SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Pitch Report, and Squad Updates for 30th ODI World Cup Match

Sri Lanka, after a thumping victory over the defending champions England in ODI World Cup 2023, would be high on confidence against Afghanistan. On the other hand, Afghanistan is having a dream run in the tournament, having toppled England and Pakistan, who were considered the favourites to win the tournament at the start. 

So, when both the teams, who were the underdogs at the start of the tournament, lock horns against each other at the MCA Stadium in Pune, it’s going to be a content hard-fought contest between both the Asian counterparts. Sri Lanka is currently sitting at the 5th position in the points table with two wins out of five games, whereas Afghanistan is at the 7th position with the same no. of wins in their six matches due to their lower NRR.

Pitch Report and Playing Conditions

The pitch at the MCA Stadium in Pune is considered to be a batting paradise and is one of the most beautiful surfaces to bat on in India, but at the same time, it also offers good bounce and some assistance for the fast bowlers if you pitch in the right area. 

The average first innings score in Pune has been 301. In the last eight matches played here, the teams batting first have gone past 300 5 times, and even the teams batting second have crossed the 300 mark three times in the last three matches. The weather is expected to be 32% in Pune, and no rain is not likely to play a spoilsport between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

SL vs AFG: Head-to-head in ODIs

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have played 11 One Day Internationals against each other, with Sri Lanka winning seven and Afghanistan winning three. Sri Lanka have also won both their ODI World Cup matches against Afghanistan.

Players to Watch Out for

Afghanistan is known for its spinners, but in this World Cup, their batting has impressed the most, and in this match, their openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will hold the key for Afghanistan. Gurbaz has 224 runs in the tournament so far with an average of 44 at an impressive strike rate of 101. On the other hand, Ibrahim has scored 173 runs with an average of 34, but his overall average against Sri Lanka has been 65.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be hoping for Kushal Mendis and Sadeera Samarwikrama to fire again as they have been doing in this tournament.

Probable Playing XIs

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (captain & wk), Sadira Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjay de Silva, Angelo Mathews, L Kumara, Mahesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushan

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad.

Grand League Fantasy Team

Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera

Wicketkeepers: Kusal Mendis, S.Samarwickrama

All-Rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Angelo Matthews

Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq

Head-to-Head Fantasy Team

Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi

Wicketkeepers: Kusal Mendis, S.Samarwickrama, Rahmanullah Gurbaz

All-Rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Angelo Matthews, De Silva

Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, Naveen-ul-Haq