AFG won the first game convincingly [Source: Twitter]
On Sunday, two sub-continent giants, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, will cross swords against each other in the second ODI of the ongoing three-match series in Hambantota. Given it's a World Cup year, this series holds significant importance for both teams, as it will help them gear up for the showpiece event scheduled in India later this year.
Team Preview: Sri Lanka
Contrary to expectations, Sri Lanka had a disastrous start to the series, losing the first ODI comprehensively by six wickets. While most of their core players were disappointing, Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva emerged as big positives for the hosts, powering them to a respectable total through fighting half centuries.
The Lankan bowling attack seemed toothless, as all the bowlers, barring Kasun Rajitha, had poor outings. So moving on to this do-or-die fixture, the Lankan management would like better returns from the big names- Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Kumara and Matheesha Pathirana.
Team Preview: Afghanistan
Ibrahim Zadran starred with the bat for AFG in 1st ODI [Source: Twitter]
On the contrary, Afghanistan had a clinical beginning to the series, securing an emphatic victory in the first ODI. They thoroughly outclassed the Lankans across departments and will aim at taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
The Afghan bowling unit exhibited its brilliance, with every bowler contributing with a prized scalp. Their batting looked even more formidable, as exceptional half centuries from Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah helped them chase the target easily.
Therefore, the visitors would be keen to win this game and bag the series when they enter the field on Sunday morning.
Match Details
Date & Time: June 4, 10.00 AM IST
Venue: Mahinda Rajapaksa international stadium, Hambantota
Live Streaming: Sony LIV and FanCode
Pitch report
The surface in Hambantota will favour the batters due to its even pace and bounce. However, there will be decent assistance for the spinners on this deck, with the ball expected to grip and turn throughout the day. As the chasing teams have been more successful at the venue, the toss-winner will likely opt to field first.
Probable playing XIs
As Sri Lanka lost the first game convincingly, they might consider bringing Chamika Karunaratne and Maheesh Theekshana into the playing XI, in place of Dimuth Karunaratne and D Hemantha, respectively. If this happens, Kusal Mendis will open alongside Pathum Nissanka.
On the other hand, Afghanistan will likely continue with the same team.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah
All-rounders: Dhananjaya de Silva, Mohammad Nabi
Bowlers: Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Prediction
Afghanistan have a more balanced squad than Sri Lanka and will likely emerge victorious in this match.
 "Debashis Sarangi")
