Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 2nd ODI: Series on the Line
With the series at stake, Sri Lanka has chosen to bat first against Afghanistan. The latter will be aiming to take the second ODI and the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka when they go head-to-head on Sunday, June 4 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota.
Afghanistan Eyeing Confidence Boost in Absence of Rashid Khan
Should Afghanistan be able to win this match without their star player, Rashid Khan, it would give them a massive confidence boost as the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 draws near. On the other hand, Sri Lanka under Dasun Shanaka has shown their strength and will be looking to put up the same spirited fight that earned them the Asia Cup title last year.
Afghanistan Claim Comfortable 6-Wicket Win in 1st ODI
The first ODI saw Ibrahim Zadran (98) and Rahmat Shah (55) shine with the bat as Afghanistan achieved a comfortable 6-wicket victory. Chasing a total of 269, the visitors didn’t falter and kept the scoreboard ticking. Zadran and Shah put together a 146-run partnership that put Afghanistan in the driver’s seat.
Conclusion
The second ODI between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will be a crucial match as the series hangs in the balance. Both sides will be looking to come out on top and prove their mettle in a match that could potentially decide the fate of the series.