Asia Cup: SL vs AFG Preview – Sri Lanka’s last hurdle before Super four

It’s a do-or-die game for Afghanistan when they take on Sri Lanka in match six of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. Notably, the Lankan Lions have defeated Bangladesh by five wickets in their opening game of the season and will be aiming to keep up with the same and qualify for the Super Four as the league leaders. Afghanistan, on the other hand, suffered an 89-run defeat against Bangladesh in the last match.

Meanwhile, if the Hashmatuallah Shahidi-led side manages to get the win, all three teams will have two points and the run rate will decide the fate of all. Meanwhile, a run fest is expected in Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Sri Lanka will be missing some of their premier pacers in the form of Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara among a few others. Replacing them, Matheesa Pathirana has done a commendable job and hence, a cracking match is expected.

Pitch Conditions:

Batters are likely to dominate like it was in the previous match. Spinners are expected to play an important role in the middle overs and anything over 320 runs will be a good total on this surface.

Venue details: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Last ODI match at the venue: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, 2023, | Result: Bangladesh won by 89 runs

Probable playing XI for Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka clash:

Afghanistan

Ibrahim Zadran and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi were sensational in the last match and will be key for Afghanistan again. On the other hand, Rashid Khan had a tough time in the last match and will be aiming to bounce back.

Probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Sri Lanka

The Dasun Shanaka-led side is unlikely to make any changes to their winning combination. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka will be key with the bat.

Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana