Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. (Photo Source: Getty Images)
The third and final ODI between Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will be played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota on Wednesday, June 7. Sri Lanka outplayed the visitors by 132 runs in the second ODI on June 4 to level the series 1-1.
After winning the toss, Sri Lankan captain Shanaka decided to bat first. Opener Dimuth Karunaratne (52 off 62) and wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis (78 off 75) were instrumental in setting a lofty 324-run target in 50 overs. Meanwhile, Afghanistan bowlers, who were crucial in their six-wicket victory in the first ODI, struggled against Sri Lanka’s batting order. Fareed Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi grabbed two wickets, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad picked up one each for the visitors.
During the second innings, Sri Lanka bowlers were crucial in restricting Afghanistan to 191 in 42.1 overs. All-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s win, claiming a three-wicket haul. He dismissed Ibrahim Zardan (54 off 75), Shahidi (57 off 62), and Najibullah Zadran, conceding just 39 runs in his ten-over spell. Apart from de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga also claimed three wickets, while Dushmantha Chameera claimed two, and Maheesh Theekshana and Shanaka grabbed one each.
When Sri Lanka and Afghanistan square off in the series decider, both sides will be aiming to clinch the series.
Pitch and Conditions
The surface in Hambantota is flat, which benefits both batters and bowlers equally. Batters who spend some time on the wicket are more likely to score runs. The team winning the toss will likely bowl first since batting becomes easier on this pitch as the game progresses.
Probable Playing XIs for SL vs AFG, 3rd ODI
Sri Lanka
The top-order batters managed to stay longer and contributed significantly to their innings in the second ODI. Meanwhile, the middle-order batters have also performed admirably with the bat. The bowlers were instrumental as they picked up crucial at regular intervals.
Sri Lanka’s predicted XI: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha
Afghanistan
Afghanistan batters struggled against the Sri Lankan bowling attack. As Afghanistan lost the match, their major concern was wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who struggled with the bat in both games. The bowlers also failed to replicate their performance in the first ODI match.
Afghanistan’s predicted XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
SL vs AFG Head-to-Head in ODIs
Played – 9 No Result – 1
SL vs AFG Broadcast Details
Date: Wednesday, June 7
Timing: 10:00 AM IST
Live Streaming – https://app.icc.tv/home
Live Broadcast – Sony Sports Network, Sony Sports Ten 5, Sony Sports Ten 5 HD in India