On September 5, 2023, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, cricket enthusiasts will witness a thriller showdown between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023.
The stakes are high in this encounter, with Sri Lanka having won their sole game in the tournament so far. However, a misstep against Afghanistan could jeopardize their tournament aspirations.
The unpredictable nature of this format means that Afghanistan must not only secure a victory but also do so convincingly to keep their Super Four hopes alive. The margin of their victory will hinge on the match scenario.
This scenario offers Sri Lanka a comfortable cushion, particularly on a Lahore pitch that has displayed an insatiable appetite for runs. This respite will be welcomed by Sri Lanka’s batsmen, who have grappled with less forgiving pitches, particularly during the recently concluded LPL.
The toss, as often is the case, could be a key factor in determining the outcome. While the team bowling second might have to contend with dew, the side bowling first faces a tougher challenge under the scorching Lahore sun.
Despite the conditions, a clash between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan promises to be a closely contested affair.
Sri Lanka demonstrated their ability to take ten wickets in a match, even with injuries to their bowling attack, during their encounter with Bangladesh. On the other hand, Afghanistan must dispel doubts about the resilience of their batting lineup beyond the top order.
As the stage is set for this critical clash, cricket aficionados can anticipate a thrilling contest that will test the mettle of both teams.
Sri Lanka seeks to maintain their winning momentum, while Afghanistan aims to upset the odds and keep their Super Four dreams alive, making this fixture a must-watch encounter in the Asia Cup.
AFG vs SL: Predicted Playing XI
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana
AFG vs SL Complete Squads
Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Perera, Binura Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Dushan Hemantha
Afghanistan Squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Riaz Hassan, Ikram Alikhil, Abdul Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Noor Ahmad, Suliman Safi
Also Read: AFG vs SL, Today Match Prediction, Match 6, Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, 5th September August 2023
