Sri Lanka’s Strong Start

Sri Lanka (SL) enters Match 6 of the Asia Cup 2023 with a winning momentum, having secured a five-wicket victory in their opening clash against Bangladesh. Currently topping Group B, they boast a healthy net run rate of +0.951.

Afghanistan’s Uphill Battle

In contrast, Afghanistan (AFG) faced a setback in their tournament opener, suffering an 89-run loss to Bangladesh. This defeat significantly impacted their net run rate, now standing at -1.780. Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan faces the daunting task of not only winning the match but doing so convincingly to improve their net run rate, surpassing that of Sri Lanka or Bangladesh to qualify for the Super 4 stage. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, aims to continue their winning streak and secure a smooth passage to the next stage.

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Najibullah Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana

Captain: Dhananjaya de Silva
Vice-Captain: Rashid Khan
Kusal Mendis, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Charith Asalanka, Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Dasun Shanaka, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Maheesh Theekshana