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In a crucial group match, Asia Cup finalists Sri Lanka will face the unexpected powerhouse Afghanistan, with both teams vying for a spot in the semi-finals. Despite initial low expectations, both sides have managed to upset some top contenders, keeping their hopes alive for a place in the top four.
At the toss, Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bowl first. Noor Ahmad makes way for Fazalhaq Farooqi, while Sri Lanka have made two changes, bringing in Dimuth Karunaratne for Kusal Perera, and the injured Lahiru Kumara will be replaced by Dushmantha Chameera in the playing XI.
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Afghanistan's Playing XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil(w), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Sri Lanka's Playing XI
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka
What the captains said:
“I was looking to bat first, put up a good score on the board and defend. In the last three matches, we have done well in all three parts, batting, bowling and fielding and we would like to do well again. Chameera is playing and hopefully, he will do well. Perera is not playing and Karunaratne comes in his place. He played well in the qualifier matches and I have confidence in him,” said Kusal Mendis.
“We want to bowl first. The reason is it will be dew after on. We are feeling comfortable, we are playing good cricket. Right now, we are focusing on how we are going to play good cricket. According to the conditions, we gave rest to Noor today and Fazalhaq comes in his place,” said Hashmatullah Shahidi.
Pitch report
The straight boundary is 74 metres while the square boundaries are 67 metres and 61 metres respectively. 300 is the average score here and it looks very even. It looks dry but it's a shiny surface. It isn't going to take a lot of turn. Expect a lot of runs on it. Wth the brand new ball, expect the ball to do a bit but as it gets older, expect the ball to come on nicely. It’s a batsman’s dream to turn up and see a wicket like this," said Aaron Finch and Simon Doull.
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