Tillakaratne Dilshan jumps up in joy after scoring the winning runs against Afghanistan at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday. After three successive loses in the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka's win in its opening World T20 match will give the islanders a sense of relief.
Angelo Mathews (second from right) celebrates the fall of first Afghan wicket — Mohammad Shahzad, at Eden Gardens on Thursday. Sri Lankan bowlers snapped up early wickets to keep Afghanistan on the edge.
But captain Asghar Stanikzai stood tall with a fiery 62 to help his team reach a competitive total of 153 for seven. Curiously, England's women cricketers also scored a similar total (153 for seven) against Bangladesh in the other World T20 match of the day.
Sri Lanka started the chase well with a 41-run opening stand but lost few quick wickets in the middle. However, with opener Tillakaratne Dilshan still around, the islanders chased down the stiff target with an over to spare. Dilshan scored an unbeaten 83 on Thursday.
Earlier in the day, England captain Charlotte Edwards scored an elegant 51-ball 60 against Bangladesh during the Women's World T20 match in Bengaluru on Thursday.
Bangladesh skipper Jahanara Alam took three wickets but couldn't stop the English batswomen from posting a tough total of 153 for seven.
England players celebrate the wicket of Rumana Ahmed. Bangladesh women were never in the chase and lost constant wickets to end up 36 runs short of the target.
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