Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 1st ODI at Kandy, SL v AFG, Feb 09 2024 - Match Result

That's it from us folks. We'll see you again on Sunday for ODI numero dos. Catch you then. Fidel Fernando, Abhimanyu Bose, and Chandan Duorah signing off. Take it easy!

Kusal Mendis: "Pramod bowled well along with Dushy. When the middle overs came the wicket was very good to bat on. That's the main reason for them getting runs then I think. I was thinking it would be a 300-320 wicket. We weren't thinking the pitch would be this good. I'm glad we got in 380 in the end, given they got close."

Hashmatullah: "We decided to bat first because of the dew factor - we thought there would be some towards the end of the innings. In the powerplay overs we were not up to the mark and we gave away a lot of runs. They took that momentum and carried on. When Nabi and Azmat were playing we had hope, and when there were 15 overs left we thought it could happen. But Sri Lanka played well."

Nissanka: "I tried to fix my mistakes (of getting fifties and not converting to 100s), so that's what I did. It was a good pitch to bat on. The start Avishka and I got was the foundation for the score we eventually got."

Player of the match, no surprise is Pathum Nissanka for his 210*.

Afghanistan will be pleased that they got to a serious total even in spite of such odds. Sri Lanka will worry about the health of Chameera, who leads their seam attack.

10.50pm Phew, what a contest! Pathum Nissanka's magnificent double-century seems like a long time ago. Almost as long ago as when Afghanistan were down in the dumps at 55 for 5. But Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi fought valiantly, adding the second-highest partnership for the sixth wicket in ODIs. Both of them scored centuries, recording their individual career-best scores in the format. They fought through cramps and helmet-hits. But in the end, Pramod Madushan's brilliant opening spell with a fine follow-up act from Dushmantha Chameera, proved to be enough to ensure Nissanka's magnum opus didn't go in vain. These two teams have thrown up a thriller, as they often tend to do! What a great game of cricket. And now, Fidel will take you through the presentation ceremony.

Joe: "A win for SL , but great fightback by Afghanistan "

Three balls for Madushan to get a five-for. Three balls for Imarzai to try and reach 150!

Right then, the last over, all but a formality now. Sri Lanka have to have an extra fielder in the circle due to over rate, but it won't matter now

Ryan: "That day is surely not too far away when AFG chase down a massive total after missing out against IND in T20 and giving a really good fight today inspite of being down at 55/5"

Srinivas : "Can we replace these final 2 overs with stick cricket innings please" That's what Omarzai knows he needs to do! Especially given he really can't run much!

Mxpa : "I'm SL fan but I Like the approach of AFG very positive specially against the promising bowlers hasaranga dilshan in other words Mendis is feeling the captaincy pressure"

Prabath: "Any update on chameera?" Think he is out of the game! Not yet back on the field

Samiddhi Gunath: "Azmatullah gives Maxwell vibes!"