SL VS AFG 2nd ODI key players
SL VS AFG 2nd ODI Key Players: Afghanistan made a big impression by defeating the hosts by 60 runs in the first ODI on Friday.
After posting an above par 294 on board, Afghans bowlers didn’t let the Sri Lankan batters to set on crease, as a result they claimed a solid victory and a 1-0 lead in the three match series.
It was Nissanka’s 85 and Hasaranga’s 66 that helped Sri Lanka to reach somewhere close, otherwise they would have been bowled out for even less than 150.
Afghanistan’s top-order was just exceptional in first ODI, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah both recorded half-centuries, while Ibrahim Zadran scored a blistering century.
This is a crucial series for both teams because it is part of the ICC World Cup 2023 League. Given that Sri Lanka is currently in 10th place and Afghanistan is currently in 7th place in the Super League standings, both teams must play strong cricket to keep themselves in the running for a direct entry into the World Cup.
It’s important to note that only the top eight teams will be eligible for direct entry.
SL Vs AFG When and where to watch?
The live telecasting of the series between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will be available to watch on ICC.tv for free.
While you can track all the live updates of the SL Vs AFG ODI series on the stumps and bails website as well.
SL Vs AFG Players to watch out for
The players to watch out for in the second ODI series between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan would be the wicket keeper batter Pathum Nissanka, skipper of Sri Lanka Dasun Shanaka. Nissanka, was the only top-order batter in the last game, who keep his side in game with an 85-run knock. Maheesh Theekshana and Lahiru Kumara will lead the bowling department for Sri Lanka.
It would be intriguing to observe how the quality Afghan batters, such as Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran, perform while on tour in Sri Lanka because they can all score runs quickly and provide their team an advantage over the opponent. Rahmat Shah and Rahmanullah Gurbaz each struck fifty, and Ibrahim Zadran recorded a century, just like they did in the first ODI.
The team Sri Lanka should be careful of are the Afghan bowlers Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi.
SL Vs AFG Playing 11
Sri Lanka 11
Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara and Kasun Rajitha
Afghanistan 11
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Noor Ahmed
SL Vs AFG Fantasy Tips
Batters: Pathum Nissanka, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah
Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis
All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Wanindu Hasaranga
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara
SL Vs AFG: captain and vice-captain picks:
Captain: Rashid Khan
Vice-Captain: Wanindu Hasaranga
