Afghanistan will tour Sri Lanka for the second time in six months to play three ODIs against the hosts. The previous series between the two sides, in November 2022, had ended 1-1 after the second ODI was abandoned. The visitors had won the first game by 60 runs, after posting 294-8 on the board courtesy of a fine 106 by Ibrahim Zadran. A four-fer by Fazalhaq Farooqi helped shoot out Sri Lanka for 234.

SL vs AF: Where will the series be played?

While all three games then had been played at Pallekele, the upcoming series will be held at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota. The venue has not hosted a single men’s international game since February 2020.

The first game of the series will be held on June 2, with the remaining two games being played in the span of the next five days.

Overall, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka have faced each other seven times in the format, with Afghanistan winning twice and the Lankans registering four wins.

Afghanistan have already announced their squad for the tour, picking uncapped medium-pacer Abdul Rahman in the 15-member team. Rahman had starred in the Green Afghanistan One-Day Cup, where he bagged seven wickets in his last five games, besides scoring two fifties. He represented Hindukush Strikers in the competition.

Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan also have selected the likes of Noor Ahmad, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Rahmanullah Gurbaz for the three ODIs. Afghanistan have also named four reserves for the series: Gulbadain Naib, Shahidullah Kamal, Yamin Ahmadzai, and Zia ur Rahman Akbar.

SL vs AF 2023: ODI schedule and match timings

*All timings are local

June 2, 1st ODI: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota, 10 am
June 4, 2nd ODI: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota, 10 am
June 7, 3rd ODI: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota, 10 am