World Cup 2023 | AFG vs SL, Match 30 - Top Captain And Vice-Captain Picks

image-lobgkh4aRahmat Shah will be a key for Afghanistan in the match against Sri Lanka (Source: AP Photos)

Asian sides Afghanistan (AFG) and Sri Lanka (SL) go toe-to-toe with each other in the ongoing sixteenth edition of the World Cup. Match No. 30 is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune at 14:00 PM IST. The Afghans and the Lankan Lions have played five matches each and managed to win two. Before the game goes live, here is a look at the top captain and vice-captain choices for the fantasy contests of this encounter. 

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AFG vs SL, 30th Match: Venue Analysis

It's been a high-scoring venue as the average first innings score in the eight ODIs played here is 301. Sides batting first and second have managed to win four games each.

MCA Stadium ODI Records

Matches: 8
Matches Won Batting First: 4
Matches Won Batting Second: 4

Average First Innings Score: 301
Average Second Innings Score: 279

World Cup 2023 Record

Match: 1
Matches Won Batting First: 0
Matches Won Batting Second: 1

Average First Innings Score: 256
Average Second Innings Score: 261
Highest Total Recorded: 261/3 by India vs Bangladesh
Lowest Total Recorded: 256/8 by Bangladesh vs India


AFG vs SL, 30th Match - Toss Factor

India comfortably chased down the target of 257 against Bangladesh in this WC. Thats the only encounter that has taken place so far in this showpiece event. The captain winning the toss might opt to field first in Pune.

Scenario: If Afghanistan Fields First

Ibrahim Zadran has hit the second-most runs for Afghanistan so far in this World Cup. He played a match-winning knock of 87 against Pakistan in the last game. The right-handed opening player will be a crucial member as he will look to provide his team a solid start in a bigger run-chase.

Scenario: If Sri Lanka Fields First

Left arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka has picked up the most wickets (11) so far for the Lions in this campaign. He has been in good touch and will look to provide early breakthroughs again for his team. In-form batters Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama and skipper Kusal Mendis will have to do the bulk of the scoring again.


AFG vs SL, 30th Match - Top Captain and Vice-captain choices

Scenario: If Sri Lanka Fields First

Kusal Mendis (SL)

Captain Kusal Mendis began the tournament in a brilliant way with scores of 76 and 122. The no. three right-handed player has three low scores of 9, 11 and 11 in the last three outings. The skipper will look to lead his side from the front by playing a substantial knock and also to get back amongst the runs.

Pathum Nissanka (SL)

Opener Pathum Nissanka has struck the second-most runs for Sri Lanka so far in this WC. the opening player has been going through a purple patch as he has now struck four half-centuries on the trot. Nissanka would hope to carry on his form with yet another significant score.


Scenario: If Afghanistan Fields First

Ibrahim Zadran (AFG)

Ibrahim Zadran got starts in each of the first four games in this WC. He racked up 22, 22, 28 and 14 before finally converting those starts against Pakistan. The right-handed opener struck 87 for which he also won the Player of the Match award. Zadran will be a key player if the Afghans are up against a big run-chase.

Hashmatullah Shahidi (AFG)

Skipper Hashamatullah Shahidi is averaging 42.00 in this campaign so far. The left-handed middle-order player smashed 80 against India and also remained unbeaten on 48 against Pakistan last time out. Leader Shahidi will hope to contribute for his side again in this fixture.


AFG vs SL, 30th Match - Big Risk, Big Return Choices

Rahmat Shah (AFG)

Veteran Rahmat Shah started off the tournament with scores of 18, 16, 3 and 36 in the first four games. The no. three right-handed player then finally struck form as he slammed an unbeaten 77 against the Pakistanis. Rahmat is a risky but worthy choices against Sri Lanka.

Charith Asalanka (SL)

Middle-order batter Charith Asalanka is averaging 37.25 with one half-century to his name in this tournament. The left-hander has scores of 79, 1, 25 and 44 under his belt. He could be a risky but a good pick for this fixture.