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Asia Cup | ‘Unchanged’ Sri Lanka Opt To Bat First Against ‘Hungry’ Afghanistan

image-lm62wohxRashid Khan in action during Asia Cup 2023 (AP Photos)

As a result of losing to Bangladesh by 89 runs, Afghanistan now find themselves in trouble in the Asia Cup 2023, facing the defending champions, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday (September 5). In order for the Rashid Khan-starred side to win by 70 or more runs, they would need to bat first and score 300. On the other hand, the margin of victory must be at least 76 balls if they bowl first and concede 300.

The second scenario is likely to be considered for Hashmatullah Shahidi and his boys as Dasun Shanaka won the toss and opted to bat first without even any hesitation. Neither of the side made any changes in their playing XI, and this is going to be the contest to be watched out for.


Here're what captains said after the toss

Dasun Shanaka

"Going to bat first, runs on the board are always handy. We played some good cricket. We need to win this game, need to do the right things with bat and ball. They (Afghanistan) are a good side. Same team."

Hashmatullah Shahidi

"We wanted to bowl first because NRR is a significant factor for us, so we wanted to chase. We will try our best to make good decisions and play positively. We go with the same team."

AFG vs SL: Playing XIs

Afghanistan XI vs Sri Lanka: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Sri Lanka XI vs Afghanistan: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana