AFG vs SL: Afghanistan Playing XI vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2023, Group B – Predicted

Afghanistan needs to win against Sri Lanka and win big to qualify for the Super 4s stage of Asia Cup 2023.

Afghanistan's team will be playing in the do-or-die clash against co-hosts Sri Lanka in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 tournament on September 5, 2023, in Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, as a loss here might mean their elimination from the tournament.

Sri Lanka already won their game against Bangladesh, but they cannot take Afghanistan lightly. The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side had an off day against Bangladesh as their bowlers conceded too many runs for their fragile batting to chase down in Lahore.

Afghanistan needs to wain and make sure to win big. Hypothetically speaking, if they were to score 275 runs batting first, they would need to win by a margin of at least 68 runs or chase down any target in 35 overs or less if they wish to qualify for the super 4s stage.

Keeping this in consideration, here is the Predicted Afghanistan Playing XI vs Sri Lanka

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK):

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is by far the best Afghanistan batter in the lineup. He has had a very good outing in 2023 and recently smashed 151 runs in the second ODI against Pakistan ahead of the Asia Cup 2023.

He is the big fish Sri Lankan bowlers will be looking for right at the beginning of the innings, as if he gets going, Afghanistan could post a very good total if they bat first or chase down any total set by the Lankans.

2. Ibrahim Zadran

Ibrahim Zadran is another talented opener who has had a dream start to his international career. He has also scored four centuries in just 17 ODIs. He also holds the record for the highest score in ODIs by an Afghan batter.

Ibrahim Zadran is in form and was the saving face for his team with a knock of 75 runs with 10 fours and one six against Bangladesh. He will once again be tasked with keeping the batting unit together.

3. Rahmat Shah

Rahmat Shah has played 95 ODIs and scored 3191 runs at an average of 36. He is one of the more experienced Afghan batters and was brought back into the team after a long hiatus from ODIs. He is a key player in the top order who has the ability to stay on the crease if they lose an early wicket.

4. Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)

Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has played 63 ODIs and scored 1716 runs, with a best of 97* and an average of 31.77. He is a classical batter in the sense of technique and is someone who can hold an innings together.

5. Najibullah Zadran

One of the most aggressive batters in Afghanistan, Najibullah Zadran has been the star in white-ball cricket for his team, scoring 2030 ODI runs in 89 matches with a strike rate touching 90. He has one century and 15 fifties to his name. Regardless of the match situation, his attacking style of play makes him a challenging batter to bowl to.

6. Mohammad Nabi

The 38-year-old Mohammad Nabi is the most experienced player in the Afghanistan team, with 146 ODIs and 109 T20Is to his name, along with three tests.

He has 3088 runs in ODIs, with a best of 116 at an average of 26.85, and has also taken 154 wickets with a best of 4/30. His versatility is helpful to the squad, and once he starts hitting the ball, he is impossible to stop.

7. Gulbadin Naib

Former Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib is always ready to give everything to the team, and his bowling and batting abilities make him a vital part of the team. Naib has played 78 ODIs, scoring 1185 runs with five half-centuries and picking 68 wickets with a best of 6/43.

His ability to pick wickets, break crucial partnerships, and provide valuable runs lower down the order will be important for Afghanistan in their must-win clash against Sri Lanka.

8. Karim Janat

Karim Janat has made a name for himself in the shorter formats but has so far only participated in two one-day matches. But he is a valuable addition to any squad because of his quick bowling and long ball-striking abilities. This will be only his third ODI for the Afghanistan team.

9. Rashid Khan

The best bowler in the Afghanistan team by far is Rashid Khan, the strike bowler for his captain. He went wicketless against Bangladesh, and that was the reason why they were able to put more than 300 runs on the board.

Rashid will be the key for Afghanistan against Sri Lanka, as if he picks wickets in the middle, the co-hosts might find themselves in trouble. In 93 ODIs, Rashid Khan has picked up 170 wickets, with a best of 7/18.

10. Mujeeb ur Rahman

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, a classy spinner in his own right, has been a good partner for Rashid Khan and recently showed his batting prowess as well, scoring the fastest ODI fifty for Afghanistan in the last match against Pakistan.

His prime role is to take wickets with the new ball, which makes him an important member of the team, and so far in 65 ODIs, he has taken 92 wickets with a best of 5/50.

11. Fazalhaq Farooqi  

The star pacer for Afghanistan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, has become the go-to bowler for his captain. Whenever a wicket is needed or runs need to be stopped, Fazalhaq is the man for his skipper. In his young ODI career of 20 matches, he has taken 32 wickets with a best of 4/19 and will be one of the key weapons against Sri Lanka.