The thrilling climax of the Sri Lanka versus Afghanistan ODI series is set to take place on Wednesday, June 7, at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.
Following a dominant performance by Sri Lanka in the second ODI, where they secured a resounding 132-run victory, the series currently stands level at 1-1.
Sri Lanka displayed exceptional resilience in the previous ODI, proving itself to be a formidable force against Afghanistan. However, if they wish to claim the series victory, they must replicate their outstanding performance in this crucial match.
Dasun Shanaka, the captain of Sri Lanka, chose to bat first after winning the toss in the previous match. Opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne (52 off 62) and wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Mendis (78 off 75) played important contributions in establishing a challenging target of 324 runs in 50 overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were instrumental in limiting Afghanistan to just 191 runs in 42.1 overs during the second innings. Dhananjaya de Silva, an all-rounder, claimed a spectacular three-wicket haul and was crucial to Sri Lanka’s victory.
While Afghanistan showcased some commendable individual performances in the second ODI, their overall batting struggled against Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. The return of spinner Rashid Khan in the upcoming game could potentially turn the tide in Afghanistan’s favor.
As Sri Lanka and Afghanistan gear up for the series decider, both teams will be determined to emerge victorious and clinch the coveted series title.
Head-to-Head ODI Record of SL vs AFG
There have been nine ODI games between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has won in 5 of the games out of a total of 9, while Afghanistan has won 3 of them. One game came to an unsatisfactory conclusion.
Total – 9
SL – 5
AFG – 3
No Result – 1
Most Runs SL vs AFG (this ODI series)
Ibrahim Zadran (AFG)- 152 runs
Charith Asalanka (SL)- 97 runs
Hashmatullah Shahidi (AFG)- 95 runs
Most Wickets SL vs AFG (this ODI series)
Fareed Malik (AFG)- 4 wickets
Dhananjaya de Silva (SL)- 3 wickets
Wanindu Hasaranga (SL)- 3 wickets
Mohammad Nabi (AFG)- 3 wickets
Sri Lanka’s Predicted XI
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha
Afghanistan’s Predicted XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
Squads:
Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Angelo Mathews, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dushan Hemantha
Afghanistan Squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Riaz Hassan, Abdul Rahman, Ikram Alikhil
How to watch the SL vs AFG 3rd ODI match live on television in India?
The 3rd ODI match between Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan will be telecasted live on the Sony Sports Network in India.
Where to watch the SL vs AFG 3rd ODI match live streaming India?
The live streaming of the 3rd ODI match between Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan will be done on the SonyLIV application and website in India.
Also Read: SL vs AFG Today Match Prediction, 3rd ODI, 7th June 2023