Herath keeping things relatively tidy around 82km but not looking particularly threatening. This is the fellow who we saw take 5-3 against New Zealand no less in last year's World T20.

Image source, AFP

Stanikzai is in sight of his fifth ODI fifty here, he was out for 27 the first time his team played the Sri Lankans. He picks up another boundary with a cut off Perera and his running is admirable, racing off the mark and always looking for more than a single.

Jeebay 9870:, external Hamilton Mazakadza and the rest of the Zimbabwe team smacking Dale Steyn around the park. #bestcwcmomentsofar

Vic Marks
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"This is a good partnership for Afghanistan. Stanikzai, in particular, has really impressed. I am still salivating by his big six, as is the spectator who took that catch so spectacularly in the stand."

Herath gets through his overs alarmingly quickly from a text commentary point of view, much like one of his predecessors, the great Sanath Jayasuriya, who is in attendance looking very dapper in a steel blue suit and open neck shirt. A couple of singles to either batsmen was what I saw in the blur.

A picture of the Sri Lankan pitch map shows the vast majority of the bowling has been on a good length, with virtually nothing down the leg-side but Stanikzai collects another boundary by shovelling Perera through mid-wicket. The 10th boundary of the innings, nine fours and a six.

Indeed they haven't, Warren. Prior to the 5-2 home win against England late last year (does that count anymore? ooh harsh) they were beaten 5-0 in India. Spin is introduced in the form of diminutive slow left-armer Rangana Herath. No immediate sign of turn and Stanikzai uses his feet nicely to drive through extra cover for a couple to keep the scoreboard ticking. Time for drinks.

Warren Lees
Ex-New Zealand wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"I'm a little surprised by the Sri Lankans because they have bowled conservative lines and haven't shown us they're the A team in this game. It's a huge opportunity to get a win and show they are getting back in form. They haven't had the most enjoyable run of late."

A hint of blue sky but it looks rather grey over in the distant hills. Just the single in the Perera over.

Afghanistan 67-2 from 15 overs (Sri Lanka won toss)

Run rate: 4.47 per over

Batsmen: Shenwari 11, Stanikzai 19

Fall of wickets: 34-1 (Mangal 10), 40-2 (Ahmadi 24)

Bowling figures: Malinga 4-1-17-0, Lakmal 6-0-20-1, Mathews 4-0-19-1, Perera 1-0-9-0

Scorecard

Radio 5 live sports extra commentary

Warren Lees
Ex-New Zealand wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"One of the Afghanistan batsmen has to go on to get 80 plus. They can't afford batsmen getting in and making 30 if they are going to post a decent total."

Purposeful stuff from the Afghans, running between the wickets more like whippets than Afghan hounds. They have a good presence in the crowd too, enjoying a bit of Bob Marley over the public address between overs. Stanikzai has to receive some treatment on his hind quarters, lying on the turf. It always looks like torture when the physios get into their work.

Mark Savile:, external Catch a ball one-handed and win $NZ1m wow!

They have to share it Mark, but you're right, it's not a bad rate of pay.

Another bowling change as Perera, boldly wearing the number 1 shirt, replaces Lakmal, who returned 1-20 from his opening six-over burst. Two boundaries for Shenwari, an on-drive and a fiercely hit drive through the covers.

Steady stuff from Shenwari against the nagging Mathews. Shenwari has the highest average of the Afghan side, at 36. Only three of them are above 30 and one of those is Mangal, who is of course back in the hutch.

Stanikzai in his 40th ODI has a best of 90 not out against Bangladesh and he brings up the Afghan 50 with a single off Lakmal.

Pete Naylor:, external Pakistan expected to contact the successful orange shirt fan for role as fielding coach.

Pakistan dropped five catches in their defeat by West Indies on Saturday

Not only a six from Stanikzai off Mathews but a one-handed catch in the crowd by one of the orange bullseye T-shirt, external brigade. The third such occasion of the tournament and these guys will share a cash prize. It had to be one-handed because he had his sunglasses in the other one, not that he needs them in these overcast conditions.

Warren Lees
Ex-New Zealand wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"Ahmadi looked very angry with himself looking back at the replay screen as he walked off. I don't think there's much pace in the pitch - it stood up on the pitch like a tennis ball. Shame for Afghanistan to lose two wickets like this after making a good start. They need to dig in now."

Ian:, external Key question. Will Afghanistan score more against Sri Lanka than England did against New Zealand?