Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 3rd ODI at Kandy, SL v AFG, Nov 30 2022 - Ball by Ball Commentary

And that brings an end to this riveting series between two very evenly matched sides. The spoils were shared 1-1 in the end but that arguably is the fairest result, as both these sides on several occasions showed glimpses of some top class cricket. Truth be told, a five-match series would not have gone amiss. But if you're craving more Sri Lankan cricket, the LPL starts in less than a week, so be sure to join our coverage of that! But until then, on behalf of Shashwat, Chandan and Ranjith, it's me (Madushka) signing off!

Winning captain Dasun Shanaka: "First of all I should thank the crowd that came to support us. It was a great game of cricket, we started really well. At times we were down in the chase, but the partnerships kept us going. In the middle phase with the ball, we were a little indisciplined, and a little worried about the umpiring decisions that went against, so we should have focused more on the game. Plan with the bat was to bat until the 45th over. [Dunith and Charith?] Charith did outstanding, and he's a great finisher. Dunith whenever he comes on to the field he has tended to deliver for us, not with the ball today, but with the bat."

Losing captain Hashmatullah Shahidi: "Score was good enough, but unlucky cos the Sri Lankan batters chased really well. When Rashid came to bowl he did his job really well, but I think the other bowlers didn't really stick to the plan. But still I think the Sri Lankan batters did really well. It was a good experience playing here, Sri Lanka are tough team in their home conditions, but very happy with the good cricket we played."

Player of the Series goes to Ibrahim Zadran: "First of all I will say I'm very about my performance. I thought there was a difference from the last two games. The ball was coming on slow, and sometimes it wasn't coming on a little low. So I took my time and wanted to go for as long as possible. We lost three wickets early on, and at that time Najibullah and I put on a good partnership, but as that went on we started to get in and targeting 300. I'm feeling so great, I've just started my cricket and I just want to get better for my country and the people of Afghanistan. I want to dedicate this award to my parents and my family for supporting me in my cricket."

Player of the Match award goes to Charith Asalanka: "I'm really happy with our team performance, we were behind in the game but we did really well. [on partnership with Dasun] Firstly I believe in my captain, and he kept the scoreboard ticking with a good strike rate, so I'm very happy. As for Wellalage, we know that he has the talent and he proved what he's capable of doing. [how are you feeling?] Now it's getting better, but out in the middle I was just focusing on staying till the end."

Presentation time...

Mahz mahroof : "To sum it up all three new weds put on performance for Lanka! Rajitha in his first spell, pathum with the opening partnership and charith in the buffle and end!"

Avinash: "In a team when u see a batsman score 162 and bowler taking 4 wkts for 37 runs, you wud thk that team wud have won...well played sri lanka...better effor from other players from afg wud have helped them hard loss."

10.38pm Well! What a way to end what has been an absolutely tub thumping series between these two sides! Afghanistan fought every step of the way, but the final blow is struck by the hosts. And in the process, Sri Lanka have completed the highest ever chase in Pallekele! Charith Asalanka stands tall on 83*, but it was 19-year-old Dunith Wellalage with his 21-ball 31 that revived Sri Lanka from the mat after Rashid Khan had landed some potentially knock out blows at the death. In fact the entire game was filled with potentially match-winning hands, starting with Ibrahim Zadran's 138-ball 162 - the highest ever score by a visiting batter in SL - followed by a 100-run opening stand between Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, and then another crucial 79-run partnership between Asalanka and skipper Dasun Shanaka, before Rashid returned to strike some decisive blows on his way to figures of 4 for 37. But in the end it was Asalanka and Wellalage that remained, securing a win that will last long in the memory for the Lankans.

Imam: "People who are watching FIFA...Plzz...change the channel....return to cricket...and enjoy the thriller lest you should think yourself wretched "

7 off 4.

13 off 6. Farooqi to bowl the final over.

Ran: "Dumith is a fighter, I hope he gets to play more often. No point keep playing failing Chandi all the time."

Equation down to 14 off 7.

Dr Aminul : "Why AFG choose Gulbadin to ball the penultimate over. In 2019 World cup, they lost to Pakistan due to his bowling. Is he will be the reason of heartbreak for AFG again?"

29 needed off 12. Asalanka on strike. Naib given the ball.

Praveen: "The afghans have found it, and it is called on air as well. It will be the short ball against Asalanka. Wellalage has to step in now - he has the ability."

End of a fine, potentially match-winning spell from Rashid. 10-0-37-4.