Excitement fills the air as Sri Lanka (SL) and Afghanistan (AFG) gear up to face each other in the first match of their three-match ODI series. The showdown will take place at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota on Friday, June 2.
Sri Lanka’s last ODI series outing was in March, where they faced a disappointing 2-0 defeat against New Zealand. However, the inclusion of Dimuth Karunaratne in the squad brings a significant boost to the home team as they commence their preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in India this year.
On the other side, Afghanistan has announced a formidable squad for the series, featuring notable players like Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, who join the team after a successful IPL campaign. The last time Afghanistan competed in the 50-over format was in 2022 when they managed a 1-1 draw against Sri Lanka.
Match Details:
Match: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 1st ODI
Date and Time: June 2, 10:00 AM IST
Venue: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota
Pitch Report: The pitch at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota is expected to provide a fair contest between bat and ball. Batsmen can rely on the pace and bounce of the pitch, while spinners are likely to play a crucial role during the middle overs. The average first innings score at this venue ranges from 260 to 280.
Weather Forecast: Both teams will encounter cloudy weather on Friday, with temperatures ranging between 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. Fortunately, the chances of rain are minimal, ensuring uninterrupted play.
Probable XIs:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Angelo Mathews, 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, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
Match Prediction: Both teams possess formidable spin bowling units that could prove advantageous on the slow Hambantota track. However, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup boasts more experience, giving them an edge in the opening fixture of the series. We predict SriLanka to win the match.
As the stage is set for an enthralling encounter, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing the clash between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. The battle between bat and ball, coupled with the unpredictable twists of ODI cricket, guarantees an exciting spectacle for fans worldwide.
