Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka ODI Series 2022: 2nd ODI Preview
The first ODI was won by Afghanistan by 60 runs thanks to an outstanding performance. With a victory in this second game, they now have an opportunity to win the series and score some crucial ODI Super League points. Although Sri Lanka is still the favourite after the first game, but don’t underestimate the Afghan team. This might be a highly interesting series because of recent developments in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
In the opening game, Sri Lanka’s bowling had trouble stopping some organised Afghan batting. The Sri Lankans appeared unsuccessful on a flat pitch with little to offer the bowlers. None of the fast bowlers possess the zip or the composure to challenge the patience of the batters.
The spinners were tasked with breaking through, and while Hasaranga bowled admirably at times, Theekshana disappointed. This dearth of wicket-taking ability won’t vanish suddenly.
On paper, Sri Lanka’s batting order appears to be powerful, but as we witnessed in the previous game, it is not very reliable. Wanindu Hasaranga scored 66 runs at the bottom of the order, while Pathum Nissanka played an outstanding inning of 83. The rest of the batters couldn’t stand against the Afghan’s bowling attack.
The addition of some talented young players to Afghanistan’s squad appears to have made a significant difference. Genuinely gifted batters Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provide Afghanistan some flair and consistency at the top of the order. Rahmat Shah is excellent in the 50-over format, and the middle order also has a lot of experience.
Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, and Hashmatullah Shahidi can all contribute at the plate. The side can be somewhat vulnerable to losing early wickets, but there is no denying that the batting order is stronger than it has possibly ever been. This might be a highly interesting series because of recent developments in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
Afghanistan has also improved greatly in the bowling department. In the first game, Yamin Ahmadzai and Fazalhaq Farooqi each took six of the wickets that were lost. Even if the Sri Lankan pacers were unable to do so, they were still able to get something out of a lifeless and complacent pitch.
Additionally, Gulbadin Naib used smart bowling to take three wickets. Afghanistan is so difficult to beat because it has strong pacers to go with its three excellent spinners.
Pitch & Weather Report: On the day of the game in Pallekele, the weather is not very promising. There is some rain in the area, so we could start later and perhaps have fewer overs. The opening game’s pitch was excellent. It had a good amount of carry and was consistently true for batting. We might once again see a game in which 300 is par if the weather gods give in.
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