Match Preview
It is going to be SL vs AFG tomorrow at Hambantota’s Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium.
Both these teams are looking in great form at the moment and are now also trying to finalize their playing XI for the upcoming ODI World Cup.
Talking about their last series, then Sri Lanka was completely whitewashed by New Zealand in the ODI series by 2-0.
On the other hand, Afghanistan also has a competitive squad for this ODI series and will be keen on defeating the hosts.
Their last tour came in 2022 wherein they managed to draw the series 1-1 with Sri Lanka. Thus, they will now look to dominate this series.
Thus, this game will be a great one between these two sides tomorrow and their fans will also enjoy it for sure.
Match Details
Match: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 1st ODI
Venue: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
Date: 2nd June 2023
Time: 10:00 AM IST
Pitch Report
The wicket at Hambantota will provide equal competition between batters and bowlers as it is a neutral wicket. Whereas the batters will enjoy batting on this pitch, spinners will be effective throughout the game. Furthermore, the average first innings score at this venue is 260-280 runs.
Full Squads for SL vs AFG, 1st ODI
Sri Lanka
Angelo Matthews, Charith Asalanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Pathum Nissanka, Chamika Karunaratne, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
Afghanistan
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmat Shah, Shahidullah, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Abdul Rahman, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia-ur-Rehman
Probable Playing XI for SL vs AFG, 1st ODI
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Angelo Matthews, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kasun Rajitha, Maheesh Theekshana
Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Match Prediction for SL vs AFG, 1st ODI
From the team combinations and previous results, we can say that Sri Lanka will win this game for sure.
Furthermore, Afghanistan will have to play better cricket if they want to make a positive impact on this series.
Therefore, this is going to be an exciting ODI series for sure. Moreover, both teams are equally strong on paper and hence, will go toe-to-toe.
Moreover, both teams have quality spinners in their bowling units who will be effective in this series.
Furthermore, the wicket at Hambantota is expected to play out be a sluggish track for both teams.
Additionally, Sri Lanka has enough firepower in their batting lineup that can help them win this game.
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