Afghanistan Make Cricket World Cup History, Dilshan Shines and More from Day 13
On one side of the Tasman on Thursday, Afghanistan, as a team, were making Cricket World Cup history; on the other, Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan was doing the same on his own.
For Afghanistan, their dramatic victory over Scotland at the University Oval in Dunedin was the nation's first World Cup win—a triumph achieved in their maiden trip to the global tournament.
At one point, at 97 for seven in response to 210, it looked unlikely for Mohammad Nabi's side. Not long after, at 132 for eight, it looked practically impossible.
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But just as Ireland had done a day earlier against the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan found something from nothing. An unlikely lifeline. A way out.
The man responsible was Samiullah Shenwari, who struck a memorable 96 with several lusty blows to propel his team past the Scots—all while being accompanied by a pair of tail-enders with one-day international batting averages of less than seven.
Naturally, the post-match scenes were jubilant.
In Melbourne, meanwhile, Dilshan blazed his way to an unbeaten 161 against Bangladesh at the MCG—the highest score by a Sri Lankan in World Cup history and the highest ODI score ever that didn't contain a six.
For the veteran right-hander, it was the perfect way to atone for his first-ball duck against Afghanistan last time out, putting together an exhibition of classical stroke play that somewhat defied the unconventional tag he's earned himself.
With a gorgeous array of drives and an impressive collection of elegant back-foot strokes, the 38-year-old, along with Kumar Sangakkara (105 not out), steered Sri Lanka to a total of 332 for one that never looked reachable for a shambolic Bangladesh.
The Tigers, in a chaotic kind of mess all day, fell 92 runs short.
More ICC Misery
Just one day earlier, Ireland's thrilling win over the UAE in Brisbane had already heaped more woe on the International Cricket Council for its much-criticised decision to restrict the next two World Cups to 10 teams and basically draw a line through the Associate nations.
But if the governing body thought Thursday would provide some respite, it was wrong.
In Dunedin, two more Associate nations did battle, and another thrilling contest ensued, making a mockery of ICC Chief Executive David Richardson's pre-tournament statement regarding "evenly matched" teams and once more providing the day's best entertainment.
Bangladesh's String of Clangers
When Bangladesh sit down for their video session in the aftermath of their defeat to Sri Lanka, the tape containing the team's errors might have the Tigers settling in to armchairs with some popcorn.
The video will be epically long. Lord of the Rings long. The entire trilogy.
Anamul Haque put down a sitter from Lahiru Thirimanne in the first over before Mushfiqur Rahim missed a stumping to give the Sri Lankan another life.
Once Thirimanne had departed—the only Sri Lankan wicket to fall—Sangakkara was dropped twice, on 23 and 60. The second of those saw Mominul Haque grass the most regulation chance at point you'll ever see before firing at the stumps, with the bowler and back-up fielder not even looking to concede three overthrows—something that occurred several times throughout the innings.
Later, with the bat, Anamul and Mahmudullah spent a period in the middle scrambling mindlessly between the wickets, often ending up at the same end and looking as though it was a task completely foreign to them.
Predictably, Anamul was run out.
Shot of the Day
On an action-packed day at the Cricket World Cup, any number of shots from Shenwari, Dilshan and Sangakkara could have been given the nod as the day's finest.
But in our eyes, putting the ball on the roof of the stands is the way to win.
And that's what Shenwari did, launching Majid Haq high over deep mid-wicket and well beyond the reach of the crowd.
Delivery of the Day
This, from Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga, is a pretty good way to start your first spell:
Catch of the Day
Afghanistan wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai took a terrific diving, one-handed catch off the bowling of Shapoor Zadran to dismiss Scotland's Matthew Cross, his opposite number, on Thursday.
It wasn't the first time the pair had briefly been the centre of attention at this World Cup:
Pool A Standings After Thursday's Games
| New Zealand | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | +3.586 |
| Sri Lanka | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +0.047 |
| Australia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | +2.220 |
| Bangladesh | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | +0.130 |
| Afghanistan | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -0.760 |
| England | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -1.415 |
| Scotland | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1.735 |
Reaction
Friday's Schedule
Friday at the World Cup sees a pair of heavyweights in action, with South Africa set to meet the West Indies at the Sydney Cricket Ground in an important Pool B clash. Both sides have already dropped a game and can't afford another loss if they plan on catching India.
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