AFG vs SL 8th Match Prediction

AFG vs SL Team Previews

Afghanistan

This is only the third time that Afghanistan will feature in an ODI World Cup and their previous performances haven’t been that great. The team has managed to win just 1 of the 15 matches played at the marquee event. However, they can pose a threat on the slower and spin-friendly wickets of India thanks to a potent spin attack.

Afghanistan’s first warm-up match against South Africa was abandoned due to rain and the team will look to make the most out of this fixture. As mentioned earlier, their spin attack will be the biggest strength in this event. Rashid Khan will once again be the key bowler for Afghanistan and will have the support of Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb ur Rahman at the other end.

Afghanistan has also included Noor Ahmad in the squad, who was quite impressive in the recent IPL. The batting has been a weak link for Afghanistan but they have found two excellent openers in the form of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who will hope to give the team a strong start.

The pace attack too looks a bit thin. Fazalhaq Farooqi, who has played 21 ODIs, is their most experienced seamer. He will be supported by Naveen Ul-Haq, Abdul Rahman, and Azmatullah Omarzai. 

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has been through a rollercoaster ride when it comes to the recent ODI performances. After putting up a 13-match winning run, they were humiliated by India in the Asia Cup Finals, where they put up one of their worst performances.

With that loss, the team’s World Cup preparations look quite shaky. Sri Lanka faced arch-rivals Bangladesh in their first warm-up match on Friday, where they had to face yet another drubbing.

Sri Lanka has been plagued by injuries of late. The team is missing two of their key players, namely Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga, which deals a big blow to their bowling. Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, and Dilshan Madushanka are returning from injuries, and it remains to be seen how they recover.

In such a case, there will be added pressure on Matheesha Pathirana and Kasun Rajitha to perform. Dunith Wellalage had a good outing in the Asia Cup and can be a key all-rounder for the team. Talking about all-rounders, Sri Lanka has quite a few of them including Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Chamika Karunaratne, and Dasun Shanaka.

However, their form has been patchy and they will have a last chance to gain some kind of form. Coming to the batting, Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka started well in the last match but Perera had to retire due to discomfort in his shoulder.

Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kusal Mendis will be the key batsmen for Sri Lanka in the middle order.