Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will have a face-off in the opening match of the Super 4 stage in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Afghanistan will look to continue the winning momentum as they qualified for the Super four by registering two successive victories. On the other hand, Sri Lanka faced Bangladesh in a do-or-die encounter to progress further. Therefore, the Islanders shall be hoping to take confidence from that game and bring a challenge to Afghanistan.
Pitch report:
Spin was a major factor in the previous game played at Sharjah between Pakistan and Hong Kong, and it could continue to do so for the opening match of Super 4. Not to mention that both teams have quality slow bowlers on their sides, and it will be interesting to see the approach of batters.
Probable XIs:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi (c), Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Match Prediction:
Case 1:
- Sri Lanka wins the toss and bowls first
- Powerplay score: 40-45
- Afghanistan total: 145-155
Case 2:
- Afghanistan wins the toss and bowls first
- Powerplay score: 45-50
- Sri Lanka total: 150-160
Team batting second to win the contest.
