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

Sri Lanka will face Afghanistan in the 6th game of Asia Cup 2023 on Tuesday in Lahore.

The final group match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 will be in group B. This match will have Sri Lanka and Afghanistan facing each other in an all-important game. The contest will take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on September 5 (Tuesday). This game will decide which two teams will qualify for the super four from group B.

The defending champions, Sri Lanka, started the tournament brilliantly and defeated Bangladesh by five wickets in their opening match. Now, they need to beat Afghanistan to make it to the next round. Afghanistan lost their first game against Bangladesh and need to beat Sri Lanka by a big margin. But it is looking quite difficult. So let's check out the predicted XI for Sri Lanka against Afghanistan.

AFG vs SL: Sri Lanka's Predicted Playing XI vs Afghanistan

1. Pathum Nissanka:

Pathum Nissanka has been in decent form at the top of the order. He missed out against Bangladesh and scored 14 runs. But he is a solid opener who loves to take on the opposition in the powerplay. Nissanka has great numbers against Afghanistan and scored 255 runs in just six matches at an average of around 51. He will look to deliver another good innings against them.

2. Dimuth Karunaratne:

Dimuth Karunaratne is a typical white-ball batter who is technically sound and loves to play along the ground. He got out for just one run in the last game and will be eager to get some runs under his belt. The left-handed batter has done well at the top for Sri Lanka. He has played five matches against Afghanistan and scored 165 runs at 41.

3. Kusal Mendis:

Kusal Mendis is an important part of the Sri Lankan batting order. He keeps wickets and scores runs consistently for them. Mendis scored only five against Bangladesh but is a pretty dangerous batter. He will be a big wicket-keeper for Afghanistan. Against them, he has played eight games and scored 172 runs. Overall, he has scored 2072 runs in 60 innings.

4. Sadeera Samarawickrama:

Sadeera Samarawickrama scored 54 runs when Sri Lanka lost the top three wickets cheaply against Bangladesh. He held the innings together and took his team close to the target. Though he couldn't finish the game, he showed that he is in great form. Samarawickrama has scored 44 runs in two innings played against Afghanistan and is in red-hot form.

5. Charith Asalanka:

Charith Asalanka is another important batter in the middle-order who can play both spin and pace pretty well. Asalanka stayed unbeaten against Bangladesh and scored 62 not out, helping his team register a win. In six games against Afghanistan, he has scored 190 runs at an average of 63 and a strike rate of 96, which shows how much he loves playing against them.

6. Dhananjaya de Silva:

In the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya de Silva is the biggest match-winner for Sri Lanka at the moment. He has the skill to win the game with both the bat and the ball. That makes him a valuable asset for the team. De Silva is coming off some good games. Against Afghanistan, he has played eight games, scored 124 runs, and taken five wickets as well.

7. Dasun Shanaka (C):

Dasun Shanaka is a very important member of the team. He bats at No. 7 and is a great finisher. He also bowls tough overs with the ball and chips in with some wickets. The Sri Lankan captain is a street-smart cricketer who knows how and when to change the game. He has been part of seven games against Afghanistan and has scored 99 runs so far.

8. Dunith Wellalage:

Dunith Wellalage is another in-form all-rounder in the Sri Lankan team. He did an amazing job in the LPL 2023, which helped him get a place in the Asia Cup. He bats left-handed and is a regular left-arm spinner. Wellalage will have a big role to play in Lahore on a flat pitch with both the bat and the ball.

9. Kasun Rajitha:

Kasun Rajitha is the opening bowler, who can swing the ball both ways. He is pretty good with new and old balls and takes wickets up front. He is a hit-the-deck bowler who troubles the batters with his variations. Rajitha will have a big role in dismissing the Afghan openers, who are in great form. Against them, he has taken nine wickets in five matches.

10. Maheesh Theekshana:

With Hasarnaga not part of the team, Maheesh Theekshana is a key player for Sri Lanka. He is their main spinner, and he can even bowl in the powerplay. He can restrict and take wickets against the opposition, and he has some variations that are hard to pick. Theekshana bowled 8 overs against Bangladesh and took 2/19. So he can be a big headache for Afghanistan in Lahore.

11. Matheesha Pathirana:

If the batters can't pick him out from his actions, he can be a dangerous customer to handle. Known as "Baby Malinga," Matheesha Pathirana was the star with the ball against Bangladesh. He ended up picking 4/32 and winning the Man of the Match award. His slingy action makes him a unique bowler and can be a game changer for Sri Lanka.