SL vs AFG 1st T20I: There comes another thrilling clash with Afghanistan locking horns with Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla on Saturday. Host Sri Lanka is a force to reckon with in white ball format & will enter this series as favorites to win the fixture against Afghanistan. Newly appointed Wanindu Hasaranga will hope to dominate the ongoings in the three-match T20I series.
After suffering a whitewash in the recently ended ODI series, Afghanistan will enter the T20I series against Sri Lanka with a big to-do list’. Captain Zadran will hope to change their fortunes in the three-match T20I series. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will hope to continue its good form in this series. Who will succeed in their motive? All the questions will be answered on the field.
SL vs AFG 1st T20I: TEAMS PREVIEW
Sri Lanka Preview
The home side is expected to field their best squad for the opening game. In terms of batting firepower, Sri Lanka will rely on captain Kusal Mendis, the solid wicketkeeper-batsman Sadeera Samarawickrama, the explosive Kusal Perera, the consistent Charith Asalanka, the promising Pathum Nissanka, and the versatile all-rounder Dasun Shanaka to lead the charge.
Keep an eye on Charith Asalanka, who has been in superb form with 179 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 140.94, making him Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer in T20Is. On the bowling front, the pace battery comprising Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, along with the spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana, will be crucial in breaking through Afghanistan’s lineup.
Afghanistan Preview
Afghanistan is keen on showcasing an improved batting display in this T20I series. They’ll heavily depend on the leadership of captain Ibrahim Zadran, the attacking wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the experienced Najibullah Zadran, and the dynamic all-rounders Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Gulbadin Naib to pile up the runs. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, and the veteran Mohammad Nabi, will be aiming to rattle Sri Lanka’s batting order.
SL vs AFG 1st T20I: Pitch and Weather Report:
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium promises an enthralling contest between bat and ball. The weather forecast indicates clear skies with a gentle breeze, setting the stage for an exciting game.
Venue Insight: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, a renowned cricketing venue, is all set to witness the adrenaline-pumping action between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
Toss Up: Considering the average first innings score at this venue, both teams would likely opt to bowl first, aiming to restrict the opposition to under 165 runs.
SL vs AFG 1st T20I: Winning Prediction
With Sri Lanka’s current form and the exceptional performances of players like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Charith Asalanka, they hold the upper hand against Afghanistan. Sri Lanka is poised to clinch a convincing victory at Dambulla.
We predict Sri Lanka to win this clash.
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