Home
Cricket Analysis
Asia Cup 2023 Match 6 Sri Lanka Predicted Xi Vs Afghanistan

Asia Cup 2023, Match 6 | Sri Lanka Predicted XI vs Afghanistan

image-lm52p6a3 Sri Lanka is currently at the top of the points table in Group B (Source: AP Photos)

The 2023 Asia Cup group stages are nearing its climax and the points tables are surfacing a regular shuffling. Match 6 of the ongoing competition will see Sri Lanka go up against Afghanistan at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. This also marks the final match of the group stages.

Afghanistan under the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi failed to go over the line in their first match of Asia Cup 2023 after Bangladesh toppled them by a margin of 89 runs. Batting first, the Shakib Al Hasan-led unit reached 334 runs on the back of sensational centuries from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Najmul Hossain Shanto. In return, the bowlers did a commendable job to wrap the Atalans for 245 runs. It's a must-win game for the Afghanistan side and not just that, the unit will have to win by a healthy margin so that they finish within the top two.

For More Such Reads from OneCricket, Click Here.

On the flip side, Sri Lanka have won the solitary game that they played so far in the Continental event. The side bundled Bangladesh for 163 runs, courtesy of brilliant bowling from Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana. They were without four of their first-choice bowlers and still managed to do a commendable job with the ball. However, they suffered setbacks in the second innings but managed to go over the line on the back of valiant knocks from Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka.

It's nearly a must-win game for Sri Lanka as Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan in the last game. However, the Dasun Shanaka-led side have a great net run-rate and even if they lose, the deficit should be marginal to secure qualification to the Super Fours. Let us have a quick look at how the playing XI of Sri Lanka may sound like in the upcoming contest.

Asia Cup 2023, Match 6 | Afghanistan Predicted XI vs Sri Lanka

Openers: Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka

The opening combination of Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka serves as a strong pair in the batting order of Sri Lanka. The left and right hand combination is something that the management would not like to tinker with. Moreover, the duo have been very consistent with their performances in the past couple of years irrespective of formats.

Middle Order: Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka

The inclusion of Kusal Mendis might stir a debate as the wicketkeeper-batter hasn't been in the best of his form and also saw a downfall during the recently concluded Lanka Premier League. But bestowing limelight on the potent Kusal carries, it would be a harsh call if he is axed after one low score in the competition.

Sadeera Samarawickrama has been a revelation to the Sri Lankan middle order since his comeback to the team. He is such a character who comes and shows up when the situation gets uncomfortable for the batter. His partner in the last game, Charith Asalanka also possess similar traits who gelled an important half-century in the last game to drive the defending champions past the victory line.

All-rounders: Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka and Dunith Wellalage

Dhananjaya de Silva is an MVP of this team across formats who can do his job with both bat and ball perfectly. There should be no questions on his selection in the playing XI. And how can one drop the skipper himself- Dasun Shanaka? The bowling all-rounder is a match-winner on his day and serves as an indispensable member of the side. And based on the conditions of Lahore, Sri Lanka should look to go with their winning formula and retain Dunith Wellalage. He serves as a competition with wrist spinning all-rounder, Dushan Hemantha but the left-arm orthodox spinner is likely to make the cut once again due to his economic bowling.

Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana

Maheesh Theekshana serves as the lead spinner of the group in the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga. He is someone who can operate within the first powerplay and also can come in and offer a breakthrough to his side.

On the other hand, Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha Pathirana should be the premier fast bowlers for the side. The former may have been expensive at times but has the knack for wickets and is one of the best options with the new ball. Assisting him in the slog overs will be Matheesha Pathirana and his lethal yorkers dishing in with a slingly action. The 20-year-old was the player of the match in the last game with a four-for.