SL vs AFG Live Score: Afghanistan Cruising in Chase of 269
The first One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series between Sri Lanka (SL) and Afghanistan (AFG) is underway at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota. The visitors won the toss and opted to bowl first. SL was propelled to a strong position courtesy of Charith Asalanka’s 91. However, Ibrahim Zadran’s fifty has enabled AFG to cruise in the chase of 269. 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.
Playing XI for SL and AFG
SL’s Playing XI includes 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.
AFG’s Playing XI 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.
Conclusion
The SL vs AFG ODI series is an important preparation opportunity for both teams ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup later this year. AFG is currently in a strong position in the chase of 269, thanks to Ibrahim Zadran’s fifty. Both teams have put forward their respective Playing XIs, and the match is expected to be a closely fought battle.
External Links:
1. https://www.icc-cricket.com/world-cup/
2. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/19081/scorecard/1230369/afghanistan-vs-sri-lanka-1st-odi-afg-in-sl-odi-series-2021