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The series opener in Dambulla showcased a tight contest as the hosts secured a hard-fought victory. However, Afghanistan demonstrated enough prowess to suggest that the remainder of the series won’t be a one-sided affair.
Pitch and Conditions: The Dambulla pitch allowed for an engaging game with bowlers consistently in the mix. Despite some bowlers conceding at a high run-rate, it’s characteristic of T20I cricket where batsmen seek domination. Captains from both sides led by example with top scores, sparking curiosity about whether their teammates can emulate their approaches in the upcoming encounter.
Teams Preview:
Sri Lanka: While Sri Lanka clinched the opening match, they faced challenges, especially in their batting performance, where they utilized only 19 of the allocated 20 overs. Their top six posted double-figure scores, but the lower order struggled. To secure the series early, they need to bat for an additional six balls. Binura Fernando, despite being the most expensive bowler, showcased resilience in the last over, a testament to captain Wanindu Hasaranga’s confidence in his players.
Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana
Afghanistan: Afghanistan faced regular wicket losses in the opening T20I, hindering their chances of victory. Skipper Ibrahim Zadran’s unbeaten 67 showcased promise, but the team needs him to accelerate if they aim to chase targets effectively. Fazalhaq Farooqi emerged as the standout bowler with figures of 3/25, receiving support from Naveen-ul-Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai.
Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI: Ibrahim Zadran (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Weather Conditions: Dambulla is expected to witness a cloudy and humid day on Monday, with no anticipated rainfall. The temperature will hover in the high twenties throughout the match.
Venue Insights: The Dambulla pitch proved challenging in the series opener, offering unpredictability in pace and aiding spinners. Bowlers using variations found success, making it a tricky surface for batsmen.
Toss Prediction: Given the challenges faced by both teams while batting in the previous match, winning the toss and choosing to bowl might be a preferred strategy for both captains.
Match Prediction: Anticipating improvements from both sides, especially in batting rates, the bowlers might face a tougher challenge. Sri Lanka, however, holds the advantage, and we predict them to win and take a 2-0 lead in the series. Backing Sri Lanka for the win!
Prediction: Sri Lanka to win!
