Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, ICCWCWARMUP, Today Match Prediction 03 October 2023

AFG vs SL Match Prediction & Analysis

Sri Lanka haven’t had the best of times in 50-over cricket in the last few days. They were royally thrashed in the Asia Cup final last month by India and then went on to lose their first World Cup warm-up match against Bangladesh. This isn’t the ideal preparation for the big tournament, and the Lankan Lions will be hoping for a better result in their second and final warm-up match against Afghanistan in Guwahati on October 3. Afghanistan’s first warm-up match was washed out, so they too have a lot riding on this practice clash. Moreover, the previous ODI match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan turned out to be a nail-biting affair, so we can expect another thriller here. 

RECENT PERFORMANCE

AFG

L L L L L

AFG

289/10 in 37.4 7.67

Asia Cup 2023

05 Sep 2023

SL

291/8 in 50.0 5.82

BAN

334/5 in 50.0 6.68

Asia Cup 2023

Bangladesh won by 89 runs 03 Sep 2023

AFG

245/10 in 44.3 5.51

AFG

209/10 in 48.4 4.29

AFG vs PAK

Pakistan won by 59 runs 26 Aug 2023

PAK

268/8 in 50.0 5.36

AFG

300/5 in 50.0 6

AFG vs PAK

Pakistan won by 1 wicket 24 Aug 2023

PAK

302/9 in 49.5 6.06

AFG

59/9 in 19.2 3.05

AFG vs PAK

Pakistan won by 142 runs 22 Aug 2023

PAK

201/10 in 47.1 4.26

SL

L L W L W

BAN

264/3 in 42.0 6.29

ICCWCWARMUP

Bangladesh won by 7 wkts 29 Sep 2023

SL

263/10 in 49.1 5.35

IND

51/0 in 6.1 8.27

Asia Cup 2023

India won by 10 wkts 17 Sep 2023

SL

50/10 in 15.2 3.26

PAK

252/7 in 42.0 6

Asia Cup 2023

Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets 14 Sep 2023

SL

252/8 in 42.0 6

IND

213/10 in 49.1 4.33

Asia Cup 2023

India won by 41 runs 12 Sep 2023

SL

172/10 in 41.3 4.14

SL

257/9 in 50.0 5.14

Asia Cup 2023

Sri Lanka won by 21 runs 09 Sep 2023

BAN

236/10 in 48.1 4.9

HEAD TO HEAD

TEAMS PREVIEW

Afghanistan Preview

Afghanistan's recent victories in bilateral series, including T20Is and ODIs against a second-string Pakistan and Bangladesh, respectively, highlight their potential to defeat full-member teams. These successes indicate the team's growing maturity as a cricketing force, and the World Cup will be a litmus test of their ability to apply these lessons on the grandest stage.

The team's recent triumphs can be attributed to the outstanding opening partnership of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, complemented by the exceptional spin talents of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. However, like many Asian teams, Afghanistan faces challenges in maintaining consistency in their middle-order.

Afghanistan's innings tend to lose momentum after encouraging starts, emphasizing the significance of Mohammad Nabi and Rashid's batting contributions, particularly in the latter stages, to bolster a fragile middle-order.

However, Afghanistan has shown remarkable progress in their fast bowling department, spearheaded by the talented left-armer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who has been a pivotal contributor to the team's recent noteworthy triumphs. Armed with the ability to swing the new ball, execute yorkers with precision, and unleash well-crafted slower deliveries, Farooqi's potential to provide early breakthroughs may prove invaluable in facilitating the spinners' roles.

Rashid Khan will, of course, be their main spinner. Rashid's ODI track record is undeniably exceptional, recording 172 wickets at an average of 19.53. However, against the Full Member teams gearing up for the World Cup, his performance statistics take on a more ordinary tone, with 41 wickets claimed at an average of 28.80.

Afghanistan's campaign will rely heavily on the top-order and spin departments, but the real test lies in how the relatively weaker middle-order and pace attacks perform against formidable opponents like Sri Lanka. This warm-up will give us a good idea of that. 

Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI:

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad/ Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Sri Lanka Preview

In the course of its recent 13-match winning streak in ODIs, Sri Lanka experienced the full spectrum of cricketing highs and lows. Their ability to dismiss the opposition in 14 consecutive matches was impressive, but their susceptibility to batting collapses continued to be a recurring theme.

The absence of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga due to injury is a significant blow for Sri Lanka in the World Cup. His leg-spin played a crucial role in the team's successful defense of low scores during their unbeaten run in the World Cup Qualifiers. The team's fate now rests on whether Maheesh Theekshana's mysterious spin and Dunith Wellalage's recent performances can compensate for Hasaranga's absence. Also, Matheesha Pathirana's effectiveness in the middle and death overs has added an important dimension to their bowling department. Moreover, with left-arm speedster Dilshan Madushanka capable of swinging the new ball, they possess a well-rounded bowling arsenal.

However, the performance of the batters will be closely scrutinized, especially on Indian pitches that are expected to favor either a rank turn or be completely flat. Whether it's Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis setting the stage with their flamboyant style at the top or Sadeera Samarickwarama's composed presence in the middle order, Sri Lanka boasts a versatile lineup capable of adapting to various conditions. 

Perera finds a dependable opening partner in Pathum Nissanka, who happens to be Sri Lanka's leading run-scorer in ODIs this year. Nissanka's refined technique complements Perera's game irably.

Captain Dasun Shanaka's recent struggles with the bat have been a cause for concern as he enters the World Cup. Since the beginning of the qualifiers, his batting average stands at a mere 6.60, accompanied by a strike rate of 57.39. It's important to note that he typically fulfills the crucial role of a lower-middle-order finisher. In light of Hasaranga's unavailability, Sri Lanka is now heavily reliant on Shanaka to not only play substantial innings but also make meaningful contributions with the ball.

Since the start of 2021, Charith Asalanka has emerged as the leading run-scorer at the No. 5 position. His ability to consistently find boundaries early in his innings, adept gap-finding skills, and composed temperament make him a crucial factor in Sri Lanka's quest for respectable scores in the World Cup.

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:

Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage/Kasun Rajitha, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Pathum Nissanka

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati is a proper flat Indian track. There is little help for the seamers, and batters will have a great time here. Once they settle in for a bit, they can start hitting through the line and cream bowlers for boundaries. Spinners will have a say once the pitch becomes a little soft, but they are unlikely to have a big impact as batters should be able to dominate the proceedings.

The weather in Guwahati will be cloudy with showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.

AFG vs SL Pitch Report

There have only been two ODIs played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, and both were high-scoring games. In both instances, the two teams amassed totals of over 300 runs, with India’s 373-7 against Sri Lanka earlier this year being the highest. The team batting first in this match should look to set a total of around 330.

Toss: To Bat

Since this is a warm-up match, teams would like to test out their batting unit properly. So the team winning the toss is likely to bat first to give their batters a good hit in the middle.