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After asserting their dominance over Afghanistan in the one-off Test and subsequent ODI series, Sri Lanka now have their sights set on a clean sweep in the three-match T20I series. Having already secured victories in the first two T20Is, the Wanindu Hasaranga-led side is eager to seal the series with another win in the final encounter and end on a high note.
Formidable Performances: Sadeera Samarawickrama and Angelo Mathews have been instrumental with the bat, consistently delivering impressive performances. Meanwhile, the bowling department, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, and Binura Fernando, has done a commendable job in restricting the Afghan batters.
Afghanistan’s Challenges: Afghanistan, on the other hand, has struggled to make a mark in the series, missing the services of key players like Rashid Khan. Their batters have failed to capitalize on opportunities, leaving room for improvement as they strive to salvage pride in the final T20I.
Match Details:
- Match: Afghanistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2024, 3rd T20I
- Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
- Date & Time: Wednesday, February 21, 7:00 PM (IST)
- Live Broadcast and Streaming: Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV app
Pitch Report: The Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium traditionally favors batsmen, with scores above 170 considered competitive. Opting to bowl first could provide an advantage on this batting-friendly surface.
Head-to-Head Record: In their previous encounters, Sri Lanka has dominated Afghanistan, winning five out of seven matches, while Afghanistan has secured victories in two encounters.
Probable Playing XIs:
Sri Lanka:
- 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:
- Ibrahim Zadran (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Probable Best Performers:
- Best Batter: Sadeera Samarawickrama, with his recent form and brilliant half-century in the last match, is likely to be the standout performer for Sri Lanka.
- Best Bowler: Matheesha Pathirana, the leading wicket-taker of the series, is expected to maintain his momentum and play a crucial role for Sri Lanka.
Today’s Match Prediction: With Sri Lanka’s superior form and home advantage, they are the favorites to win the match and secure a series whitewash against Afghanistan.
