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.
Sri Lankan Tillakaratne Dilshan raises the bat to celebrate the team's win against Afghanistan in Kolkata on March 17, 2016.(DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
However, once captain Angelo Mathews joined Dilshan, they ensured a smooth ending with seven balls to spare.
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.
Afghan cricket spectators cheer for their team in the match against Sri Lanka in Kolkata on March 17, 2016. (DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
Afghan batsman Asghar Stanikzai celebrates half a century during the match against Sri Lanka in Dunedin on February 22, 2015. (Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
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."