Before coming to this game, Sri Lanka were beaten by New Zealand by 10 wickets. Afghanistan, on the other hand, also suffered a seven-wicket defeat to Australia in their first game.
Sri Lanka batted first in the match and posted 201 runs in 36.5 overs. Rain washed away two hours and 51 minutes of this battle, and it was reduced to a 41-over-a-side contest.
As per the DL Method, 187 was set as the target for Afghanistan who tumbled for 152 all-out in 32.4 overs and lost the game by 34 runs (DL Method).
Afghanistan added 34 runs in the first wicket stand but failed to capitalise this start as they lost five wickets in next 23 runs (57 for five).
However, in the sixth-wicket stand, Gulbadin Naib and Najibullah Zadran added 64 runs, but that was not enough for them to avoid the second successive loss in the World Cup.
Pradeep bagged four wickets for 31 runs and Malinga took three for 39 to seal the game. Pradeep was adjudged the man of the match.
Earlier, Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bowl first. Sri Lanka made a flying start as their openers posted 92 runs in the opening stand.
The first-wicket stand was broken when Mohammad Nabi removed Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne for 30 runs. In the second-wicket stand, Kusal Perera and Lahiru Thirimanne added 52 runs.
However, in the 22nd over, Nabi took three more wickets and Sri Lanka suffered a big blow. They slipped to 146 for four from 144 for one.
Rain hit the game when Sri Lanka were in trouble at 182 for eight. After the rain, Sri Lanka added 13 more runs and lost their two remaining wickets.
Eventually, the Island nation tumbled for 201 runs. Kusal was the highest scorer for Sri Lanka hitting 78 off 81 with eight fours.
For Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi bagged four wickets for 30 runs in nine overs while Dawlat Zadran and Rashid Khan took two wickets each conceding 34 and 17 runs respectively.
Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan in their next game on June 7 at County Ground, Bristol, while Afghanistan will lock horns with New Zealand on June 8 at The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton.