Afghanistan scripted a memorable win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the three-match series against the island nation, as they won the match by six wickets. After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Afghanistan bowlers restricted the hosts to 268 in their allotted 50 overs. In reply, they chased down the target in 46.5 overs riding on a magnificent knock from Ibrahim Zadran (98 off 98).
After a humiliating loss in the first ODI, the Dasun Shanaka-led side doesn’t have much time to regroup as the two teams will once again lock horns in the second ODI on Sunday, June 4, at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota.
SL vs AFG Match Details
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 2nd ODI Match, Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka 2023
Venue: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota
Date & Time: Sunday, June 4, 9:30 AM IST
Broadcast & Live Streaming Details: Sony Sports Network, Sony liv app and website
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium pitch report
There have been a total of 24 ODIs played at the stadium, out of which teams chasing have won on 12 occasions. The average first innings score batting first at the venue is 251. The highest total recorded at the venue is 368/4 by Sri Lanka vs Pakistan while the highest chased total is 312/2 by Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe. Therefore, the Captain winning the toss will look to bowl first keeping the past record of the venue in mind.
SL vs AFG Probable Playing XIs
Sri Lanka (SL):
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka (c), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara
Afghanistan (AFG):
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
SL vs AFG Probable Best Performers
Probable best batter
Charith Asalanka
The 25-year-old played a brilliant knock of 91 off 95 balls in the first ODI and unfortunately missed out on his hundred as he got run out in the last over. Asalanka will look to play another marvellous knock to guide his team to a good score in the second ODI as well.
Probable best bowler
Fareed Ahmad
The 28-year-old bowled a brilliant spell of 2/43 in eight overs and got the big wicket of Angelo Mathews. The left-arm seamer will look to bowl his team to victory in the second ODI by dismissing the top batters from Sri Lanka.