In an exciting clash scheduled for Monday, Afghanistan is all set to lock horns with Sri Lanka in the 30th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. This AFG vs SL thrilling encounter will take place at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.
As the tournament unfolds, Afghanistan finds themselves in a precarious position with just two victories out of five matches, placing them in the lower half of the league table.
However, Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi remains hopeful that his team can extend their winning streak when they face the Islanders.
On the other side, Sri Lanka comes into this match on a high note, following a morale-boosting win against England. This crucial victory was largely credited to standout performances from Lahiru Kumara, Pathum Nissanka, and Sadeera Samarawickrama.
Sri Lanka’s playoff aspirations have been reignited with this result, making this encounter with Afghanistan even more significant.
In the upcoming clash, the batting department for Afghanistan will primarily rely on their in-form openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran.
In their last match, Ibrahim Zadran was the standout performer for Afghanistan, finishing his innings with an impressive 87 runs from 113 balls, comprising ten boundaries. Rahmanullah Gurbaz also made a significant contribution with 65 runs off 53 balls, including nine boundaries and one six.
Afghanistan’s bowling unit will depend on the skills of Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi to provide crucial breakthroughs.
In their previous match, Noor Ahmad made an impressive debut in the World Cup, claiming three wickets while conceding 49 runs in his allotted overs. Pacer Naveen Ul Haq also contributed with two wickets.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup will lean on veterans like Kusal Perera, captain Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama.
In the previous match against England, opener Pathum Nissanka showcased his prowess with an unbeaten 77 runs from 83 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes. He received valuable support from Sadeera Samarawickrama, who contributed a splendid 65 not out off 54 balls.
In the bowling department, Sri Lanka will look to Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, Angelo Matthews, and Maheesh Theekshana for pivotal breakthroughs.
Lahiru Kumara was the standout bowler in their previous match, claiming three crucial wickets. Kasun Rajitha and Angelo Matthews also delivered commendable performances, securing two wickets each.
AFG vs SL Probable XI
Afghanistan: 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
SriLanka: 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
