A momentous occasion in the world of cricket is on the horizon as Afghanistan’s cricket team embarks on their first-ever Test match against Sri Lanka, initiating their tour on February 2. This encounter marks a significant milestone as the two teams have never battled in the longest format of the game. Indeed, it is a red-ball debut clash with a team from the island nation which is highly anticipated by cricket enthusiasts around the globe.
Afghanistan, relatively new to the pinnacle of the cricketing fraternity with Test status conferred upon them in 2017, has since competed in seven Test matches. They managed to secure three victories and faced four defeats but none of those games were against Sri Lanka. The Afghan team has showcased remarkable skills in limited-over formats and now looks to translate that success into Test mastery. They last appeared in a Test match in June 2023, which ended in a substantial loss to Bangladesh on foreign soil.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, is dusting off their whites after a hiatus extending over five months. Exuding a sense of novelty, the match will also be a defining moment for Dhananjaya de Silva as he takes the helm in the Test arena for the first time.
Transitioning from the one-off Test match, the cricketing action extends to the shorter formats, where both teams have a history of fierce and enthralling contests. Afghanistan’s cricket team, having notched up a few notable wins in recent encounters, will look to carry forward this momentum. The ODI series is set to begin on February 9, with the inaugural T20I scheduled for February 17.
For those craving the complete cricketing schedule, here are the dates to mark in your calendar:
– February 2 – February 6 – Only Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo commences at 10 AM IST.
– February 9 – The first ODI at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium begins at 2:30 PM IST.
– February 11 – The second ODI, also at Pallekele, is at the same afternoon time.
– February 14 – Valentine’s Day pairs with the third ODI at 2:30 PM IST.
– February 17 – The T20I series takes off with an evening start at 7 PM IST.
– February 19 and February 21 – The final two T20I matches, both evening fixtures at 7 PM IST, at the same stadium.
Afghanistan’s Test squad features seasoned and emerging talents with Hashmatullah Shahidi at the command. Notable inclusions are Rahmat Shah, Ibrahim Zadran, and the promising Baheer Shah. Their bowling arsenal consists of the likes of spinners Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, alongside paceman Yamin Ahmadzai.
The Sri Lankan Test contingent, led by experienced Dimuth Karunaratne, sees Dhananjaya de Silva stepping up as captain. The roster is a blend of veteran wisdom, such as that of Angelo Mathews, and fresh-faced talent in Nishan Madhushka. The team has an ample stock of bowlers with Asitha Fernando and Kasun Rajitha among the pace attack, coupled with spin wizardry from Prabath Jayasuriya.
As both sides prepare, their ODI and T20I rosters remain under wraps, adding to the intrigue of the upcoming matches.
Cricket fanatics across the world can catch all the live action as the Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka will be broadcast on Sony Sports 5. Digital enthusiasts can also stream the matches through SonyLIV and soak in every thrilling moment of this historic cricket tour.
