Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, SL vs AFG 2024, Today Match Prediction

SL vs AFG Match Prediction & Analysis

Hosts Sri Lanka has done well to win the Test match by 10 wickets. They will look to use this momentum and take an early lead in the three-match ODI series. It is the first ODI series for the side after their disastrous show in the World Cup, and the side will look to salvage lost pride. The Afghans will look to put the Test match loss behind them and perform well.  

Sri Lankans haven't enjoyed a great record in ODI cricket in the last couple of years, and they will have to play to their strengths in this game. The Afghans have a strong bowling attack and strength in their top order. It will be a close game, as the team is well-matched, and we expect it to go down the wire.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Sri Lanka Preview

Kusal Mendis would like to use the momentum the side gained with the Test match win. They have struggled in ODI cricket in the last few months, and Mendis would like to put that behind them. Afghans have troubled them in recent games, and the Sri Lankan captain would look to leverage the home advantage and take a lead in the series.  

Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando have important roles at the top, and the side will expect a strong show from them. Mendis will look to do well in the middle order and build partnerships with Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka. Chamika Karunaratne and Wanindu Hasaranga are good hitters, and the side will expect quick runs from them. 

The side will need a good show with the new ball from Dushmantha Chameera and Dilshan Madushanka, as early wickets will be key to success. Wanindu Hasaranga's return is a big boost for the team, and he will look to do well with Maheesh Theekshana in the middle overs. Dunith Wellalage and Chameera will look to do well in the supporting role.

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:

Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Avishka Fernando

Sri Lanka Actual Playing XI:

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanidu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan

Afghanistan Preview

Hashmatullah Shahidi's side will look to get over the loss in the Test match. They had defeated the Sri Lankans during the World Cup, and the Afghan skipper would like his players to take inspiration from that win. Shahidi would like his batsmen to play aggressively against the Sri Lankan spinners.  

Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran are in good form, and the pair will look to deliver a confident start. The middle order is strong for the side, and they will expect good performances from Rahmat Shah, Shahidi, and Raiz Hassan. Mohammad Nabi and  Gulbadin Naib are good hitters and strengthen the batting lineup.  

Mujeeb ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi have done well in recent matches, and the side will expect a good show from them with the new ball. Rashid Khan's absence is a big loss, and Qais Ahmed must do well with Nabi in the middle overs. Gulbadin Naib and Rahmat Shah will look to do well in the supporting role.

Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI:

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mujib ur Rahman, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmed, Gulbadin Naib, Raiz Hassan, Qais Ahmed

Afghanistan Actual Playing XI:

Rahmat Shah, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

We would see clear skies over Pallekele and expect the conditions to be good. The wicket here has produced lots of runs in the past, as batsmen can play their strokes freely. The side batting first in this game would be eying a total above 300 runs to defend it successfully.

SL vs AFG Pitch Report

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium has large dimensions. We have seen batsmen score runs as the outfield is fast, and the ball comes to the bat nicely. Fast bowlers do well under cloudy skies and get the ball to move. The wicket here offers lots of assistance to the spinners as the ball grips the surface and turns sharply.

Toss: To Bat

It is a good wicket to bat on at the start and gets slower in the second half. The spinners will be difficult to bat against in the second innings. The side winning the toss would look to take advantage of the conditions by batting first.