to chase down the target despite some early breakthroughs. Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack and sharp fielding were the difference between the two teams on the day.

Sri Lankan Lions vs Afghanistan Pathans Scoreboard

Sri Lankan Lions – 169/9 (20)

Afghanistan Pathans – 156 (19.1/20)

Result – Sri Lankan Lions won by 13 runs

Player of the Match – Vikum Sanjaya

SLLS vs AFGP Playing Eleven

Sri Lankan Lions

Leo Fransisco (wk), Dilshan, Lasith Lakshan, Raveen Sayer, Thisara Perera (c), Mevan Fernando, Gamage, Malinda Pushpakumara, Sanjaya, T Thushara, Upul Indrasiri.

Afghanistan Pathans

Mausib Khan, Asad Pathan, Shoaib Khan (wk), Asghar Afghan (c), Ayaan Khan, Khalid Khatib, Mahaboob Alam, Farman Ahmed, Munis Ansari, Ashraf Pathan, Sahejadkhan Pathan.

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