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Zadran stars in Afghan win

Zadran stars in Afghan win
Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran (left) plays a shot during the first one-day international against Sri Lanka in Hambantota on Friday. –AFP PHOTO

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Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran starred with run-a-ball 98 in his team's six-wicket win against hosts Sri Lanka in the first of three one-day internationals on Friday.

Zadran and Rahmat Shah (55) top scored to steer the visitors to 269-4 in the 47th over after they won the toss and chose to field first in Hambantota.

Earlier Charith Asalanka top-scored with 91 to help Sri Lanka reach a below-par 268 all out after a shaky start pushed them to 84-3 inside 20 overs.

The 21-year-old Zadran was dismissed by Kasun Rajitha, who was Sri Lanka's most effective bowler on the day, and finished with 2-49 in his 10 over spell.

Mohammad Nabi (27) and Najibullah Zadran (7) remained unbeaten at the end to steer Afghanistan to victory.

Earlier, a 99-run stand between Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva for the fifth wicket rescued the hosts. De Silva made 51 before being bowled by Nabi.