Excitement fills the air as Sri Lanka and Afghanistan gear up for the second ODI of their three-match series at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota on Sunday, June 4. After a disappointing 6-wicket defeat in the first ODI, Dasun Shanaka’s team is determined to bounce back and level the series.
In the previous match, Sri Lanka set a target of 269 runs, thanks to an impressive knock of 91 by Charith Asalanka. However, Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqui and Fareed Ahmed picked up two wickets each, restricting the hosts. In response, Ibrahim Zadran’s 98 and Rahmat Shah’s 55 formed a solid partnership, leading Afghanistan to a comfortable victory with 19 balls to spare. Although Sri Lanka’s Kasun Rajitha and debutant Matheesha Pathirana took wickets, it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
The upcoming match holds significance for both teams. Sri Lanka aims to level the series and redeem themselves after the previous loss, while Afghanistan looks to maintain their winning momentum. For Sri Lanka, this match is crucial as they prepare for the World Cup qualifiers scheduled later this month. On the other hand, Afghanistan aims to fine-tune their squad for the upcoming showpiece event in India, scheduled for October-November.
Head-to-Head
In their previous eight ODIs, Sri Lanka has emerged victorious in four matches, while Afghanistan has won three encounters. One match ended in a no-result. Both teams have experienced success against each other, making this contest highly competitive and unpredictable.
Pitch Report and Weather Forecast
The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota has seen 22 ODI matches so far. In the first match of this series, the pitch favored batsmen, with over 500 runs scored across both innings. While the quick bowlers found some assistance initially, the pitch eased up as the match progressed. Spinners had a greater impact than the Sri Lankan tweakers. It is expected that the pitch for the second ODI will behave similarly, providing an opportunity for both batsmen and bowlers to shine.
As for the weather, there is a prediction of showers on the day before the match. However, the match day itself is expected to be mostly cloudy and windy, with a maximum temperature of 33°C. The good news is that there is no threat of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted and thrilling game.
Team News
For Sri Lanka, the return of experienced spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga is highly likely. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will have their star spinner Rashid Khan back in the lineup, strengthening their bowling attack.
Conclusion
With Sri Lanka eager to level the series and Afghanistan aiming to continue their winning momentum, the second ODI promises to be an intriguing battle. As both teams take the field at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, cricket enthusiasts anticipate an exhilarating contest. Fans can look forward to a closely fought encounter as Sri Lanka seeks redemption and Afghanistan strives to maintain their dominance. It’s a clash that will showcase the skill and resilience of both teams, making it a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts around the world.
Prediction: Sri Lanka has a 55% chance of winning the second ODI against Afghanistan, while Afghanistan has a 45% chance of emerging victorious. Sri Lanka will be determined to bounce back after their defeat in the previous match and level the series. With the return of experienced spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s bowling attack is expected to pose a strong challenge for the Afghan batsmen. Additionally, the home advantage and the support of the home crowd can boost Sri Lanka’s confidence.
However, Afghanistan cannot be underestimated. They showcased their strength in the first ODI with impressive performances from Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah. The return of their star spinner Rashid Khan will bolster their bowling attack and add more depth to their squad. Afghanistan will be motivated to maintain their winning momentum and clinch the series.
Both teams possess talented players who can turn the game in their favor. It will be a closely fought encounter, with each team giving their all to secure victory. Ultimately, Sri Lanka holds a slight advantage with their home ground advantage and the desire to level the series. However, Afghanistan’s strong form and resilience make them a formidable opponent. Cricket fans can expect an exciting and intense match between these two teams.
