Tillakaratne Dilshan steered Srilanka to a heart-rate-steadying six-wicket win in their opening match of the World T20, but not before Afghanistan reminded them and the rest of Group 1 that they belonged in the Super 10s.

Afghanistan Captain Asghar Stanikzai’s 62 from 47 balls had fired the underdogs to 153-7, having been 51-4 with nine overs left.

But Tillakaratne Dilshan hit 83 after a solid opening with Dinesh Chandimal, while some poor fielding helped Sri Lanka reach their target in Kolkata.

Afghanistan 153-7 (20 overs): Stanikzai 62 (47 balls), Thisara 3-33

Sri Lanka 155-3 (18.5 overs): Dilshan 83 not out (56 balls)

Sri Lanka won by six wickets