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[Watch] Shaheen Afridi ‘Toyed’ by Kusal Perera On Latter's ODI Return

image-lmje82bgKusal Perera got his opportunity for Sri Lanka vs Pakistan (X.com)

Kusal Perera played his first ODI after more than two years on Thursday in Sri Lanka’s do-or-die Asia Cup Super Four fixture against Pakistan. The veteran batsman, coming to chase a daunting 252 in 42 overs, got his side off to a perfect start at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

However, the fact that Shaheen Afridi, the leader of Pakistan's pace attack, was the victim was even more significant.

Known for being one of the most aggressive openers Sri Lanka have ever had, Perera played his last ODI in England in July 2021. In his return, the southpaw played a short-arm jab through mid-wicket to get off and running against Shaheen in the opening over.

Two balls later, Shaheen gave Kusal some width, and the latter took the opportunity with both hands by lofting it handsomely over mid-off for another four.


However, Kusal did not stay for long to entertain the crowd. A brilliant run-out from Shadab Khan during the fourth over of Sri Lanka's innings ended his stay. He dived as much as he could, but it was not enough to get back to his crease before the ball broke the stumps with a direct hit. 

As a result, Kusal fell after scoring a brisk eight-ball 17.

At the time of writing, Sri Lanka are batting on 52/1 in 7.4 overs, with Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka in the middle, batting on 18* and 13* respectively.