Sri Lanka emerged from the ruins of a spectacular batting collapse to kick-start their World Cup campaign by beating Afghanistan in Cardiff.
Their 34-run victory looked improbable on a rain-affected day when they lost eight wickets for 57 runs in subsiding from 144 for one to 201 all out.
A delay of more than two hours meant that Afghanistan chased a revised target of 187 off 41 overs, but it proved beyond them as they suffered a second successive defeat in falling to 152 all out.
Tweet of the day
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) June 4, 2019
Former Sri Lanka player Russel Arnold sums up the mood after a tough, but crucial victory for the team that kick-started their World Cup campaign.
Magic over
How good was this over from Mohammad Nabi?
The Afghanistan spinner struck thrice to get rid of Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews 👀https://t.co/3rjlxV0yfc
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 4, 2019
Mohammad Nabi turned the game on its head in Cardiff. Sri Lanka had been cruising along at 144 for one in an impressive recovery following their crushing defeat against New Zealand last Saturday, but Nabi put them in a spin by taking three wickets during an over that spread panic through Sri Lanka's ranks and underpinned them collapsing to 182 for eight before the rain arrived.
Tournament tracker
World Cup snapshot
Sri Lanka paceman Lasith Malinga again underlined his quality as an outstanding bowler at key stages, as he finished off the Afghanistan innings in Cardiff to see his team claim a vital victory.
Stat attack
Brilliant from Nuwan Pradeep. #LionsRoar #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/hfSLXj3emb
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 4, 2019
The key bowling performance from Sri Lanka seamer Nuwan Pradeep, who was called up for the Afghanistan game after missing Saturday's comprehensive defeat against New Zealand, and he justified his selection with an outstanding contribution.
End of an era?
#BreakingNews Dale Steyn out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, with Beuran Hendricks to replace him. More to follow. #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/vZLZWj6kw4
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) June 4, 2019
The news that South Africa paceman Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the tournament with a shoulder injury not only robs the Proteas of the man most likely to raise their prospects after successive defeats, it also leaves the competition without one of its stars. Steyn desperately wanted to make his mark on the World Cup but at 35 he will not grace this stage again. One-day retirement is likely to be close at hand for the fiery quick too.
What's next?
South Africa v India, Southampton (Wednesday, 10.30am)
Bangladesh v New Zealand, The Oval (Wednesday, 1.30pm)
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