Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2022: Match 1 Preview- Pitch Report, Live Streaming, Predicted Playing XI
Hosts Sri Lanka will lock horns with Afghanistan in the inaugural match of the Asia Cup 2022 on August 27 (Saturday) at the Dubai International Stadium. Sri Lanka are the second most successful side in the history of the tournament with five titles to their name. The Dusun Shanaka-led side are on road to revival in the limited overs circuit since the T20 World Cup 2021 and will look to start their campaign with a win.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, have been an ever-improving side since they set foot on the International circuit. Although they might have lost their previous T20I series against Ireland, the Mohammad Nabi-led side will be a handful on the pitches of UAE.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka have some proven winners of the T20 circuit. The likes of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana have proved their worth around the globe and will be key to Sri Lanka’s chances. The skipper Shanaka has played the role of a finisher with perfection. Charith Asalanka has been the spin-destructor for the hosts and will be instrumental against the likes of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Predicted Playing XI:Pathum Nissanka, Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajaspaksa, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana , Asitha Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay
Sri Lanka Squad:
Dasun Shanaka (c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Ashen Bandara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Dinesh Chandimal, Nuwanidu Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Nuwan Thushara
Afghanistan
Afghanistan has been a spin-dominant side and the same will be the case in this tournament as well. The world-class spinners in Rashid, Nabi, and Mujeeb will be instrumental to the team’s chances. The top-order has not been very consistent off late and would look to make amends in the series opener.
Predicted Playing XI:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran,Usman Ghani, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Noor Ahmad
Afghanistan Squad:
Mohammad Nabi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, Samiullah Shinwari, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Usman Ghani
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2022 Match Details
Date – 27th August 2022
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – Dubai International Stadium, Dubai.
Broadcast and Live Streaming – Star Sports Network
Pitch Report
The match will be played in Dubai. The pitch out here is pretty even with a good amount of assistance for batters and bowlers. Spinners have got good purchase at this venue due to its slow nature. Dew might come into the play and the teams winning the toss might be inclined to chase.
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