Sri Lanka and Afghanistan Battle it Out for Series Win
With the three-match ODI series on the line, Sri Lanka have elected to bat first against Afghanistan in the second ODI at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota. The Afghani side have the chance to win the series and gain momentum as the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 draws nearer.
Teams:
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, and Kasun Rajitha.
Rashid Khan’s Absence
The Afghani squad will be without their spearhead, Rashid Khan, as they look to gain a series win. This would give the team a huge boost of confidence as the ODI World Cup approaches.
Conclusion
The second ODI between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will be a crucial match for both teams, as the winner will take the three-match ODI series. With the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 looming, a series win would be a massive confidence boost for Afghanistan, despite the absence of Rashid Khan.