Afghanistan is preparing for its second warm-up match after their initial encounter against South Africa was called off without a ball bowled. Afghanistan’s track record in World Cup matches hasn’t been stellar, with just one win out of 15 matches played in this prestigious tournament. Notably, this marks Afghanistan’s third appearance in the ODI World Cup.

Conversely, Sri Lanka had a less than ideal start to the tournament, suffering a defeat in their first warm-up match against Bangladesh. Despite being favored to win against Afghanistan, their bowlers couldn’t deliver their best performance, leading to an unexpected loss.

Afghanistan: Afghanistan’s historical performance in the ODI World Cup hasn’t been remarkable, but this time around, they are showcasing a stronger and more competitive team. Anticipations are high for an improved performance in this tournament, with their spin bowling unit standing out as a key strength.

Afghanistan boasts some of the world’s finest spin bowlers, particularly Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. Rashid Khan’s experience in Indian conditions is extensive, having participated in numerous matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for different franchises. His recent IPL stint with the Gujarat Titans showcased his exceptional abilities.

Whenever the pitch favors spin bowlers, Rashid Khan is expected to shine in nearly every match. Mohammad Nabi is another seasoned bowler in Afghanistan’s squad who is well-versed in Indian playing conditions due to his IPL experience. These two bowlers are likely to play pivotal roles in Afghanistan.

The inclusion of Noor Ahmad adds depth to Afghanistan’s bowling unit. He too featured prominently in the recent IPL season and exhibited commendable performances. While Afghanistan’s batting order may not be as formidable as their bowling unit, they do have some hard-hitting players. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are among the standout batsmen in the squad, offering hope for strong performances in the upcoming matches.

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s journey in the World Cup got off to a disheartening commencement, marked by a seven-wicket loss to Bangladesh in their initial warm-up encounter. Having secured the toss, Sri Lanka made the decision to take the first turn at the crease. Their batting contingent displayed a praiseworthy performance, piling up a total of 263 runs before witnessing the entire lineup’s dismissal within 49.1 overs.

Pathum Nissanka emerged as the standout performer for Sri Lanka, top-scoring with 68 runs off 64 balls, embellished by eight boundaries and a powerful six. Dhananjaya de Silva was another batsman who made a valuable contribution, accumulating 55 runs from 79 balls, including two boundaries and a mighty six. Kusal Perera provided a quick boost with 34 runs from just 24 balls, featuring six boundaries, while Kusal Mendis added 22 runs.

Despite their competitive total, Sri Lanka’s fortunes took a turn for the worse due to a subpar performance by their bowling unit. They struggled to defend the target of 264 runs, with Bangladesh successfully chasing it down in 42 overs. Sri Lanka deployed seven bowlers in the match, but Dushan Hemantha was the most successful, claiming one wicket in his nine overs while conceding 45 runs. Lahiru Kumara also managed to secure a wicket but conceded 30 runs in six overs. Dunith Wellalage accounted for another wicket, while Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dhananjaya de Silva remained wicketless during the game.

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, Ibrahim Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq

Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (C), Kusal Mendis (WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Pathum Nissanka

Cricket predictions point towards Sri Lanka as the favored team to secure victory in this match. Several factors contribute to Sri Lanka’s favorable position:

• Historical Dominance: Sri Lanka has won four out of their last five encounters against Afghanistan. This historical advantage boosts their confidence.
• Afghanistan’s Recent Performance: Afghanistan’s recent performances haven’t been particularly impressive, possibly affecting their form and confidence.
• Strong Record: Sri Lanka maintains a decent record when competing against Afghanistan, adding to their chances of success.
• Afghanistan’s Spin Bowlers: Afghanistan boasts some of the best spin bowlers in their squad, which can be a crucial asset.
• Losing Streak: Afghanistan has faced setbacks in their last six consecutive ODI matches, which may impact their morale and readiness.

Sri Lanka presents a well-rounded team with a robust batting order and bowling unit, significantly elevating their prospects of victory in today’s match. Let’s break down the chances of each team as follows:

Sri Lanka: They hold a 60% probability of clinching this match.
Afghanistan: Their chances are marked at 40% for securing a win.

Sri Lanka’s well-balanced composition and recent form have positioned them with a higher likelihood of emerging victorious in this encounter.

The coin toss will hold significant sway over the outcomes of each match in the ODI Cricket World Cup Warm-up 2023. Based on our toss prediction, the team that secures the toss victory is likely to opt for batting first, as the pitch’s behavior is anticipated to remain consistent throughout both innings.

The 8th encounter of the ODI Cricket World Cup Warm-up 2023 is set to unfold at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Our observations from prior matches held at this venue indicate that the pitch here is conducive to batting. It’s a somewhat slower track compared to others, offering advantages to spinners. Our expectation is that the surface will progressively slow down, making it more challenging for batting in this particular match. Achieving a score of 160 will indeed be a formidable task.

The weather outlook for Guwahati appears favorable for the upcoming cricket match. While there is a possibility of rain, we remain optimistic about a complete and uninterrupted contest.

• Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium
• Location: Guwahati, India
• Inaugurated: 2012
• Seating Capacity: 40,000
• Also Known As Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium, Assam Cricket Association Stadium
• Playing Ends: Media End, Pavilion End
• Time Zone: UTC +05:30
• Home Team: Assam
• Floodlights: Available

The third One Day International (ODI) match of the West Indies tour of the United Arab Emirates in 2023 is set to take place on Friday, June 9th, 2023 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.

The West Indies team has displayed an impressive performance during their tour of the United Arab Emirates, securing victory in the three-match ODI series. With an opportunity for a clean sweep against the home side, the West Indies are in a favorable position. On the other hand, the United Arab Emirates has struggled throughout this home series, experiencing defeat in the first two matches. However, they are determined to win the upcoming match to avoid a whitewash.

Our expectations for the United Arab Emirates to challenge the West Indies on their home turf were not met as they struggled to deliver a strong performance in all aspects of the game. This was evident in the second ODI match where they lost the toss and were put into field first. Unfortunately, their bowling unit failed to make a significant impact, conceding 306 runs. Zahoor Khan stood out as their most successful bowler, taking three wickets in 9.5 overs while conceding 44 runs. Afzal Khan also showcased excellent bowling skills, claiming two wickets in ten overs at the expense of 45 runs. Sanchit Sharma contributed well, taking two wickets in eight overs for 69 runs.

Ali Naseer also displayed an exceptional performance, picking up two wickets in ten overs while conceding 69 runs. Adhitya Shetty secured one wicket, while Basil Hameed couldn’t manage to take any wickets. On the batting front, the United Arab Emirates put up a decent effort but fell short in their chase of 307 runs, scoring 228 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Ali Naseer emerged as their highest run-scorer, contributing 57 runs off 53 balls, including six boundaries and three massive sixes. Basil Hameed showcased a noteworthy batting display, scoring 49 runs off 84 balls, featuring one boundary and three towering sixes. Vriitya Aravind also made a valuable contribution with 36 runs, striking five boundaries. Aayan Afzal Khan remained unbeaten on 25 runs, while Aryansh Sharma scored 20 runs.

The West Indies have already secured victory in the three-match ODI series, which prompts expectations of changes in their playing eleven for this upcoming match. The team’s batting order has been in excellent form, a positive sign ahead of the World Cup, considering the similar conditions expected in India and the United Arab Emirates. Such performances should boost the confidence of West Indies batsmen. In the previous match, they posted a total of 306 runs before their entire team returned to the pavilion in 49.5 overs.
The top order of the West Indies batting lineup has proven to be strong.

Brandon King and Johnson Charles, the opening pair, have consistently provided solid starts in both of the previous matches. Their partnership for the first wicket yielded 129 runs. Brandon King stood out as the highest run-scorer, amassing 64 runs off 70 balls, including four boundaries and an equal number of massive sixes. J Charles also delivered an outstanding batting performance, contributing 63 runs. He faced 47 balls, striking eight boundaries and three towering sixes. Odean Smith made a valuable contribution with 37 runs off 24 balls, featuring three boundaries and a six. Keacy Carty scored 32 runs, while Kavem Hodge and the captain, Shai Hope, scored 26 and 23 runs, respectively.

The West Indies bowling unit also performed well, successfully defending the target of 307 runs while conceding 228 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Roston Chase emerged as the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets in ten overs for 49 runs. Kavem Hodge also took two wickets, while Akeem Jordan, Odean Smith, and Yannic Cariah each picked up one wicket.

The United Arab Emirates has participated in a total of 101 One Day International (ODI) matches, securing victory in 36 of them. Unfortunately, they suffered defeat in 64 matches, while one match concluded without a result.

In their ODI history, the West Indies cricket team has competed in 857 matches. Out of these, they have claimed victory in 413 matches, while experiencing defeat in 404 matches. Additionally, they have encountered 30 matches that concluded without a result, and 10 matches that ended in a tie.

In the four ODI matches between the United Arab Emirates and West Indies, the United Arab Emirates failed to secure a victory, while West Indies emerged triumphant in all three matches.

According to our cricket match prediction, the West Indies team is favored to win this match. The following reasons contribute to West Indies being considered the favorite:

• West Indies has already emerged victorious in the three-match ODI series.
• The key batsmen of the West Indies team are currently in excellent form.
• Overall, West Indies possesses a stronger team compared to the United Arab Emirates.
• Although the United Arab Emirates has the advantage of playing on home ground with the support of the crowd, West Indies is still favored.
• It is highly likely that West Indies will make changes in their playing eleven for this match.

Comparing the batting order and bowling unit of both teams, the United Arab Emirates seems to have an edge over West Indies, increasing their chances of winning today’s match. The breakdown of winning probabilities for both teams is as follows:

West Indies: 54% chance of winning this match.
United Arab Emirates: 46% chance of winning this match.

The outcome of the toss can have a significant impact on the course of this match. Based on our toss prediction, the team that wins the toss is likely to choose to bat first.

The upcoming 3rd ODI match between the United Arab Emirates and West Indies is scheduled to take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah. Known for its batting-friendly pitch, the surface at Sharjah Cricket Stadium typically offers good bounce and pace, enabling batsmen to play their shots with assurance. As the match progresses, the dry surface can cause the ball to grip and turn, providing an advantage to spin bowlers. Additionally, the relatively small boundaries at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium often contribute to high-scoring matches and captivating battles between batsmen and bowlers.

The weather outlook for the match day in Sharjah is favorable, with no significant chances of rain. This suggests that we can expect a full match to be played without any interruptions due to weather conditions.

United Arab Emirates: Muhammad Waseem (c), Aryansh Sharma (wk), Vriitya Aravind, Lovepreet Singh, Asif Khan, Basil Hameed, Ali Naseer, Aayan Afzal Khan, Sanchit Sharma, Adhitya Shetty, Zahoor Khan.

West Indies: Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Shamarh Brooks, Shai Hope (c & wk), Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Roston Chase, Yannic Cariah, Odean Smith, Akeem Jordan, Dominic Drakes.

Captain: Brandon King
Vice-Captain: Keemo Paul
Shai Hope, Vriitya Aravind, Muhammad Waseem, Shamarh Brooks, Rohan Mustafa, Roston Chase, Ali Naseer, Odean Smith, Dominic Drakes

• Date: Friday, 9th June 2023
• Time: 06:00 PM IST

• Stadium: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
• Location: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
• Opened: 1982
• Capacity: 16,000
• Ends: Pavilion End, Sharjah Club End
• Time Zone: UTC +04:00
• Home to: United Arab Emirates
• Floodlights: Yes

• Total matches: 253
• Matches won batting first: 132
• Matches won bowling first: 119
• Average 1st Inns scores: 222
• Average 3rd Inns scores: 191
• Highest total recorded: 364/7 (50 Ov) by PAK vs NZ
• Lowest total recorded: 54/10 (26.3 Ov) by IND vs SL
• The highest score chased: 285/2 (47.5 Ov) by AUS vs PAK
• The lowest score defended: 138/9 (50 Ov) by PAKW vs SLW

Ansh Tandon, Basil Hameed, Ethan DSouza, Jonathan Figy, Fahad Nawaz, Matiullah Khan, Muhammad Jawadullah, Mohammed Faraazuddin, Lovepreet Singh, Adhitya Shetty, Sanchit Sharma, Muhammad Waseem (c), Aryansh Sharma (wk), Vriitya Aravind, Rameez Shahzad, Asif Khan, Rohan Mustafa, Ali Naseer, Aayan Afzal Khan, Karthik Meiyappan, Junaid Siddique, Zahoor Khan.

The third One Day International (ODI) match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, as part of the Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka in 2023, is set to take place on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023. The match will be held at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota.

Sri Lanka demonstrated their superiority over Afghanistan in the previous match, dominating every aspect of the game. After a lackluster batting performance in the first match, their team displayed an exceptional turnaround in the recent encounter. Winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to bat first and amassed a formidable total of 323 runs in 50 overs. Nearly every batsman contributed significantly to the scoreboard.

Kusal Mendis stood out as the most successful and highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka, accumulating an impressive 78 runs off 75 balls, including seven boundaries and a massive six. Dimuth Karunaratne also showcased his batting prowess, scoring 52 runs off 62 balls, smashing seven powerful sixes.

Sadeera Samarawickrama made a notable contribution, adding 44 runs to the team’s total in 46 balls, including five boundaries. Pathum Nissanka also played a vital role, scoring 43 runs off 56 balls with six boundaries. Dhananjaya de Silva remained unbeaten with 29 runs to his name.

Sri Lanka’s bowling unit performed exceptionally well in the previous match, dismissing the entire Afghanistan team for a mere 191 runs in 42.1 overs. Dhananjaya de Silva proved to be the most successful bowler, taking three wickets in his ten overs, conceding 39 runs. Wanindu Hasaranga also displayed outstanding bowling skills, claiming three wickets in nine overs, with an economical spell of 42 runs. Notably, Hasaranga bowled two maiden overs. Dushmantha Chameera also shone with the ball, securing two wickets in seven overs for just 18 runs. Maheesh Theekshana and skipper Dasun Shanaka each took one wicket.

Afghanistan showcased a remarkable performance in the first match of the series; however, they failed to maintain their winning momentum and suffered a significant defeat by a margin of 132 runs. Despite Afghanistan’s strength in the bowling department, they struggled to contain Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, conceding a total of 323 runs in 50 overs. Mohammad Nabi stood out as the most successful bowler for Afghanistan, claiming two wickets in his ten overs for 52 runs. Fareed Ahmad also performed well, taking two wickets in nine overs, but conceding 61 runs.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad each picked up one wicket, while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai failed to secure any wickets. In the batting department, Afghanistan had a commendable performance in the first match, but their fortunes took a turn for the worse in the second ODI. They faltered, and their entire team was dismissed for a total of 191 runs in 42.1 overs while chasing a target of 324 runs.

Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain, emerged as the most successful and highest run-scorer for Afghanistan, accumulating 57 runs off 62 balls, including six boundaries. Ibrahim Zadran also displayed an outstanding performance with the bat, scoring 54 runs off 75 balls, with two boundaries and a huge six. Rahmat Shah contributed 36 runs, while Azmatullah Omarzai managed to score 28 runs.

In their ODI history, Sri Lanka has participated in 887 matches, emerging victorious in 402 encounters, while their opponents have triumphed in 441 matches. Additionally, 39 matches concluded without a result, and 5 matches ended in a tie.

Afghanistan has competed in a total of 143 ODI matches to date. Out of these, they have secured victory in 71 matches, while their opponents have emerged victorious in 67 matches. Furthermore, 4 matches involving Afghanistan concluded without a result, and 1 match ended in a tie.

In their encounters against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka has participated in 9 One Day International (ODI) matches. Out of these, they emerged victorious in 5 matches, while Afghanistan secured 3 wins. Additionally, one match concluded without a result.

Based on today’s prediction, Sri Lanka is considered the favored team to emerge victorious in this match. Several factors contribute to Sri Lanka’s status as the favorite team:

• Sri Lanka displayed an impressive performance in their previous match, securing a substantial victory.
• Sri Lanka has maintained a commendable record when playing against Afghanistan.
• Sri Lanka has emerged victorious in two out of their three most recent matches against Afghanistan.
• The batting order of Sri Lanka is currently in superb form, showcasing their strength in scoring runs.
• The main bowlers of Sri Lanka are also in good form, displaying effectiveness in restricting the opposition’s scoring opportunities.

Sri Lanka is known for their overall strength and experience as a team, particularly when playing in their home conditions. With a formidable batting order and a strong bowling unit, Sri Lanka’s chances of winning today’s match have significantly improved. The probability of victory for both teams is as follows:

Sri Lanka: 54% chance of winning.
Afghanistan: 46% chance of winning.

The outcome of the toss is anticipated to hold significant importance in determining the course of every match in this series. Our toss prediction suggests that the team winning the toss is likely to opt for batting first.

The upcoming 3rd ODI match of the Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota. The pitch at this stadium is typically prepared to ensure a balanced competition between batsmen and bowlers. While the nature of the pitch may vary, it generally tends to favor spinners and provides some assistance to fast bowlers during the initial phases of the match. The outfield is meticulously maintained, offering swift and reliable conditions for fielders and batsmen. The grass on the field is kept short, allowing for agile movement and facilitating accurate ball tracking.

The weather forecast for match day in Hambantota indicates unfavorable conditions for a cricket game. There is a possibility of rain, but we remain hopeful that the match will be played in its entirety for spectators to enjoy.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha.

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik.

It will be updated shortly

• Date: Wednesday, 7th June 2023
• Time: 10:00 PM IST

• Total matches: 23
• Matches won batting first: 9
• Matches won bowling first: 11
• Average 3rd Inns scores: 251
• Average 2nd Inns scores: 197
• Highest total recorded: 368/4 (50 Ov) by SL vs PAK
• Lowest total recorded: 112/10 (33.1 Ov) by KEN vs PAK
• The highest score chased: 312/2 (47.2 Ov) by SL vs ZIM
• The lowest score defended: 314/6 (50 Ov) by IND vs SL

Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (wk & vc), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana.

On Thursday, June 2, 2023, the first ODI match of the Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka 2023 is set to take place at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota.

Sri Lanka’s performance in ODIs has shown improvement in previous series, but they faced significant challenges in their most recent encounters against India and New Zealand. During the early part of this year, they suffered a whitewash in the three-match ODI series against India. Additionally, they experienced a clean sweep in the recent ODI series against New Zealand. Leading the Sri Lankan ODI team in this home series of three matches is Dasun Shanaka, the regular captain.

Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne are vital batsmen for Sri Lanka in this ODI series, supported by Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Charith Asalanka. Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama are the designated wicketkeeper-batsmen in the Sri Lankan squad. Sri Lanka’s bowling unit also exhibits strength, with Dushan Hemantha leading the attack alongside Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, and Maheesh Theekshana. Chamika Karunaratne and Wanindu Hasaranga are also available to bolster Sri Lanka’s bowling prowess.

Afghanistan, known for producing talented cricket players, has made significant progress as a team. They are gearing up for their first ODI series of the year. In their most recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, they managed to secure a 1-1 draw. For this series of three ODI matches against Sri Lanka, Afghanistan has included some promising young players in their squad.

Leading the team as captain is Hashmatullah Shahidi, who will oversee the batting order alongside Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, and Najibullah Zadran. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ikram Alikhil serve as the wicketkeeper-batsmen in the Afghan squad. Afghanistan possesses a formidable bowling unit, renowned for its skilled spinners. Mujeeb Ur Rahman will spearhead the Afghan bowling attack, supported by Noor Ahmad, Abdul Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Fareed Ahmad Malik. Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and Azmatullah Omarzai also contribute to Afghanistan’s bowling prowess.

Rashid Khan, who recently showcased his talent in the Indian Premier League, performed exceptionally well and emerged as one of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers. With his familiarity with the conditions in Sri Lanka, Rashid Khan is expected to play a pivotal role for Afghanistan in this series.

In their ODI history, Sri Lanka has participated in a total of 885 matches. Out of these, they emerged victorious in 401 matches, while the opposing teams claimed victory in 440 matches. There were 39 matches that ended with no result, and 5 matches concluded in a tie.

Afghanistan has competed in a total of 141 ODI matches thus far. Out of these, they achieved victory in 70 matches, while their opponents claimed victory in 66 matches. There were 4 matches that ended with no result, and 1 match concluded in a tie.

In the head-to-head encounters between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, they have played a total of 7 ODI matches. Out of these, Sri Lanka emerged victorious in 4 matches, while Afghanistan secured wins in 2 matches. There was 1 match that ended with no result.

As per the current prediction, Sri Lanka holds the status of the favorite team to win this match. Several factors contribute to Sri Lanka’s favorable position:

• Home ground advantage: Playing in familiar conditions provides a significant edge to Sri Lanka.
• Strong batting order: Sri Lanka possesses a robust batting lineup, boosting their scoring potential.
• Previous record against Afghanistan: Sri Lanka has a positive track record, having won most of the ODI matches played against Afghanistan.
• World-class bowlers in the Afghan squad: Afghanistan boasts some of the best bowlers globally, adding competitiveness to the game.

Strong batting order for Afghanistan: Afghanistan also possesses a formidable batting order, increasing the unpredictability of the match.
Considering these factors, Sri Lanka emerges as the favored team to win this match.

Sri Lanka boasts a formidable and experienced team with a commendable track record when playing in their home conditions. With a strong batting order and a solid bowling unit, Sri Lanka’s chances of winning today’s match have significantly improved. The probability of victory for both teams in today’s match is as follows:

Sri Lanka: 54% chance to win
Afghanistan: 46% chance to win

The toss will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of each match in this series. Based on our toss prediction, the team winning the toss is likely to choose to bat first.

The 1st ODI match of the Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka is going to be held at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota. The pitch at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium is typically prepared to provide a fair contest between bat and ball. The nature of the pitch can vary, but it generally favors spinners and offers assistance to fast bowlers in the early stages of a match. The outfield is usually well-maintained and provides fast and true conditions for fielders and batsmen. The grass is kept short to allow for quick movement and good ball tracking. The boundary dimensions may vary depending on the match and format being played. The stadium has larger boundaries compared to some other cricket venues, which can make it challenging for batsmen to hit boundaries.

The weather forecast for match day in Hambantota does not bode well for a cricket game. There is a possibility of rain, but we remain hopeful of witnessing a complete match.

Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (wk & vc), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga.

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan.

• Date: Thursday, 2nd June 2023
• Time: 04:30 AM GMT / 10:00 AM LOCAL / 10:00 PM IST

The venue for the 1st match of SL vs AFG is Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota. It was named after the former President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, who initiated the construction of the stadium. The venue is primarily used for hosting international cricket matches. The stadium was inaugurated on March 18, 2011, with a One Day International (ODI) match between Sri Lanka and Canada. It is one of the largest cricket stadiums in Sri Lanka and has a seating capacity of around 35,000 spectators.

The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium is known for its picturesque location, situated near the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The stadium’s design incorporates elements inspired by the natural environment, such as its roof resembling the wings of a bird. The venue also features floodlights, allowing for day-night matches. In addition to cricket matches, the stadium has hosted other sporting events, including matches of the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL), a domestic T20 cricket tournament. It has also been used for non-sporting events like concerts and cultural festivals.

Hambantota, the city where the stadium is located, is known for its natural beauty and proximity to popular tourist destinations such as Yala National Park and Bundala National Park. The stadium has played a significant role in promoting cricket in the region and attracting tourists to Hambantota.

• Total matches: 23
• Matches won batting first: 9
• Matches won bowling first: 11
• Average 1st Inns scores: 251
• Average 2nd Inns scores: 197
• Highest total recorded: 368/4 (50 Ov) by SL vs PAK
• Lowest total recorded: 112/10 (33.1 Ov) by KEN vs PAK
• The highest score chased: 312/2 (47.2 Ov) by SL vs ZIM
• The lowest score defended: 314/6 (50 Ov) by IND vs SL

Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (wk & vc), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana.

The 2nd ODI match of the Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka, 2022 is scheduled to be held on Sunday, 27th November 2022 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele.

Sri Lanka came to the first ODI match as a favorite team but they disappointed their fans and were on the losing side. They lost the toss and were asked to field first. The performance of their bowling unit was not very good. They leaked a total of 294 runs in 50 overs. They used seven bowlers in the previous match and W Hasaranga was the most successful and highest wicket-taker from their side who picked two wickets in ten overs against 42 runs. M Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Dhananjaya Lakshan, and Kasun Rajitha picked one wicket each while Dhananjaya de Silva and the skipper, Dasun Shanaka were the bowlers who failed to pick any wicket. Lahiru Kumara leaked 54 runs in eight overs while Kasun Rajitha was charged with 56 runs in 10 overs.

The batting order of Sri Lanka is strong and experienced but they totally failed to give the best performance in the previous match and scored 234 runs while chasing the target of 295 runs. Their full team came back to the pavilion in just 38 overs. Pathum Nissanka was the most successful and highest run-scorer from their side scoring 85 runs on 83 balls with the help of 10 boundaries. Wanindu Hasaranga was the other batter who put some big runs on the board. He scored 66 runs while he faced 46 balls and smashed 10 boundaries and two huge sixes. No other batter from their side could cross the figure of 20 runs. The skipper, Dasun Shanaka and Dhananjaya de Silva scored 16 runs each while Dinesh Chandimal could manage to score just 14 runs. Kusal Mendis had just one run to his name while Charith Asalanka could manage to score 10 runs.

Afghanistan gave an extraordinary performance in the first match of this tour of Sri Lanka. No one from us was expecting this kind of performance from Afghanistan. They won the toss and decided to bat first. Their batters proved this decision right and put a defendable total on the board. They scored a total of 295 runs in their 50 overs. Ibrahim Zadran was the most successful and the highest run-scorer from their side who scored the second century of his ODI career. He scored a total of 106 runs on 120 balls with the help of 11 boundaries. Rahmanullah Gurbaz also performed well and scored 53 runs. He faced 55 balls and smashed nine boundaries during his inning. Rahmat Shah was the other batter who put some runs on the board. He scored 52 runs while he faced 64 balls and smashed just two boundaries.

Najibullah Zadran scored 42 runs in the previous match on just 25 balls with the help of five boundaries and one huge six. Gulbadin Naib scored 22 runs. The performance of the bowling unit in Afghanistan was also good in the first ODI. They defended the target of 296 runs and send the full team of Sri Lanka back to the pavilion with a total of 234 runs in 38 overs. Almost all bowlers of Afghanistan performed well in the previous match. Fazalhaq Farooqi was the most successful and highest wicket-taker from their side with four wickets to his name in nine overs against 49 runs. Gulbadin Naib also had an outstanding performance with the ball and picked three wickets in eight overs while he was charged with 34 runs. Yamin Ahmadzai was the other bowler who had some wickets to his name. He picked up two wickets while he leaked 46 runs in just six overs. Rashid Khan also performed well and picked one wicket in eight overs against 40 runs. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi were the bowlers who failed to pick any wicket in the first ODI match.

Sri Lanka had played a total of 878 ODI matches with 400 wins to their name. They had lost 435 matches while their 38 matches ended with no result and 5 matches were tied.

Afghanistan had played 139 One Day Internationals. They had won 70 matches and lost 65 matches. Their 3 matches ended with no results and 1 match was tied.

Sri Lanka played 5 ODI matches against Afghanistan where they won 3 matches while Afghanistan won two matches.

As per our cricket match prediction, Sri Lanka is the favorite team to win this match. The reasons why Sri Lanka is a favorite team in this match, are mentioned below:

• Sri Lanka lost the first ODI match but they are still a strong team
• Fazalhaq Farooqi and Ibrahim Zadran are in good form for Afghanistan
• The bowling unit of Afghanistan is strong and experienced
• The batting order of Afghanistan performed well in the previous match

Sri Lanka has a strong batting order and bowling unit as compared to Afghanistan, so the winning chances of Sri Lanka for today’s match have been increased. The equation of winning the chances of both teams for today’s match is mentioned as under.

Sri Lanka has a 58% chance to win this match
Afghanistan has a 42% chance to win this match

The toss can play an important role in the decision of this match. According to our toss prediction, the team who will win the toss may elect to bat first.

The 2nd ODI match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan is going to be played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. The pitch at this stadium is excellent for batting. The boundaries at this venue are short and will bring the spinners into play. The pitch will continue to be good for batting throughout the match.

The weather forecast in Pallekele on match day is good. There are almost no chances of rain and we should have a full match.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha.

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmat Shah, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Yamin Ahmadzai.

It will be updated shortly

Date: Sunday, 27th November 2022
Time: 09:00 AM GMT / 02:30 PM LOCAL / 02:30 PM IST

• Stadium: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
• Location: Pallekele, Sri Lanka
• Capacity: 35000
• Dimensions: 80m long, 75m wide
• Ends: Hunnasgiriya End, Rikillagaskada End
• Time Zone: UTC +05:30
• Home to: Kandurata
• Floodlights: Yes
• Curator: Asitha Wijesinghe

• Total matches: 23
• Matches won batting first: 12
• Matches won bowling first: 8
• Average 2nd Inns scores: 168
• Average 2nd Inns scores: 149
• Highest total recorded: 263/3 (20 Ov) by AUS vs SL
• The lowest total recorded: 88/10 (16 Ov) by NZ vs SL
• The highest score chased: 178/2 (18.4 Ov) by PAK vs BAN
• The lowest score defended: 125/8 (20 Ov) by SL vs NZ

Kusal Mendis (wk), Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Ashen Bandara, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Dunith Wellalage.