Asia Cup 2022: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan- Match 1 Preview, Predicted Playing XI, Live Streaming

Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka - Source (Twitter)

The Asia Cup 2022 is back and the fans are brimming with excitement. The multilateral tournament is back after a long gap of 4 years. The Continental cup will be held in T20 format only for the second time. It was last held in the T20 format in Bangladesh in 2016. Hong Kong have also been added into the fray having made the qualifiers.

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Match Preview

The teams that will face off in the 1st encounter will be Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan will be looking to start the tournament on a strong note and put up a good show against the big sides.

Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankans haven't fared too well in the T20 format. However, they certainly have the potential to pull off upsets. The Lankans would be dependent on Charith Asalanka and the opening duo of Danushka Gunathilka and Pathum Nissanka to provide them good starts.

The Lankan pace department looks thin with Dushmantha  Chameera not taking part in the Asia Cup because of a calf injury. Ashitha Fernando , Chamika Karunaratne and Dasun Shanaka will discharge pace bowling duties while the spin department will be handled by Mahesh Theekhshana and Wanindu Hasaranga.

Players to look out for- 

Players to watch out for:

1) Dasun Shanaka:

The captain will have to lead from the front and it will be up to him to take the team forward. He will look to have a good show  with the bat and ball and skipper the side well with shortage of resources at his disposal

2) Kusal Mendis:

The top -order batter will be crucial for Sri Lanka up at the start of the innings and he will play the sheet anchor role if the team finds themselves in tough situations. The 27-year-old can also switch gears and play shots if needed.

3) Dinesh Chandimal:

Dinesh Chandimal has been in superb form for Sri Lanka of late and will look to carry on with the form to the Asia Cup 2022. Although he will play in the T20I format, his experience will be handy for the young Lankan side.

Predicted Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Dhanushaka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Asitha Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan are coming in with some form into the Asia Cup. They are no more minnows and have good batsmen and a potent spin attack to challenge the Asian oppositions. The bowling will be dependent on Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. Both of whom will take charge of the spin attack. Fazalhaq Farooqui, the left arm pacer, will want to create an impact in the tournament as well.

Najibullah Zadran and Hasratullah Zazai are the leading run scorers for Afghanistan and they will look to score big in the tournament.

Players to look out for:

1) Najibullah Zadran:

Najibullah Zadran's contribution at the top order will be crucial for the Afghanistan team in the tournament. He has had a fantastic T20I career so far, having accumulated 255 runs in 9 T20I innings.

2) Hazratullah Zazai:

The attacking left-handed batter has got a total of 205 runs for the team in 8 eight T20I innings and he will have to contribute to ensure his team's success in the Asian tournament.

3) Rashid Khan:

Rashid Khan has been a T20 sensation for Afghanistan and in the Indian T20 League. He has to be at his best and get some stellar spells in to make things tough for the opponents. Strong nations like India and Pakistan still have problems facing the bowler.

Predicted Playing XI: Najibullah Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Karim Janat

Pitch Report: 

Dubai International Stadium is good for the bowlers and the surface is best suited for pacers. The average first innings total at this ground is 128. Teams winning the toss will most likely choose to bowl first and chase the total down to get the win.

Match Details:

Asia Cup 2022, Match 1, Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan

Date: 27th August 2022

Timing: 7:30 pm IST

Venue: Dubai International Stadium

TV Coverage: Star Sports Network

Live Streaming: Disney Hotstar