Asia Cup 2022: SL vs AFG Match Preview, Match 01

Asia Cup 2022: SL vs AFG Match Preview, Match 01. Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will lock horns in the opening game of the 2022 Asia Cup competition to be played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, 27th August at 7:30 pm IST.

Five-time Asia Cup Champions, Sri Lanka will be looking to put on a strong show in this fixture. Captain Dasun Shanaka will be hoping that the experienced Sri Lankan team can deliver the goods with bat and ball in the opening Asia Cup 2022 clash.

On the other hand, Afghanistan will certainly fancy its chances of beating Sri Lanka in these conditions. With world-class spinners in their ranks and opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz on their side, Afghanistan will be looking to produce their best cricket in this opening encounter. In the last 2016 ICC T20I World Cup played in India, Sri Lanka registered a five-wicket win over Afghanistan.

Sri Lanka will be looking to turn their fortunes in this year’s Asia Cup 2022. Dasun Shanaka will be hoping that the side can adjust to the conditions and perform consistently in this competition.

Asia Cup 2022: SL vs AFG Match Preview, Match 01

In the batting department, the onus will be on the likes of Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, and Pathum Nissanka to deliver the bulk of the runs and help the Islanders post a competitive score on the board in the Asia Cup 2022 opener.

In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the pacer Chamika Karunaratne to provide early breakthroughs with the new ball. The spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will be required to stem the flow of the runs and also pick up important wickets for Sri Lanka.

Dilshan Madhushanaka is a very good new ball bowler and is likely to fill the void of Dushmantha Chameera who is ruled out of the tournament. Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara will be fighting for a spot in the playing 11 for the 2^nd seamer spot.

Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka enter the competition without their premier fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera, who got ruled out due to injury. Apart from that setback, the Island nation has a balanced side with some quality players like opener Pathum Nissanka, hard-hitter Bhanuka Rajapaksa, star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, and newbie Mahesh Theekshana. They will hope to start their campaign on a winning note as they aim to clinch their first title since 2014.

Asia Cup 2022: Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Ashen Bandara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana.

Mohammad Nabi-led unit will need to raise their overall game in all three departments. In the batting department, the side will be relying on the likes of Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, and captain Mohammad Nabi to do the bulk of the scoring. Afghanistan will be appearing in their milestone 100th T20 international match.

In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the likes of Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen Ul Haq, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad to provide crucial breakthroughs. Fazalhaq Farooqi got injured during the Ireland series and might be a doubtful starter for the game. If Fazalhaq Farooqi isn’t fit, both Azmatullah Omarzai and Farid Ahmad Malik will play in the XI.

Asia Cup 2022: Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran,  Mohammad Nabi (captain), Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Ahmad Malik, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen Ul Haq