AFG vs SL Match Prediction & Analysis
In their final group-stage match against a potent Sri Lankan team, Afghanistan will be attempting to rebound from their most recent defeat. If they want to continue competing for a spot in the Super Fours, they must win this match.
In their initial match, Sri Lanka trounced Bangladesh with the ball. They would have preferred a more convincing victory in the contest. Sri Lanka needed just 165 runs to win, but they had to lose 5 wickets in the process.
The top 3 will be worried going into this match because they were unable to get going. Despite their recent defeat, the opposition boasts a fearsome bowling assault, and the Afghanistan team has a lot of potential.
Sri Lanka must make a strong impression. Both teams have several strong spinners, therefore it is expected that they will produce breakthroughs in the middle innings. The pitch in Lahore is a haven for hitters, therefore pacers will struggle to trouble the batters.
SQUAD PREVIEW
Afghanistan Preview
Afghanistan had a strong team at the 2018 Asia Cup. They backed it up with a few more encouraging World Cup performances, including one against Sri Lanka.
Afghanistan’s start this time has been less than stellar. And with just one more game remaining, they need to win to maintain their chances of making the Super Fours.
And while a victory here is not exactly what they need, it should be a significant one that will raise their NRR enough to place them among the top two. And the candidates for this position will be the openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran.
The openers must get off to a strong start on Lahore’s excellent batting pitch because they are known for their aggressive style of play. While others struggled to get going, captain Hasmatullah Shahidi and opener Ibrahim Zadran each scored fifty runs.
At positions 5 and 6, Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi are crucial to Afghanistan’s success. It will be up to these two to form solid partnerships and extend the game if they lose early wickets.
All-rounders with the ability to swing the bat and score some key runs towards the end are Gulabdin Naib and Karim Janat. The three spinners Mujeeb, Nabi, and Rashid may be Afghanistan’s most important bowlers.
Afghanistan’s Predicted XI:
Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are among the players who can score: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
Sri Lanka Preview
Since Sri Lanka won the first game, their NRR is favorable. And even while they might not be significantly affected by a loss here, they should be aiming to secure their place in the Super Fours with a victory.
At number three in this team, Kusal Mendis is an important player who will be motivated to get back on track before the Super Fours. In the most recent game, Sri Lanka found themselves 3 runs down for 43 runs before the middle order of Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka took charge of the recovery.
For the fourth wicket, the two batsman put together a 78-run partnership. Dhananjaya de Silva, the captain and all-rounder Dasun Shanaka, and Dhananjaya de Silva all have a lot of batting experience.
Sri Lanka can get off to a strong start under Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne. They are all excellent hitters, and Karunaratne has the stamina to stay at the top for a longer inning.
Both will have a wonderful chance to recover their groove and resume putting up runs steadily on a decent batting wicket. The main pacers in this setup, Kasun Rajitha and Matheesh Theekshana, will have it tough on this pitch.
M Theekshana is a player to watch out for since she is in excellent form with the spin.
Sri Lanka Predicted XI:
Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c)
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
Weather Conditions
It is a pitch that is good for batting because it has consistent bounce and carry, which helps the ball land neatly on the bat. The lack of movement available for seamers would make it difficult for the bowlers to move around. A sunny day with a high of 37 degrees Celsius is forecast.
Venue Details
The last group-stage match of the Asia Cup will take place between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Although the first inning score here is typically 252 runs, the conditions are favorable for a first inning score of 300 runs. We believe that in order for the side batting first to be in a position to compete, they should be aiming for more than 275 runs.
Toss: To Bat
Of the 63 ODI matches played here, 32 have gone in favor of the team batting first. With their bowling attack, Sri Lanka may put Afghanistan on the back foot if they bat first and make a huge score. Afghanistan would benefit more from batting first as well, especially in light of their recent performance.
Winning Prediction
Sri Lanka will Win this Match
Sri Lanka will believe they can enter this game on a winning note. They have a strong batting order with depth and a ton of experience. Recently, Afghanistan has been erratic, and their batting doesn’t appear to be very promising. Overall, Sri Lanka has the advantage over Afghanistan going into this match, and in our match prediction, they will start as the favorites.
