In-form Afghanistan will face Sri Lanka in the 30th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 played at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Monday. Afghanistan would be keen to pull off yet another upset by winning against Sri Lanka in the championship
With two victories out of five matches played, Afghanistan is currently lying at the bottom half of the league table. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi will be hoping that the side can continue their winning ways against the Islanders.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka registered a morale-boosting win over England, courtesy of excellent performances from Lahiru Kumara, Pathum Nissanka, and Sadeera Samarawickrama. With this result, Sri Lanka kept their playoff hopes alive in the competition.
Sri Lanka will take heart from the fact that they have won their previous two World Cup encounters (2015,2019) against Afghanistan.
THE VENUE FOR SRI LANKA-AFGHANISTAN GAME
The MCA Stadium in Pune has witnessed high scores due to its flat wicket and lightning-fast outfield. Batsmen have the freedom to play attacking shots confidently, especially against fast bowlers who find little assistance. Spinners, however, have a history of success at this venue
Average 1st Innings Score: 300
Average 2nd Innings Score: 278
TEAM PREVIEW
AFGHANISTAN
In the batting department, the side will be relying on in-form openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, experienced Rahmat Shah, and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai to deliver the bulk of the runs.
In the previous match, Ibrahim Zadran was the star of the show for Afghanistan with the bat and finished the innings with the top score of 87 off 113 balls with the help of ten boundaries. He was well supported by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who chipped in with 65 runs off 53 balls with the help of nine boundaries and one six.
Besides Zadran and Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah found form with the bat for Afghanistan and smashed an unbeaten 77 off 84 balls with the help of five fours and two sixes. He was well supported by skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, who scored 48 not out of 45 balls with the help of four boundaries.
In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the likes of Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi to deliver timely breakthroughs.
In the previous match, left-arm chinaman Noor Ahmad was the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan. In his debut World Cup match, Noor Ahmad claimed three wickets and conceded 49 runs in his full quota of overs.
Besides Ahmad, pacer Naveen Ul Haq conceded 52 runs and picked up two wickets.
EXPECTED XI OF AFGHANISTAN v SRI LANKA
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad
SRI LANKA
In the batting department, the side will be relying on the likes of veteran opener Kusal Perera, captain Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Matthews and Charith Asalanka to deliver timely breakthroughs.
In the previous match against England, opener Pathum Nissanka played well for Sri Lanka and finished the innings with the top score of 77 not out off 83 balls with the help of seven fours and two sixes. He was well supported by Sadeera Samarawickrama, who scored a splendid 65 not out off 54 balls with the help of seven fours and one six.
In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the likes of Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, Angelo Matthews, and Maheesh Theekshana today deliver timely breakthroughs.
In the previous match, pacer Lahiru Kumara was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka and claimed 3 for 35 in his seven overs. Besides Kumara, Kasun Rajitha and Angelo Matthews bowled well and claimed two wickets apiece.
EXPECTED XI OF SRI LANKA v AFGHANISTAN
Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka
PREDICTION FOR THE MATCH
Based on the current form, Afghanistan will fancy their chances of beating Sri Lanka in this fixture.
Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Rahul Dravid Heaps Praise On The Batting Sensation Shubman Gill