Match Details
Date: September 3, 2022
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Preview:
Riding high after clinching thrilling win over Bangladesh, Sri Lanka will take on unbeaten Afghanistan on September 3 (Saturday) in a first knock-out encounter of the Asia Cup 2022. While Sri Lanka lost their previous faceoff with Afghanistan, the official host of the tournament will hope to better their results in the Super 4. Meanwhile, Afghanistan have been consistent in the tournament and remained unbeaten in Group B league stage clash.
Pitch Report:
While Dubai International Stadium was a treat for bowlers, Sharjah Cricket Stadium will be batting friendly as shorter boundaries will inspire the batters to flaunt their power-hitting capabilities. The skipper winning the toss should opt for bowling first and look to chase the total.
Team Analysis:
Sri Lanka:
It will not be easy for Dasun Shanaka-led side to overcome Afghanistan, who has reached so far on the back of impressive performances. Kusal Mendis (60 off 37) and Pathum Nissanka (20 off 19) stitched a crucial 45-run stand against Bangladesh and the players will have to be consistent in the next game. Charith Asalanka and Danushka Gunathilaka could be the matter of concern for the skipper as both the batters have underperformed in the tournament so far. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga will have huge responsibility to strengthen the middle-order.
Sri Lankan bowlers performed well against Bangladesh by taking wickets at regular interval but at the same time they conceded too many runs. Wanindu Hasaranga was the only bowler who could take a wicket when both teams last clashed. C Karunaratne and Theekshana will be vital for Sri Lanka.
Afghanistan:
Mohammad Nabi-led side has the opportunity to script history and the way they have played their first two games, no one can underestimate their potential in the shortest format of the game. Mujeeb Ur Rahman is leading the chart with the most number of wickets (5) in the tournament. Rashid Khan (3) and Fazalhaq Farooqi (3) are at third and fourth position, respectively.
In first two games, Afghanistan's batting was extremely impressive as the batters didn't throw away their wicket instead put a prize over it. Players like Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, and wicket-keeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz have shown immense potential in the tournament.
Probable Playing XIs
Sri Lanka:
Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, 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:
Conclusion:
While both teams will be eager to qualify for the final, Afghanistan seems to have an upper hand in the game considering their recent form.
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