Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, 12th Match, Pool A at Dunedin, , Feb 22 2015 - Ball by Ball Commentary

6.57 pm: In the end, Sri Lanka pull away with the two points, but Afghanistan can surely stand up and take a bow for what has been an encouraging performance with both bat and ball, as they threatened to take away the game from the Sri Lankans for large stretches of the match. Looks like the Associates are going to provide a few more surprises yet. We also hope you all enjoyed our coverage of this exciting match from Dunedin. Don't forget we have a live show of Match Point going, along with the India v South Africa clash which is taking place right now. Till the next time, though, this is Rohan Sharma signing off on behalf of ESPNcricinfo. Ciao!

Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka captain: Feeling a bit of relief [at the moment]. Thought we came back well after going down with a lot of pressure. We really need to raise our standards to compete against the top teams. It was a see-saw kind of game. They started off beautifully, and then we pulled back in the end. I was actually struggling to time the ball, but I knew I had to stay out there with Mahela to get some kind of stand going. Those runs from Perera at the end were unbelievable. (Twitter question - How calming was Mahela?) We try to float him around in the middle if needed, or up the order if we require his sort of experience.

Mohammad Nabi, Afghanistan captain: The first 30 overs after the 15-over power play we didn't play well. I felt we were short by 30-40 runs. We bowled really well in those first 10-15 overs, putting pressure on them in the end. We also missed out on a few run outs, but we definitely kept them to a tight game, so we are pleased. The way Mahela and Mathews played was brilliant, and they didn't seem to have any pressure. I hope we play well in the next game as well. Both Dawlat and Shapoor bowled brilliantly, and hopefully they will be fitter for the next game too.

6.50 pm: We are expecting more quotes from the captains so don't go anywhere just yet! We will also be broadcasting a live show of Match Point for you shortly as well.

Mahela Jayawardene, Man of the Match: All credit to Afghanistan. Thought they batted really well in tough conditions, then followed it up beautifully with the ball. So feeling really relieved in the end to get over the line. They have the pace, the movement, and they are a handful. Not a big gap between the top countries and these guys. The wicket was looking a bit difficult, but when I joined Mathews it was important to try and hang in there and finish off the game. I thought Thisara played really well to finish it off for us. It was a bit of wait after the first game, but we do have two quick games coming up, so we are looking to get prepared for those.

Mahela Jayawardene is the Man of the Match

6.44 pm: And after that final thwack through the covers, Sri Lanka have won by four wickets, and not too many balls left, as they seal their maiden victory of the tournament, but only just. Afghanistan gave them a serious run for their money with both bat and ball today. But in the end, it was Perera's 26-ball 47 that proved to be the difference between the sides, although the new-ball effort from the Zadrans and Hamid Hassan, proved there is plenty to be hopeful about in the games to come.

Just 1 needed now off 12

Nabi on to bowl.

Sudhanshu: "It's sad for a romantic lover of cricket to see the valiant afghans going down!!! Well played guys!!! but another wicket and who knows?"

Mridul Shandily: "Poor captaincy by Nabi here. With 6 an over required, your best bowler Hamid Hasan should be bowling the 47th and 49th overs. If Dawlat goes for runs, there will be no point holding back Hamid for the 50th!"

The Zadrans now on in tandem as Dawlat joins his namesake

Baxter: "This is brilliant to watch/read. Who would have thought Ireland/WI in Hamilton and now Afghanistan/SL in unglamorous Dunedin would be the two most exciting/captivating games of the WC so far?"

Kunal: "If Perera goes then SL will be running on fumes.."