ODI World Cup 2023: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Match Prediction – Who will win today's warm-up match between AFG and SL?

Afghanistan (AFG) will lock horns with Sri Lanka (SL) in the eighth warm-up game ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023 on Tuesday, October 3, in Guwahati.

In what marks only Afghanistan's third appearance on the grand stage of the ODI World Cup, their past performances have left much to be desired. With just one victory in 15 matches in the marquee event, they enter this tournament as underdogs. However, the slow and spin-friendly wickets of India could serve as a potential trump card for the Afghan side, given their potent spin attack.

Afghanistan's initial warm-up clash against South Africa was marred by rain, leaving them eager to make the most of their upcoming fixtures. As highlighted earlier, their spin arsenal stands as the most formidable weapon in this competition. Once again, the spotlight falls on Rashid Khan, who spearheads the bowling attack, ably supported by the likes of Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb ur Rahman.

Sri Lanka's recent ODI performances have been a rollercoaster ride. After an impressive 13-match winning streak, they suffered a humbling defeat at the hands of India in the Asia Cup Finals, delivering one of their lacklustre showings. This loss has cast a shadow of uncertainty over their World Cup preparations.

Furthermore, Sri Lanka's campaign has been plagued by injuries, with two key players, Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga, sidelined. This poses a significant setback to their bowling unit, and the return of Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, and Dilshan Madushanka from injury adds an element of uncertainty to their recovery.

AFG vs SL Match Details:

Match: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, 8th ODI Match, World Cup warm-up game

Venue:  Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

Date & Time: Tuesday, October 3, 2:00 PM IST / 08:30 AM GMT

Live Streaming Details: Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar app and website

Barsapara Cricket Stadium Pitch Report:

The pitch might shape up as a haven for batters while offering spinners late-turning opportunities. In the backdrop, the weather looms as a potential game-changer, with overcast conditions and the looming threat of rain throughout the day. The team winning the toss is likely to opt for the first use of the pitch, aiming to set a daunting target.

Click here: Live Score - Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, Match 8

AFG vs SL Head-to-Head Record:

Matches - 11, Afghanistan -3, Sri Lanka - 7, N/R- 1

AFG vs SL Probable Playing XI

Afghanistan (AFG):

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad/ Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Sri Lanka (SL):

Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage/Kasun Rajitha, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Pathum Nissanka

Probable Best Performers:

Probable Best Batter:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan):

The right-handed batter has the opportunity to take advantage of the batting-friendly pitch conditions early on. He has shown exceptional form in his recent performances during the ODI series against Pakistan, amassing an impressive total of 174 runs in three innings, with an average of 58, all in conditions similar to the current pitch.

Probable Best Bowler:

Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanka):

The slow left-arm orthodox bowler possesses the potential to present a significant challenge to the Afghanistan middle-order batter. His performance in the Asia Cup against India, 40/5, has demonstrated that when the pitch provides some assistance for spin, he can make the ball turn sharply. It wouldn't be unexpected to see him introduced into the bowling attack early in the innings, as the inherent drift in his slower-paced deliveries could prove to be a crucial asset.

Today's Match Prediction: Sri Lanka to win the match