SL vs AFG: “We Are Praying For His Recovery”- Hashmatullah Shahidi Hoping For Rashid Khan’s Return To The Team For 3rd ODI vs Sri Lanka

Afghanistan are all set to take on Sri Lanka in the 3-match ODI series commencing from 2nd June. Afghanistan have been dealt with a massive blow as the star spinner Rashid Khan has been ruled out of the first 2 ODIs.

This ODI series will serve as a stepping stone for the Sri Lanka cricket team as the island nation are all set to play World Cup Qualifiers 2023, which are slated to take place in June-July 2023 in Zimbabwe. Along with Sri Lanka, West Indies are also going to compete with other 8 teams as we can expect a lot of upsets.

IPL 2023 | Dream11 Prediction | Fantasy Cricket Tips | Cricket Match Prediction Today | Cricket News | Cricket Live Score

The Dasun Shanaka-led side need to play a bit smartly in the ODI overs as the ultra-attacking approach is not that sustainable in the ODI format. All eyes would be on the veteran batter Angelo Matthews as he will have to provide stability in the middle-overs phase.

Also Read: SL vs AFG: “Rashid Khan Holds All The Aces”- Aakash Chopra’s Touches On Afghan Spinner’s Valuable Role At Gujarat Titans

Rashid Khan has a back issue- Hashmatullah Shahidi

Hasmatullah Shahidi was having an interaction with the reporters and was optimistic that the sly spinner Rashid Khan will most likely play the 3rd ODI, which is scheduled on 7th June (*Wednesday).

“Rashid Khan has a back issue, a little bit of a niggle on his back so we are praying for his recovery that he comes back. I think he will miss the first two games and he comes back to the squad,”  said Hasmatullah Shahidi.

IPL 2023 | India National Cricket Team | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | Delhi Capitals (DC) | Gujarat Titans (GT) | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) | Mumbai Indians (MI) | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH)

“As you said he is our main bowler and our superstar bowler we will miss him and at the same time it’s a good opportunity for other youngsters to show their talent, He is one of the guys very important and we should keep him for the future games and he is important for us for the Asia Cup and the World Cup,” he added.

Also Read: SL vs AFG: Rashid Khan Ruled Out Of The First Two ODIs Against Sri Lanka Due To Lower Back Injury

We haven’t played at Sri Lanka- Hashmatullah Shahidi

Hashmatullah Shahidi said that the series would serve as a good preparation for ODI WC 2023 which is slated to take place in India. Hashmatullah Shahidi said that they have got a few players who have played in the Lankan Premier League (LPL) and their experience would be vital.

“It will be good preparation for us because the condition in Sri Lanka and India are the same and it will not change [in World Cup] so this will be good preparation for us for our team combination as it will be like good preparation for us,” said Hashmatullah Shahidi.

IPL 2023 | Dream11 Prediction | Fantasy Cricket Tips | Cricket Match Prediction Today | Cricket News | Cricket Live Score

“We haven’t played here [Sri Lanka] but some of the boys played league cricket here so I have talked with them about the condition and the pitch and ground to have an idea,” he added.

Also Read: CSK vs GT: Rashid Khan 1 Wicket Away From Making History And Breaking The All-Time IPL Record