SL vs AFG LIVE Score: Afghanistan Wins the Toss and Opts to Bowl in 1st ODI of Three-Match Series
Sri Lanka is all set to host Afghanistan for a three-match ODI series, beginning June 2. All three matches will be played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota. With the ICC ODI World Cup scheduled to take place later this year in India, both teams would view this series as a preparation opportunity.
Afghanistan’s Playing XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Fareed Ahmad Malik were the players selected by Afghanistan for the 1st ODI.
Sri Lanka’s Playing XI
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w), Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka(c), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, and Lahiru Kumara were the players chosen by Sri Lanka for the opening ODI.
Preparation Opportunity for Both Teams Ahead of ICC ODI World Cup
With the ICC ODI World Cup set to take place in India later this year, both teams will use this series as a preparation opportunity to get ready for the tournament. Both teams have put forward their best players for the 1st ODI and it will be interesting to see how the series will unfold.
Conclusion
The 1st ODI of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan is set to get underway on June 2 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota. Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bowl first. Both teams have put forward their best players for the match and it will be interesting to see the outcome of the series.
By hosting this series, both teams will get the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup which is set to take place in India later this year.
External Links:
https://www.icc-cricket.com/cricket-world-cup
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/19094/scorecard/1237862/sri-lanka-vs-afghanistan-1st-odi-afg-in-sl-odi-series-2021