SL vs AFG, 3rd ODI: Match Details, Fantasy Tips & Prediction
Sri Lanka crushed Afghanistan in the 2nd ODI [Source: Twitter]
On Wednesday, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will take on each other in the final ODI of the ongoing three-match series. With the series levelled at one-all, we expect a cracking contest between these two teams at the Mahinda Rajapaksa international stadium in Hambantota.
Team Preview: Sri Lanka
After being handed a crushing six-wicket defeat in the first ODI, Sri Lanka bounced back strongly, securing a whopping 132-run victory in the subsequent fixture.
Batting first, the hosts posted a mammoth total of 323 runs and defended it successfully, riding on spectacular three-fers from Wanindu Hasaranga and Dhananjaya de Silva.
Unlike the first game, the Lankan batters had an outstanding day, with everyone contributing crucial runs. At the same time, every Sri Lankan bowler apart from Kasun Rajitha was successful with the ball.
So, moving on to this game, the hosts would like to put up a similar performance and seal the series.
Team Preview: Afghanistan
Ibrahim Zadran is in sublime form [Source: Twitter]
Afghanistan had an incredible start to the series, registering an emphatic victory in the first ODI. However, the visitors were a pale shadow of themselves in the last game, as they incurred a demoralising defeat.
While Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah have been consistent, the visitors would like better returns from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najibullah Zadran, who have been off-colour on the tour.
On the other hand, their bowlers enjoyed stellar success in the first game, but unfortunately failed to replicate the same level of success in the last match. So, the visitors must regroup and work on the grey areas to get back on the winning track.
Match Details
Date & Time: June 7, 10.00 AM
Venue: Mahinda Rajapaksa international stadium, Hambantota
Live Streaming: FanCode and Sony LIV
Pitch report
The surface in Hambantota will be favourable for batting, with decent help for spinners on it. However, the pacers will go for runs, as they won't find anything substantial off the deck.
Predicted Playing XIs
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), 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: Kusal Mendis
Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Pathum Nissanka, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi
All-rounders: Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammad Nabi
Bowlers: Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Fareed Ahmad Malik
Captain: Ibrahim Zadran
Vice-captain: Wanindu Hasaranga
Prediction
As both teams have competed neck-to-neck, it's tough to predict the winner. However, with all their first-choice players featuring, Sri Lanka might capitalise on home advantage and outclass Afghanistan.
 "Debashis Sarangi")
