Sri Lanka look to seal Tremendous Fours spot as Afghanistan await in batter-friendly Lahore
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Sri Lanka have performed one recreation within the Asia Cup to date, and gained it. But if issues go awry in opposition to Afghanistan on Tuesday, they very effectively might be out of the match; such is the character of it. But for that to occur, Afghanistan have to win – and win large. How large will rely on the exact match state of affairs, however hypothetically talking, in the event that they have been to attain 275 runs batting first, they would wish to win by a margin of at the least 68 runs, or chase down any goal in 35 overs or much less.
Suffice to say this offers Sri Lanka a reasonably nifty buffer, particularly on a Lahore floor that has been positively grasping for runs. This may also be, you think about, fairly a reduction for Sri Lanka’s batters, who’ve over the previous month – primarily throughout the LPL – been subjected to far much less batter-friendly tracks.
That mentioned, the toss is prone to play a reasonably main position. While the crew bowling second may need to take care of dew, it is an arguably rougher deal for the aspect bowling first as they might have to take action within the searing Lahore warmth. Indeed, talking publish match on Sunday after their win in opposition to Afghanistan, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan introduced it up unprompted as one of many key causes they gained that match, mentioning that it would not have been straightforward for Afghanistan to bat after fielding in that warmth for 50 overs.
Match situations apart, Sri Lanka going through Afghanistan must be a reasonably even contest. Of the final 5 accomplished ODIs between these two sides, Sri Lanka edge it 3-2. And that is now a Sri Lanka aspect with out just about their whole first-choice bowling assault. These sides, nonetheless, do not are inclined to have too many nail-biters, with 4 of these 5 video games ending in fairly dominant wins.
If you are of Afghan persuasion, that is a promising signal; however you must think about the percentages are nonetheless fairly closely stacked in Sri Lanka’s favour. Against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka confirmed that even with accidents, they nonetheless possess sufficient firepower and nous to take ten wickets in a match, whereas Afghanistan nonetheless must disprove the notion that their batting is a mushy contact when you get previous the highest order.
Form information
Afghanistan LLLLL (final 5 ODIs, most up-to-date first)
Sri Lanka WWWWW
In the highlight
Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been part of each single version of the LPL, so the Sri Lankans can be fairly acquainted with his recreation. Which means they will know that if allowed to proceed unchecked, he’s a real match winner. Gurbaz additionally has the propensity to both go large or go residence; in his final ten ODI innings, he has scores of 145 and 151, at the same time as 5 others have been in single digits. His highest rating in that interval except for his centuries is 22. A firing Gurbaz is a should if Afghanistan are to finish this escape act.
The nature of Lahore’s pitch implies that any result’s just about a shootout between either side’s respective batters, however in Maheesh Theekshana, Sri Lanka possess a secret weapon. Theekshana is as constant as they arrive: in 23 ODIs, he has grabbed at the least one wicket in all however 5 matches, whereas his economic system fee has breached the five-runs-per-over mark simply 5 instances. The solely caveat is that he has performed all these matches both at residence or in Zimbabwe, each offering situations which have suited him fairly properly. In Lahore, he will not have that luxurious, nevertheless it’s a take a look at he’ll most actually relish.
Team news
Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled in opposition to Bangladesh, with the seamers specifically taking some stick. Noor Ahmad is an choice to interchange considered one of Karim Janat or Gulbadin Naib, whereas Riaz Hassan might additionally are available to clean up the center order.
Afghanistan (possible): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 5 Najibullah Zadran, 6 Mohammad Nabi, 7 Gulbadin Naib 8 Karim Janat, 9 Rashid Khan, 10 Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi
Sri Lanka will possible head in with an unchanged XI, although in the event that they have been to incorporate Kusal Perera within the aspect, considered one of Dimuth Karunaratne or Pathum Nissanka might make method. Dushan Hemantha additionally gives a wristspin choice.
Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Dimuth Karunaratne, 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 5 Charith Asalanka 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 8 Dushan Hemantha/Dunith Wellalage, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Kasun Rajitha 11 Matheesha Pathirana
Pitch and situations
Scores of 300 are par for the course in Lahore, with Bangladesh hitting 334 final outing with out a lot hassle. The climate too is predicted to be sizzling and humid, with highs touching 37 levels probably, though it ought to settle round 26 levels by night. Winning the toss and batting first appears a no brainer.
Stats and trivia