Sri Lanka have set Afghanistan a target of 254 to win their Asia Cup match in Dhaka after reaching 253-6 from their 50 overs this morning.

Afghanistan claimed the wicket of opener Lahiru Thirimanne in the fifth over as they made a strong start.

Kusal Perera made 33 off 49 balls before he dragged Mirwais Ashraf's delivery on to his own stumps. The bowler took his second wicket soon after when he dismissed Mahela Jayawardene for 14.

Kumar Sangakkara impressed at the crease with a knock of 76, but his innings came to an end when he was run out by Dawlat Zadran.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews scored 45 off 41 deliveries, while Dinesh Chandimal was the only other batsman to pass the 20-run mark.

Ashraf took two wickets for Afghanistan, while Hamza Hotak, Dawlat Zadran and Shapoor Zadran took one each.