SL vs AFG – 3rd ODI Prediction 07 Jun 2023

On Wednesday, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will face off in the third and final match of the series, which promises to be an exciting encounter.

• After a convincing 132-run victory in the second game, Sri Lanka made a strong comeback to level the series at 1-1.
• Meanwhile, Afghanistan might have to cope without the presence of Rashid Khan in the final match.
• Both teams are anticipated to showcase their top form and give their best performance in this decisive encounter of the series.

SL vs AFG – 3rd ODI – Venue Details

Venue: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota

Date: June 7th 2023

Time: 10:00 (local)

SL vs AFG – 3rd ODI – Team Previews

Sri Lanka

In the first ODI of the series, Sri Lanka suffered a heavy defeat as Ibrahim Zadran’s remarkable 98-run innings led Afghanistan to a comfortable six-wicket victory while chasing down 269 runs. However, Sri Lanka bounced back strongly in the following match, securing a commanding win by 132 runs. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, Sri Lanka aims to maintain their momentum and build confidence for the upcoming qualifier event.

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka received a strong start from Kusal Mendis (78) and Dimuth Karunaratne (52). Contributions from Dasun Shanaka (23) and Wanindu Hasaranga (29) propelled the hosts to an imposing total of 323 for 6 wickets. Fareed Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi took two wickets each for Afghanistan. In response, the visitors were bundled out for a mere 191 runs in 42.1 overs, suffering a significant defeat. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dhananjaya de Silva displayed economical bowling spells, claiming three wickets each and securing a well-deserved victory for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka will rely on Karunaratne to anchor the innings for a longer duration in the upcoming match. The inclusion of Samarawickrama at number 4 proved to be a fruitful decision, as he contributed with a solid knock of 44 runs. With a deep batting lineup comprising de Silva, Shanaka, and Hasaranga in the lower order, Sri Lanka possesses the potential to score runs consistently. Dasun Shanaka, as the captain, will enter the 3rd ODI with confidence, having made effective selections in the previous game.

Afghanistan

Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain of Afghanistan, will definitely feel the absence of Rashid Khan, as his bowlers conceded a significant total of 323 runs after being asked to field first. Despite Farooqi’s success in the first ODI, he failed to take a wicket in the second match. Chasing a target of 323 against a strong and experienced Sri Lankan bowling attack was a challenging task for Afghanistan.

Early in the powerplay, the Afghanistan pacers showed promise with the new ball, taking advantage of its movement. However, if the Sri Lankan openers approached them cautiously and played them out, the effectiveness of the pacers diminished for the remainder of the innings.

The key to victory in this series-deciding match lies in the bowling performance. Afghanistan’s success will heavily rely on early wickets, which will provide them an advantage. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah are crucial players in the batting order, displaying good form and contributing significantly.

SL vs AFG – 3rd ODI – Probable Playing XI’s

Afghanistan: R Gurbaz (wk), I Zadran, Rahmat Shah, H Shahidi (Cap), Mohd Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, A Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, F Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad

Sri Lanka: P Nissanka, D Karunaratne, K Mendis (wk), S Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, D de Silva, D Shanaka (Cap), W Hasaranga, D Chameera, M Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha

SL vs AFG – 3rd ODI – Pitch Report and Toss Prediction

The pitch at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium is known to offer a balanced playing surface for both batsmen and bowlers. The pacers find assistance from the pitch, allowing them to generate good movement with the new ball. At the same time, the batsmen also have the opportunity to score significant runs, as the surface has witnessed impressive totals in the past.

SL vs AFG – 3rd ODI – Win Prediction

Sri Lanka can win this game comfortably if they play to their potential.