With the three-match ODI series at level pegging, hosts Sri Lanka will take on Afghanistan in the series decider in Hambantota on Wednesday, June 7. The home side made a roaring comeback in the series after dishing out a clinical performance in the second ODI to claim a 132-run victory.
It was Sri Lanka’s batting display in the first innings that helped them topple the Afghans, setting up a brilliant finish to an entertaining series. It proposes to be another hard-fought contest between two Asian outfits fighting for bragging rights.
SL vs AFG Match Details
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 3rd ODI Match, Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka 2023
Venue: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 7, 10:00 AM IST
Broadcast & Live Streaming Details: Sony Sports Network, Sony Liv app and website
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium pitch report
The last match at this venue saw the chasing team struggle against the spinners on a sluggish surface despite the batters enjoying their time in the middle in the first innings. Influenced by the outcome of the previous match, the team winning the toss would be inclined to bat first at this venue.
SL vs AFG Probable Playing XIs
Sri Lanka (SL):
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 (AFG):
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 Probable Best Performers
Probable best batter
Kusal Mendis:
Sri Lanka’s eye-catching wicket-keeper batter displayed his dazzling qualities with the bat in the decisive second ODI. While the opener gave an assured start to the home side, it was Kusal Mendis who provided the impetus to the innings with his breezy innings.
Probable best bowler
Wanindu Hasaranga:
The Sri Lankan star made a resounding return to international cricket after missing the ODI series opener. Renowned for his wizardry with the ball, Hasaranga displayed impeccable power-hitting abilities at the fag end of the first innings, smashing 29 runs off just 12 deliveries. He followed that performance with a brilliant three-for to help Sri Lanka to a series-levelling victory.
Today’s Match Prediction: Sri Lanka to win the match