Top order runs, middle order cameos take Sri Lanka to 323 for 6 in second Afghanistan ODI

Strong top order contributions and cameos from Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga at the end propelled Sri Lanka to 323 for 6 in their 50 overs in the second ODI against Afghanistan in Hambantota a short while ago. 

It was Sri Lanka's highest ODI score batting first since February 2020, when they scored 345 for 8  against the West Indies at this same ground. 

An opening wicket partnership of 82 between Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne set Sri Lanka, who won the toss and opted to bat first, on course. 

By the time both were dismissed Sri Lanka were 110 in the 23rd over. 

Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama then added 88 for the third wicket, before the latter was dismissed by Mujjeeb ur-Rahman for 78. 

Sri Lanka's top scorer from the first ODI, Charith Asalanka, fell cheaply for 6, but de Silva, Shanaka aDe nd Hasaranga ensured the hosts would not lose their momentum. 

De Silva was the more pragmatic of those there, scoring 29 off 24 balls, with Shanaka, 23 off 13, and Hasaranga 29 off 12, took Sri Lanka to 323.