AFG vs SL: Sri Lanka playing XI vs Afghanistan, Match 30, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – Predicted

Sri Lanka will lock horns with Afghanistan in match No. 30 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Pune.

Not many gave a chance to Sri Lanka, that they will qualify for the semis after a number of key players got injured and were ruled out of the tournament. Even their captain, Dasun Shanaka, and pacers, Matheesha Pathirana and Lahiru Kumara, got ruled out midway through the tournament. But despite that, they have shown some good performances.

Sri Lanka are still in contention and showing a great fight. They registered a brilliant win over defending champions England in Bengaluru, which would have given them huge confidence. They have a chance to win the next one as well. They will face Afghanistan on Monday at the MCA Stadium in Pune. So let's check the predicted playing XI for Sri Lanka on Monday.

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

1. Pathum Nissanka :

Pathum Nissanka is the only batter after Shubman Gill to complete 1000 runs in ODIs this year. In the last game as well, he played an important unbeaten innings of 77 against England to take his team to victory, and he will be expected to do something similar to produce another win for his team in the competition.

2. Kusal Perera :

Kusal Perera is another important player at the top for Sri Lanka because he is an aggressive player who likes to take on the bowling attack and giving his team a good start. Something similar will be expected of him. If he can get set and play in the first ten overs, Sri Lanka will be up and running.

3. Kusal Mendis :

Kusal Mendis started the tournament with two incredible innings and hit 15 sixes in those innings, but since then, his bat hasn't scored enough runs, which has been an area of concern for Sri Lanka. But he has been a consistent player for his team and has been scoring in all conditions. Mendis has scored 229 runs at a strike rate of 142.23 so far.

4. Sadeera Samarawickrama :

Sadeera Samarawickrama has been the highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka in this tournament. He has scored three 50+ scores in five innings played. Samarawickrama has scored 295 runs at an average and strike rate of 98.33 and 106.49, respectively. One thing is sure, whenever Samarawickrama scores, Sri Lanka are in a good position.

5. Charith Asalanka :

Charith Asalanka is a key player in the middle-order for Sri Lanka. The left-hander has been scoring runs when it is required the most. He has scored 149 runs so far at an average of 37.25. Asalanka is also a useful spinner and can contribute with the ball on a slow pitch in Pune.

6. Dhananjaya de Silva :

The form of Dhananjaya de Silva is one area that needs to be addressed for Sri Lanka. The all-rounder gives a great balance to the team in both departments, but he has not performed as per his standards. But with some important games coming up, he is expected to make some impact to help his team get an edge.

7. Angelo Matthews :

Angelo Matthews made his comeback in the team and straight away delivered a match-winning spell of 2/14, which made a big impact and England suffered after that. Matthews has been the most experienced player and has played in all kinds of situations, and he will be the man to watch out for because he can take the game away from any moment.

8. Maheesh Theekshana :

Maheesh Theekshana will be a big threat for Afghanistan because they have good spinners, but Sri Lanka will depend on how Theekshana bowls in the middle overs. He has got all types of deliveries that can trouble any batter, and he is one of the reasons for Sri Lanka's success in recent times.

9. Kasun Rajitha :

Kasun Rajitha has been super for Sri Lanka so far. He has played only three games but has been among the wickets. Rajitha has taken 7 wickets in three games and has been a striker with the new ball. If he can remove a few early wickets at the top, Sri Lanka can put pressure on Afghanistan in Pune.

10. Dushmantha Chameera:

Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, Lahiru Kumara, who was man of the match in the last game against England, has been ruled out of the tournament due to a thigh injury and Dushmantha Chameera has been added and is expected to be in the playing XI. It will be an important call as well because he is a bowler who can swing both ways and can trouble the batters.

11. Dilshan Madhushanka:

Dilshan Madushanka has been superb for Sri Lanka in this competition. He has been the highest wicket-taker for his team. Madhushanka has so far taken 11 wickets in just 5 matches, and his left-arm angle makes him a difficult bowler to face. He has been taking wickets with the new ball, and if he can get one of two early wickets, then Afghanistan will be under immense pressure.