During the 2023 ODI World Cup match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, a heartwarming incident occurred. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bowl first in the game, which took place at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Both Asian teams entered this match with previous victories, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the semifinals.
As the players lined up for their respective national anthems following Afghanistan’s decision to bowl first, a young child standing in front of the stand-in captain, Kusal Mendis, fainted. Showing true sportsmanship, Mendis immediately came to the child’s aid. A member of the Afghan support staff also rushed over to check on the child and escort them off the field, ensuring their well-being.
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— rajendra tikyani (@Rspt1503) October 30, 2023
In terms of the match itself, Sri Lanka made two changes, with Dushmantha Chameera replacing Lahiru Kumara and Dimuth Karunaratne stepping in for Kusal Perera. Meanwhile, Afghanistan made a single change, with Fazalhaq Farooqi coming in to replace Noor Ahmed.
Here are the lineups for both teams:
Afghanistan Playing XI:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Ikram Alikhil (w)
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Sri Lanka Playing XI:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Dimuth Karunaratne
- Kusal Mendis (w/c)
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Charith Asalanka
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Angelo Mathews
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Kasun Rajitha
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Dilshan Madushanka
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This incident of kindness and sportsmanship on the field added a touching moment to the match between these two competitive teams.
