ICC World Cup 2019: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka's Predicted Playing XI, Analysis

Sri Lanka will play their second match against Afghanistan in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. Dimuth Karunaratne-led side didn’t have an ideal start to their World Cup campaign as they were obliterated by New Zealand in the opening match. Thus, the Island nation will aim to make a solid comeback into the match. We take a look at Sri Lanka’s Predicted Playing XI and Analysis.

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka – Match Preview, Prediction, Predicted XI, Pitch, Weather & Stats

On the other hand, Afghanistan had also lost their opening match against defending champions Australia. Afghanistan will also need to need to pull up their socks against Sri Lanka. Hence, both these teams will look to get their maiden win of the tournament.

Here is Sri Lanka’s Predicted Playing XI:

Dimuth Karunaratne

The Sri Lankan was the lone warrior in the opening match against New Zealand as he scored a fighting fifty. The southpaw will look to continue his good form going.

Lahiru Thirimanne

The left-handed was plumbed in front of the wickets after scoring four runs. Thus, Thirimanne will like to make a solid comeback against Afghanistan as he has been backed to open the innings.

Kusal Perera 

The southpaw batsman holds the key for Sri Lanka. Perera had played an aggressive knock of 29 runs and he would like to convert his start into a substantial score.

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Kusal Mendis

Mendis was dismissed for the first ball duck against the Kiwis. The right-hander will need to come up with consistent performances in the middle order.

Angelo Matthews

The talisman batsman will need to be at the top of his game as he is Sri Lanka’s most experienced batsman. Matthews will aim to deliver the goods for his side.

Sri Lanka will aim to bounce back.

Dhananjaya de Silva

The right-hander could not only score four runs and he would like to hit the ground running. de Silva has shown the right technique and he would aim look to be at his best.

Jeevan Mendis

The all-rounder could get going in the opening match against New Zealand. Mendis was dismissed after scoring one run and he bowled only a solitary over.

Thisara Perera

The southpaw batsman had played a counter-attacking knock of 27 runs. Perera generally bats in the topmost gear and he would need to add finishing touches to the total.

Isuru Udana

Udana bowled only three overs in the first match and he conceded 24 runs. Thus, the southpaw medium pacer will aim to be accurate with his line and length.

Suranga Lakmal

Lakmal also didn’t have a great start to the tournament as the right-arm pacer gave away 28 runs in the four overs he bowled. Hence, Lakmal will aim to be at his best.

Lasith Malinga

Sri Lanka’s pack leader Lasith Malinga had a bad start as he leaked 46 runs in the five overs he bowled. Malinga will need to deliver the goods for Sri Lanka.