SL vs AFG Match Prediction – Who will win today’s Asia Cup match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan?

Team Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will face off in the first match of the Asia Cup 2022 slated to be played on August 27 (Saturday) at the Dubai International Stadium. Team Sri Lanka is coming into the competition after being involved in a local T20 tournament organized by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

On the other hand, Afghanistan are coming into the tournament after losing a T20I series against Ireland. The visitors managed to level the series in the fourth fixture but suffered a defeat in the final encounter against the Irish team. Meanwhile, both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will be looking to have a perfect start in the tournament.

Match Details

Venue – Dubai International Stadium

Date and Time – August 27, 7:30 PM IST

Telecast & Live Streaming – Star Sports, Disney+Hotstar

Pitch Report

The wicket at Dubai International Stadium is expected to be good for batting with the ball coming nicely onto the bat. The bowlers can also get some assistance with the new ball and try to scalp a few wickets during the field restrictions. The skipper winning the toss might want to have a bowl first.

Probable Playing XIs

Sri Lanka:

Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Dasun Shanaka (captain), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

Afghanistan:

Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (captain), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad.

Probable Top Performers

Probable best batter of the match:

Pathum Nissanka:

Sri Lanka batter Pathum Nissanka has smashed 628 runs in just 23 T20Is. The right-handed batter has also scored five fifties with his highest being 75.  Nissanka is a technically sound batter and looks comfortable against both spin and pace. He is expected to play a crucial role for his team in the first encounter.

Probable best bowler of the match:

Naveen-ul-Haq:

Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq might play an important role in his team’s success against Sri Lanka. The right-arm pacer can swing the new ball and his slower ball variations can come in handy during the death overs. He is one of the bowlers to watch out for in the first encounter.

Today’s Match Prediction: Chasing team to win the match.

Also Check: Dream11 Team Prediction for SL vs AFG

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.