3 players to watch out for in Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan clash in Asia Cup 2023

The final Group B match of the ongoing Asia Cup is scheduled for September 5th, pitting Sri Lanka against Afghanistan in Lahore, Pakistan. Sri Lanka commenced the tournament with a victory, whereas Afghanistan faced a defeat at the hands of Bangladesh. As a result, this upcoming showdown becomes a critical must-win situation for Afghanistan to remain in contention. Here are three players to watch out for in the crucial encounter.

1. Charith Asalanka

In the opening match of the tournament, a suave middle-order batter emerged as the saviour for his team when Sri Lanka found themselves in a precarious situation while chasing down a target of 165 runs against Bangladesh. With three wickets down for just 43 runs, Charith Asalanka exhibited remarkable composure and partnered brilliantly with Sadeera Samarawickrama, forging a resilient 78-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Asalanka remained unbeaten, scoring an impressive 62 runs from 92 deliveries, featuring five well-placed fours and a towering six. As the upcoming clash looms, all eyes will be on him to replicate his stellar performance and contribute significantly once more.

2. Ibrahim Zadran

In a formidable display of batting prowess, the Afghan opener delivered a stellar performance, amassing a robust 75 runs from 74 deliveries. Ibrahim Zadran’s innings comprised an impressive tally of 10 fours and one six as Afghanistan undertook a challenging pursuit of 335 runs against Bangladesh. His contribution was particularly noteworthy as he provided a strong start, despite the initial setback of losing the first wicket with only one run on the board. He first orchestrated a resilient 78-run partnership with Rahmat Shah for the second wicket, followed by a solid 52-run stand with Hashmatullah Shahid for the third wicket. Unfortunately, despite Ibrahim Zadran’s heroic efforts, Afghanistan ultimately fell short in their pursuit of victory.

3. Matheesha Pathirana

A young and promising fast bowler catapulted himself into the spotlight with an outstanding display against Bangladesh. Matheesha Pathirana earned well-deserved recognition, securing the Player of the Match award for his remarkable performance, during which he claimed four crucial wickets while conceding just 32 runs in 7.4 overs. His spell played a pivotal role in restricting Bangladesh to a mere 164 runs in 42.4 overs. As a result, anticipation is high as cricket enthusiasts eagerly await his performance in the upcoming clash. Pathirana’s distinctive and deceptive bowling action has the potential to catch Afghanistan off guard once again, making him a player to watch closely.