Two teams, initially grappling with challenges, have revitalized their campaign with a couple of crucial wins each. The spotlight is now on Afghanistan and Sri Lanka as they prepare to face off in Pune. Despite three losses in five matches, Afghanistan showcased their potential with standout wins against England and Pakistan. In the match against England, their spinners displayed masterful skill, securing a hard-fought victory in defense of a competitive total. Additionally, a clinical display by their top four batsmen paved the way for a convincing win against Pakistan. Afghanistan must maintain this level to avoid crucial slip-ups in the tournament.
| Match | Afghanistan Vs Sri Lanka, Match 30 |
| Format | ODI |
| Venue | Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune |
| Date | October 30, 2023, Monday |
| Time | 04:30 PM IST |
Star Players to Watch
All eyes on standout performers shaping the high-stakes encounter in World Cup 2023. Exceptional talent on both teams adds excitement to the upcoming match. Let’s delve into the profiles of these captivating individuals whose performances could be the defining factor in determining the fate of this riveting contest.
| BATTERS TO WATCH | BOWLERS TO WATCH |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz, AFG | Rashid Khan, AFG |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi, AFG | Mohammad Nabi, AFG |
| Pathum Nissanka, SL | Dilshan Madushanka, SL |
| Kusal Mendis, SL | Rajitha, SL |
Head-to-Head Stats
“These two cricketing titans have squared off in 11 enthralling One Day International (ODI) encounters thus far. Among these, Sri Lanka won seven, Afghanistan three, and one match had no definitive outcome. Looking back, the most recent clash between these sides occurred in September 2023. Sri Lanka demonstrated their mettle and emerged triumphant by the narrowest of margins, securing a nail-biting victory with a mere 2-run advantage over Afghanistan. This thrilling match showcased the intensity and competitive spirit that defines encounters between these two sides.
Venue and Pitch Conditions
Pune’s cricketing landscape is a study in equilibrium, offering no distinct advantage to either side when it comes to the crucial decision of batting or bowling first. It’s a venue where both batting and bowling teams have tasted success in equal measure. Four teams have triumphed while setting a target, while the same number have celebrated their victories while chasing. This symmetrical trend underscores the unpredictable nature of cricket at this venue.
Batsmen often revel in the conditions that Pune’s pitch offers. Although fast bowlers may relish a touch of seam and swing in the initial stages, maintaining a meticulous line and length assumes paramount importance to harness the pitch’s inherently pro-batting characteristics. It’s a stage that demands strategic finesse and adaptability from both teams, promising yet another captivating chapter in the annals of ODI cricket.
Squad, Captain, and Player List
| AFGHANISTAN | SRI LANKA |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain) | Kusal Mendis (Captain) |
| Ibrahim Zadran | Pathum Nissanka |
| Rahmat Shah | Dimuth Karunaratne |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Dhananjaya de Silva |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Charith Asalanka |
| Ikram Alikhil | Sadeera Samarawickrama |
| Mohammad Nabi | Angelo Mathews |
| Rashid Khan | Maheesh Theekshana |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Kasun Rajitha |
| Naveen-ul-Haq | Dushmantha Chameera |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Dilshan Madushanka |
