10.53pm A single-handed effort from Dilshan has carried his team to a quality win against a spirited opposition. SL were in trouble during more than a few moments of that chase but Dilshan kept his head and his nerve to find the gaps when required. A few cameos from the rest of the batting also helped ease the rate towards the end. Afghanistan were good, not great, and therefore did not have enough in the shed to trouble the experience of a quality team. Loads of misfield, full tosses and ill-directed deliveries did not help either. They can take a lot of heart from the comeback though and put on a good show against other members of the group.

Tillakaratne Dilshan is the Player of the Match: Two games I had two ducks, but I needed runs going into the big games. I'm really happy that i finished the game. 150 is a good total, this wicket is slow. Later a little dew helped. They had some quality bowlers but we managed very well in the middle. Twos and threes, every wicket we tried to put up a small partnership. Come to these kinds of tournaments, first match is very important that I get some runs. Senior guys need to stand up and do it for the team. The middle order can bat around us."

Asghar Stanikzai: The total was good, not bad but Dilshan played really well. He took responsibility and played well. When you play big teams, our fielding wasn't good. we'll trey our best. Approach is good. Thanks to our president and parliament members for their support."

Angelo Mathews: "We haven't played too well in the recent past. Credit to the Afghan batters, they put us under lots of pressure. We played really good cricket in the practice games, the attitude was superb. No matter who you play, you have to be positive. We aren't looking too far ahead, if we click we can do anything."

These two might target this over to ensure this doesn't get to a last over

Saurabh: "This win will surely lift the SL's spirit. They are here to defend the title as well. Dilshan coming to form is a great news for them."

Haroon: "As much as we lament their poor fielding...have to take into account their infrastructure..This team is worthy of more international exposure"

Nivas: "Win or loss is secondary. Afg has earned the respect of all those who watch/follow the match now"

This contest in SL's favour, wickets changes things though. Dawlat returns

SE: "Don't think anyone has noticed, but Rashid is more of the googly bowler who bowls an occasional leg break, and not the conventional leg spinner"