Afghanistan loses the match but wins hearts

Dilshan top scores to help Sri Lanka win their opening match in the ICC World T20 contest.

Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews(2R)celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of Afghanistan batsman Mohammad Shahzad. Source: Getty Images

Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan raise the bat to celebrate the team's win after the World T20 cricket tournament match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Source: Getty Images

Defending champions Sri Lanka produced a strong batting display to see off a spirited Afghanistan side which only began playing Twenty20 internationals in 2010.

 Sri Lankan batsmen Tillakaratne Dilshan’s hit eight fours and three sixes off 56 balls to give the 2014 champions  a strong start.

But then Sri Lanka struggled to build other big partnerships and Afghanistan looked like they were still in with a fighting chance.

However, once captain Angelo Mathews joined Dilshan, they ensured a smooth ending with seven balls to spare.

Afghanistan batsman Asghar Stanikzai celebrates 50 runs during the match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in Dunedin on February 22, 2015. Source: Getty Images

Earlier, Afghanistan which elected to bat first, got off to a slow start against a consistent Sri Lankan bowling attack and at 10 overs were merely 47-3.

But then captain Asghar Stanikzai delivered a spectacular performance of 62 runs in 47 balls with three fours and four sixes firing his young Central Asian side to a respectable score of 153-7.

In the end that was not enough, allowing  Sri Lanka to claim victory in their World Twenty20 opener.

The final score: Afghanistan 153-7 vs Sri Lanka 155-3

"They had some quality bowlers but we managed well in the middle with twos and threes, ' Man of the Match'  Dilshan said. "The senior guys need to stand up and do it for the team. The middle order can bat around us."

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