Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: The first ODI had over 720 runs scored, which is now the greatest run total for an ODI played in Sri Lanka. But the focus of the game was on individual efforts.
Afghanistan’s rearguard middle order performance, spearheaded by Azmatullah Omarzai (149*) and Mohammed Nabi (136), was never going to be sufficient thanks to an incredible marathon batting effort by SL opener Pathum Nissanka, who struck 210 from 139 balls and carried his bat through. And with more over 40 runs remaining, SL won the opening ODI of the series.
Afghanistan was in a funk, having lost half their team for a meagre 55 runs, but Omarzai and Nabi gave them hope that they could battle their way back into any match. They sent a strong message to the Sri Lankan squad that they are here to fight and are not simply there to play a bilateral ODI series, even if they never appeared to be looking to chase the score down at any stage throughout their 242 run stand.
The 2nd ODI match between Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan will take place on February 11th, 2024, at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Match Details to Note:
Match: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 2nd ODI match
Date: February 11th, 2024 (Sunday)
Time: 02:30 PM IST
Venue: R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
Sri Lanka (Match Odds- 1.33)
Preview
Pathum Nissanka’s individual genius capped off an amazing day for Sri Lanka at bat on a beautiful batting surface. The SL openers were asked to bat first and were initially a little apprehensive, but they eventually decided to break loose after confirming that the pitch was free of any serious demons. Nissanka received outstanding support from Avishka Fernando, who scored an incredible run-a-ball 88, to provide a good basis for a subsequent attack. And he made the launch.
Nissanka had little problem against the Afghanistan bowlers, with the exception of a few overs from the seasoned Nabi throughout the middle part of the game, when he adhered to tight lines and lengths. He scored around 120 runs in the last 10 overs, being especially harsh on the bowlers early and late.
The bowling of Sri Lanka seemed quite inconsistent, as only Pramod Madhushan and Dushmantha Chameera claimed wickets. Theekshana and Hasaranga finished their allotted overs without claiming a wicket. Additionally, Dilshan Madhushanka, who usually takes most of his wickets in the opening few overs, failed to pick up a wicket in his nine overs, losing his team 65 runs.
Despite an outstanding batting display from the Afghanistan middle order batsmen, the SL bowlers managed to stave off an unexpected victory, but a few of them need some introspection.
Full Squad:
Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Akila Dananjaya, Wanindu Hasaranga
Players to watch out for:
Pathum Nissanka
Nissanka had little problem against the Afghanistan bowlers, with the exception of a few overs from the seasoned Nabi throughout the middle part of the game, when he adhered to tight lines and lengths. He scored around 120 runs in the last 10 overs, being especially harsh on the bowlers early and late.
Dushmantha Chameera
The bowling of Sri Lanka seemed quite inconsistent, as only Pramod Madhushan and Dushmantha Chameera claimed wickets.
Possible Playing XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan.
Afghanistan (Match Odds- 3.35)
Preview
Afghanistan’s bowling looked hesitant and impotent against a star batsman on a rampage, but their batsmen’s courageous effort was outstanding.
Afghanistan was about to face a crushing defeat after being reduced to 55 for 5, but Omarzai and Nabi had other plans. Their will to remain in the hunt for the whole of the chase was evident to everybody, even though they lost half of their side in the first 10 overs. Veteran Mohd Nabi and youngster Omarzai put on an incredible 242-run sixth wicket partnership. They ensured that in-form left-arm pacer Dilshan Madhushanka did not pick up a wicket throughout the game and held strike bowlers Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga at bay.
The Afghanistan batsmen would hold their heads high for the passion they showed to put on a counterattacking exhibition while chasing over 400 runs, even if they lost by more than 40 runs. Omarzai was unbeaten and only one run short of 150 runs.
Afghanistan was quite average in bowls terms. Before they struck for the first time, they let the SL openers to race to 182 runs after they were unable to break through with the new ball. Afghan bowlers did not increase pressure and take more wickets, nor did they use tight bowling to make it harder for the batsmen to score runs. Furthermore, they allowed Sri Lanka to end with a massive 381, which was always going to be difficult to overcome.
Full Squad:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran, Farid Ahmad
Players to watch out for:
Azmatullah Omarzai
Veteran Mohd Nabi and youngster Omarzai put on an incredible 242-run sixth wicket partnership.
Mujeeb ur Rahman
The team will be hoping for strong performances from Mujeeb ur Rahman. He has performed well in previous games, with the new ball.
Possible Playing XI:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Toss Prediction:
Statistics indicate that in this location, throw hasn’t been a significant issue. However, Afghanistan would later regret choosing to bowl first in ideal batting conditions, as Sri Lankan batters made hay and amassed 381 runs in the opening innings.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Pitch Report:
There is little chance of rain throughout the day, but the afternoon is predicted to bring with it some substantial cloud cover and blustery winds. The batting wickets at Pallekele have been quite good, with fourteen wickets scoring 300 or more. If another magnificent wicket is offered up for the second ODI, don’t be shocked.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Match Report:
In domestic conditions, this Sri Lankan team have the necessary talent and experience to overcome any challenge from the determined Afghanistan team. Sri Lanka will prevail in the game and seize an unstoppable 2-0 advantage in the series.
Sri Lanka is the clear to win the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan match at the odds of 1.33.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Most Recommended Player for Bet:
Nissanka had little problem against the Afghanistan bowlers, with the exception of a few overs from the seasoned Nabi throughout the middle part of the game, when he adhered to tight lines and lengths. He scored around 120 runs in the last 10 overs, being especially harsh on the bowlers early and late.
