World Cup 2023 Match 30, AFG vs SL | Who Will Win?
Both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have picked up the pace after a slow start
The MCA Stadium in Pune readies itself for a thrilling World Cup face-off on Monday, as two rejuvenated teams, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, lock horns in Match 30 of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023.
AFG vs SL: Spirited Afghanistan will up against resurgent Sri Lanka in Pune
Both squads, coming off remarkable victories, carry momentum and high spirits into this encounter. Afghanistan's recent conquests of cricketing behemoths like England and Pakistan have cemented their place as the tournament's dark horses.
With two significant wins under their belt, they stand 7th on the points table. Their comprehensive 8-wicket win over Pakistan was highlighted by Noor Ahmad's devastating 3/49 and a commanding 87-run knock by Ibrahim Zadran. Their spirited play, with batsmen and bowlers firing in unison, signals a squad that is not just making up numbers but is keen to etch its mark on the world stage.
Their spin duo of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman can be lethal on the Indian tracks, posing a significant challenge for the Lankan batsmen. However, their middle-order batting remains a concern and needs to show resilience, especially if early wickets fall.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka, with a similar win-loss ratio, has shown its mettle by bouncing back from two defeats and is placed 5th in the points table. Their back-to-back victories, most notably a clinical 8-wicket trouncing of defending champions England, have given them a renewed sense of purpose.
Spearheaded by Lahiru Kumara's bowling brilliance and the steady hands of batsmen like Pathum Nissanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sri Lanka looks like a rejuvenated squad. The inclusion of veteran Angelo Mathews lends not only solidity to their middle order but also brings a wealth of experience crucial for big-ticket matches.
With a balanced side, their strength lies in their pacers who can exploit any weaknesses in the Afghan batting line-up. The middle order, although boosted by Mathews, needs to be wary of Afghanistan's spin threat.
Considering recent form and match temperament, Afghanistan, with its commendable victories over top-tier teams, might just have a slight edge in this contest.
However, with cricket being the unpredictable game that it is and Sri Lanka's evident resurgence, it promises to be a nail-biter. Still, weighing all factors, Afghanistan seems as the slight favourites in this exciting contest.
 "Jatin")
