Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan 2023: Squads, Schedule, Where to Watch on TV, Online, Live Streaming details and All you need to know

Sri Lanka are set to host Afghanistan in a three-match one-day international (ODI) series from June 2 to 7. All three 50-over matches will be contested at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.

Sri Lanka are currently in a fairly ordinary ODI form. The Dasun Shanaka-led side were recently defeated 2-0 by New Zealand in a three-match ODI series in New Zealand. They suffered losses in the two-match Test series as well as in the three-match T20I series against the Kiwis. In January 2023, they were beaten 3-0 by India in a three-match ODI series.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, last played an ODI series against Sri Lanka in November 2022, drawing the series 1-1. Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe 3-0 in a three-match ODI series in June 2022. In March 2023, they outplayed Pakistan 2-1 in a three-match T20I series, marking their first victory against the neighbouring country in the limited-overs format. Afghanistan are expected to offer the hosts a substantial rivalry in the forthcoming bilateral event based on their current T20 form. 

Both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have a few match-winners in their squad. Opening batter Dimuth Karunaratne is a surprise addition to Sri Lanka's squad. The 35-year-old has been a consistent performer in red-ball cricket and can easily transform that to white-ball cricket. 

Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana is another important addition to the squad who has been called up following a stellar performance for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the recently concluded 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). The 20-year-old, who won his first title in the prestigious league, will be hoping to perform well in the forthcoming series against Afghanistan.

Wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be the player to watch out for Afghanistan. In the IPL 2023, the youngster performed admirably for the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Noor Ahmad, 18, has also established himself on the international level with his efforts in the IPL 2023. He played a key role for Gujarat Titans (GT) in reaching the IPL finals.

SL vs AFG Schedule

Squads

Sri Lanka 

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (vc & wk), Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana

Afghanistan  

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhail (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujib ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Abdul Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Ahmad Malik.

Reserves: Gulbadin Naib, Shahidullah Kamal, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia ur Rahman Akbar

SL vs AFG Live Streaming and Broadcast details

Live Streaming -  https://app.icc.tv/home

Live Broadcast - Sony Sports Network, Sony Sports Ten 5, Sony Sports Ten 5 HD in India