Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: Matheesha Pathirana Gets Maiden ODI Wicket On Debut

The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota is hosting all three matches of the Sri Lanka-Afghanistan ODI series, as both teams prepare for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup in India. On this occasion, the pacer Matheesha Pathirana got his maiden ODI wicket on his debut by getting rid of the well-set Rahmat Shah, giving Sri Lanka a breakthrough. Despite this, Afghanistan is still ahead with less than 4.5 runs needed per over.

Afghanistan’s Playing XI

Afghanistan’s playing XI for the ODI series consists of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Sri Lanka’s Playing XI

Sri Lanka’s playing XI for the ODI series consists of Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, and Lahiru Kumara. Charith Asalanka’s 91 runs propelled Sri Lanka to a competitive total on the tricky pitch.

Conclusion

The Sri Lanka-Afghanistan ODI series is an opportunity for both teams to prepare for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup. Matheesha Pathirana’s maiden ODI wicket on his debut gave Sri Lanka a breakthrough, but Afghanistan is still ahead with less than 4.5 runs needed per over. The series is being hosted at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota.