SL vs AFG, 3rd T20I | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Samarawickrama slammed a 50 in the last game [X.com]

The Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla is set to host the third and final T20I clash between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan on Wednesday, February 21. While Sri Lanka aims for a clean sweep, Afghanistan seeks to salvage a win and avoid a 3-0 defeat.

SL vs AFG 3rd T20I: Team Previews

Sri Lanka

With two victories already secured, Sri Lanka aims to maintain their winning streak. In the previous match, the hosts dominated, led by their opening batters, who aggressively tackled the Afghan bowlers. 

Sadeera Samarawickrama's substantial contribution in the middle order, including a half-century, propelled Sri Lanka to set a challenging target of 188 runs, which proved insurmountable for Afghanistan. 

All-rounder Angelo Mathews shone with exemplary performances both with the bat and ball, playing a pivotal role in securing victory in the second T20I alongside Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga. It is expected that for the final match, Sri Lanka may make strategic changes to their playing XI.

Afghanistan

On the other hand, Afghanistan, having suffered defeats in the ODI series and the first two T20Is, will aim to finish the tour on a high note by winning the dead rubber third T20I. The upcoming contest promises excitement as both teams seek to showcase their best performances. 

Afghanistan may opt for continuity in their lineup, banking on a stronger batting display in the upcoming match. Key players such as skipper Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, and the versatile all-rounders Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Gulbadin Naib are crucial to Afghanistan's hopes. 

Despite the absence of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Afghanistan's bowling unit must unite and deliver a strong performance to avoid a whitewash. With the series at stake, Afghanistan will strategize to prevent a clean sweep and aim to demonstrate resilience and competitiveness in the final encounter.

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SL vs AFG 3rd T20I: Match Details & Live Streaming

SL vs AFG: Dambulla Pitch Report

If we talk about the Dambulla pitch, it appears to support both batters and bowlers, although spinners often pose challenges for batters, making batting a demanding task. 

Initially, pacers may also find assistance in the first few overs with the new ball, but overall, it remains a favourable batting track. Historically, the average T20I score on this pitch ranges from 140 to 150 runs. Hence, the team winning the toss should consider opting to bat first.

SL vs AFG: Probable Playing XI

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana.

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c), Hazratullah Zazai, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq

SL vs AFG: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

SL vs AFG: Winner Prediction

With a superior squad on paper, Sri Lanka is confident in their ability to complete a clean sweep against Afghanistan. 

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