Following a Test match dominated by the hosts, the Sri Lankan cricket team is gearing up to face Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series kicking off on February 9th. The ODI series is expected to spark considerable excitement among fans, especially considering Afghanistan’s strong track record against Sri Lanka – a point highlighted by their impressive chase of over 240 runs with seven wickets remaining against Sri Lanka in last year’s World Cup.
Afghanistan’s cricket team has secured victories in four out of their eleven ODI encounters with the Sri Lankan side, a statistic that underscores the competitive nature of these matchups. Recognizing the threat posed by the Afghan team, Sri Lanka appears cautious, aiming not to underestimate their visitors. In preparation for the series, Sri Lanka has made a significant change in its team structure, naming Kusal Mendis as the permanent ODI captain. Dasun Shanaka, who led the team during the 2023 World Cup, has been left out of the squad. Afghanistan too will face the challenge without their star player Rashid Khan.
The series opener will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, known for being a batting-friendly pitch that often sees high-scoring games. At this venue, scores around 280 are not uncommon and are often successfully chased down. Spin bowlers can have an impact on the game’s flow, and thus, could play a critical role in the one-day series. The ground’s illumination under the lights is said to enhance the batting conditions, but as the game progresses, slower bowlers tend to gain better traction. Considering these factors, opting to bowl first after winning the toss may prove advantageous, at least in the first ODI of the series.
To date, the Pallekele Cricket Stadium has hosted 39 ODI matches, with the team batting second (chasing) enjoying more success, winning on 22 occasions as compared to just 15 victories for the team batting first. The average first innings score at this venue hovers around 248 runs. The record for the highest total at this ground is held by South Africa, who posted a massive 363/7 against Sri Lanka. Conversely, the lowest total recorded was by Zimbabwe, finding themselves dismissed for a meager 70 against the hosts.
The competing squads are coming into the series with a blend of experienced campaigners and aspiring talents. Sri Lanka’s squad includes names like Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Wanindu Hasaranga, who are all key players expected to make substantial contributions. Afghanistan’s lineup features dynamic players such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, all of whom could potentially tilt the scales in their team’s favor.
The series promises to be a closely-fought encounter, giving fans much to look forward to. With the World Cup victory against Sri Lanka still fresh in their minds, Afghanistan will no doubt carry confidence into the series, but the home side will be eager to assert their dominance in familiar conditions and settle scores. As the teams prepare for the first pitch at Pallekele, the anticipation builds for what should be an engrossing display of one-day cricket.
