ODI Series Preview: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are set to do battle in what should be an enthralling three-game ODI series in Sri Lanka. Both sides endured underwhelming T20 World Cups in recent weeks, and they will be hoping a return to the longer format could do them good here.
Plenty of off-field issues have blighted 2022 for Sri Lanka, both within the cricket team and politically within the country and how they would love to start progressing towards the ODI World Cup next year in this series.
Afghanistan meanwhile are still finding their feet at full affiliate level within the ICC and recent showings in both the T20 and ODI game have suggested they have more than enough to trouble plenty of the biggest sides in world cricket.
This should be a fascinating series, between two young and exciting sides, with plenty of players on the respective fringes of the teams looking to take this great opportunity at international level.
1st Match Winner Odds:
Team Previews
Sri Lanka
It has been a tough few years for Sri Lanka across all levels of international cricket. In the Test arena, Sri Lanka is not the fortress it once was, with England and Australia winning comfortably there in recent years, whilst plenty of other sides have picked up results in the shorter formats of the game against the Lions. Inconsistency within the squad has perhaps been the principal issue, along with a real transition within the camp, as household names have seen their stellar international careers come to an end. Dasun Shanaka is leading the troops into this series and his input with both bat and ball could be invaluable. Dinesh Chandimal provides experience at the top of the order, along with the dangerous Kusal Mendis. Pace could come in handy in this series and Lahiru Kumara should provide an X-factor for the Sri Lankans.
Afghanistan
Following a relatively quiet T20 World Cup, Afghanistan will be eager to put the record straight against Sri Lanka. Getting runs on the board has been a problem of late for the Afghanistan side and they will know that weight of runs will be hugely important if they are to have any success in this series. Ibrahim Zadran looks to be one of the most exciting talents in world cricket currently, whilst Najibullah Zadran will need to chip in alongside him if Afghanistan are to have a successful series here. Mohammed Nabi will be doing a stellar job as captain once more for his side, with his experience and quality often proving invaluable for the Afghanistan side. In Rashid Khan, Afghanistan arguably have the best spinner in world cricket, who will relish the conditions here in Sri Lanka, whilst Qais Ahmad will provide the perfect foil for Khan in a supreme spin attack.
Match Betting Tips
Top Sri Lanka Batsman – Kusal Mendis – 28/10
Few players hit the ball as hard as Kusal Mendis and he will be at it from the off here in what should be favourable batting conditions.
Top Afghanistan Bowler – Rashid Khan – 21/10
Rashid Khan is one of the very best spinners around and he could trouble the Sri Lankans here, on viciously turning pitches.
Sri Lanka to win the match – 9/20
Afghanistan will be in this match and the series for that matter but Sri Lanka are generally a decent side at home and they should prevail in this one.
