Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: Toss Won by Afghanistan, Both Teams Set to Play in the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium
As the ICC ODI World Cup looms closer, Sri Lanka is all set to host Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series, starting June 2. The matches will be held at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota. Afghanistan have won the toss and decided to bowl first.
Playing XI for Afghanistan
The playing XI for Afghanistan includes Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Playing XI for Sri Lanka
The playing XI for Sri Lanka includes Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, and Lahiru Kumara.
The Bigger Picture
This ODI series is being seen as an important preparation opportunity for both the teams ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup, scheduled to take place in India later this year. Both the teams will look to make the most of the series and gain valuable experience.
Conclusion
The first ODI of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan is set to begin on June 2 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota. Afghanistan have won the toss and opted to bowl first. It will be interesting to see how both the teams fare in the series and what kind of strategies they employ.