Ibrahim’s century ignites Afghanistan’s turnaround

Opener Ibrahim Zadran scored his maiden Test century as Afghanistan staged a strong comeback in their second innings while Sri Lanka were all out 439 after an hour of play in the first session of the third day at SSC grounds yesterday.The third day belonged to Afghanistan as they put up a strong all round performance, trailing by 42 runs with 9 wickets in hand at the end of the day.The 22-year-old, right-hander Ibrahim Zadran controlled the Sri Lanka bowling attack to complete his maiden century on the first ball of the last over, bowled by Asitha Fernando.Ibrahim Zadran hit 11 boundaries in his unbeaten knock to 217 balls while Rahmat Shah played a fine supporting role scoring 46 in 98 balls with five fours, adding an unbroken 93-run stand for the second wicket to end the day.

Earlier Afghanistan openers Ibrahim Zadran and Noor Ali Zadran added 106 runs for the opening stand with Ali being the only wicket taken by Asitha Fernando, scoring 47 in 136 balls with 5 fours.Sri Lanka resumed the day at 410 for 6 wickets but lost their last four wickets for just 29 runs. 18-year-old Naveed Zadran was the most successful bowler, claiming his best figures 4 for 83 in his 22.5 overs, while Nijat Masood 2 for 76 and leg spinner Qais Ahmed 2 for 98 to lead the bowling attack for Afghanistan.

Meanwhile Sri Lankan debutant paceman Chamika Gunasekara, who scored 16, returned to the pavilion after facing 27 balls in the first innings. He left the field after a ball hit his helmet and was rushed to a Colombo private hospital for a 24-hour observation period. spell. Kasun Rajitha replaced him as the concussion substitute. Rajitha bowled 10 overs, conceding 43 runs, while Asitha Fernando, who took the only wicket in the second innings, finished the day with figures of 1 for 35 in 13 overs.

( Source  :  Daily News )