SL vs AFG 1st ODI: In the first game of the three-match series against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka will want to get out to a quick lead. Both teams will need to win this series in order to prepare for the 2018 World Cup. Due to their recent ODI series losses, Sri Lanka has to improve if they want to boost their confidence. Afghanistan just played Pakistan well, and they intend to keep up that performance.

Afghanistan’s batters would face a difficult battle in these circumstances given their poor history against Sri Lanka. In its last eight home games, Sri Lanka has won five of them. Their spinners are in excellent shape. Given how evenly matched both sides are, we anticipate a close game.

SL vs AFG 1st ODI: Match details

Match: SL vs AFG 1st ODI 1st ODI (Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka, 2023)

Date: Friday, June 2, 2023

Time: 10:00 AM

Venue: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota

SL vs AFG 1st ODI: Match Overview 

Sri Lanka

Before the ICC World Cup, Dasun Shanaka will have to put its bench strength to the test in this series. They have lost their previous two series against India and New Zealand. This series will be crucial for the side because they have struggled to find the right combination. To get an early lead in the series, they must play to their strengths and capitalize on the conditions at home.

The team’s primary batsman, Pathum Nissanka, will work with Kusal Mendis to start the innings on a positive note. With Charith Asalanka and Shanaka, Angelo Mathews must bring his experience to the game and perform well in the middle order. They will require contributions from Chamika Karunaratne, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Wanindu Hasaranga in the lower middle order.

Kasun Rajitha and Dushmantha Chameera’s early spells will be crucial as the bowlers take on a tough batting lineup. Matheesha Pathirana has performed well in the IPL, so he and Wanindu Hasaranga will need to perform well here. Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Karunaratne give this attack more depth.

Afghanistan

After a long absence, Hashmatullah Shahidi and his crew return to this format and will attempt to get things moving. The last ODI series against Sri Lanka ended in a tie, and the team will try to build on that. Their rivals are difficult to beat at home, and Shahidi will like a decent show from his players.

In this game, the openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will try to put together a strong first-wicket stand. The middle order has gained experience, and they can anticipate Rahmat Shah, Shahidi, and Najibullah Zadran putting on a solid performance. Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and Azmatullah Omarzai add the capability to the line-up in the lower center request.

Mujeeb ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi will try to put pressure on the hosts at the start of the game by taking early wickets. Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed will be confident because of their performance in the IPL. Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai will attempt to succeed in supporting roles.

SL vs AFG 1st ODI: Key tips

Sri Lanka’s attempt to defeat Afghanistan in a perfect home series Sri Lanka is confident because they have won five of their past eight home games. After six months, Afghanistan will play an ODI match; the players will need to get used to the faster tempo of the format since Sri Lanka plays in familiar surroundings, giving them an advantage.

SL vs AFG 1st ODI: Probable XI

Sri Lanka

Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera

Afghanistan

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah, Rashid Khan, Mujib ur Rahman, Noor Ahmed, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai

SL vs AFG 1st ODI: Pitch report

The ground at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota is a batsman’s heaven since the ball comes into the bat with ease. Without any help, it is one of the hardest wickets for fast bowlers. The sluggish nature of the surface may be used by spinners who turn the ball, and they have had success in the past.

SL vs AFG 1st ODI: Weather report

Hambantota would have a partly overcast sky. In the afternoon, it would be warm and muggy. We anticipate a solid batting surface with limited room for error for the bowlers and a place where batsmen can play their strikes fearlessly. To win in this situation, the team batting first would need to aim for a total of over 320 runs.

SL vs AFG 1st ODI: Toss prediction

The surface at this location is very gorgeous for batting, and we have seen teams post significant scores. In the first few overs, the ball won’t move. The team who gets the toss in this match should not be reluctant to bat first.

SL vs AFG 1st ODI: Pre-play prediction

Top batter: Dasun Shanaka (SL), Mohammad Nabi (AFG)

Best bowler: Kasun Rajitha (SL), Noor Ahmed (AFG)

Best all-rounder: Wanindu Hasaranga (SL), Rashid Khan (AFG)

Player of the match: Dasun Shanaka (SL)

SL vs AFG 1st ODI: Match Prediction

Although they have a solid team, Afghanistan hasn’t played in this format in almost six months. Their batters must perform well and increase their innings. Sri Lanka possesses a bowling assault that is effective in these circumstances and has proven difficult to defeat at home. They will become the game’s favorites as a result. Sri Lanka to triumph.