CWC 2023: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka match preview

Two teams engrossed in a mid-table tussle will fight it out in what should be an even contest in Pune. Sri Lanka are coming on the back of a dominating victory over the defending champions in Bengaluru, while Afghanistan registered a historic victory over Pakistan at Chennai in their last game.

Both teams have four points from five games each, and will like to strengthen their semi-final chances with a win. Sri Lanka have been buoyed by the return of veteran Angelo Mathews. However, their Player of the Match from the last game, Lahiru Kumara, has been ruled out of the World Cup due to an injury and has been replaced by Dushmantha Chameera, who might get a look-in straight away. Afghanistan, on the other hand, may have to do away with their four-spinner strategy and pick Fazalhaq Farooqi in the XI in Gahunje.

AFG vs SL fantasy tips

# The MCA International Stadium in Gahunje (near Pune) is a flat track that offers value for shots. Keeping that in mind, the top order batters of both teams should feature in your XI. Pick Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Ibrahim Zadran, Pathum Nissanka.

# Angelo Mathews made a successful return to ODI cricket in the previous game with the ball. He contributes in all three departments, so there are good chances that he will give you decent number of points.

# Dilshan Madushanka has picked 11 wickets from five games in this World Cup so far. He is in good form and should make it into your team.

# Rashid Khan has taken 11 wickets from six ODIs against Sri Lanka at an average of 18.5. He can also score runs down the order and is ever-present in the field. He should be a certainty in your XI.

Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka: Predicted XI

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Sri Lanka: Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka.

AFG vs SL: Dream11 team

Wicketkeepers: Kusal Mendis (c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Batters: Kusal Perera, Ibrahim Zadran, Pathum Nissanka

All-rounders: Angelo Mathews

Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka

Captaincy options: Kusal Mendis, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Kusal Perera

Potential swaps: Charith Asalanka in place of Maheesh Theekshana, Mohammad Nabi in place of Mujeeb Ur Rahman