SL vs AFG, 1st ODI: Preview, Prediction, Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Sri Lanka will lock horns with Afghanistan on Friday (Source: Twitter)

Sri Lanka will lock horns with Afghanistan in the first fixture of the ODI series on Friday (November 25) at Pallekele. 

In their last ODI series, the Dasun Shanaka-led side secured a 3-2 victory over Australia and will be confident about their abilities. They will rely on Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva on the batting front, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are the quality bowlers. 

On the other hand, the Afghanistan team led by Hashmatullah Shahidi secured a 3-0 clean sweep against Zimbabwe in their last ODI series. The trio of Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman will again be the potent wicket-taking options for them. 

Match Details

Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
Date and Time: November 25, 2.30 PM IST
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network

Pitch Report: The pitch at Pallekele is expected to offer turn to the spinners and reward bowlers with variations. However, the batters have also relished the challenge on this surface, and the par score is around 250. 

Predicted XIs

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara,  Kasun Rajitha, Maheesh Theekshana

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Malik

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-Keeper: Kusal Mendis, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ibrahim Zadran, Pathum Nissanka
All-Rounders: Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Lahiru Kumara, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Captain: Kusal Mendis
Vice Captain: Rashid Khan

Prediction

Afghanistan are coming into this series with a better T20 WC 2022 campaign and a settled combination. Although it is expected to be a tough contest, the visitors are expected to secure a lead in the first game. 

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