Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are poised for a gripping encounter in the inaugural One Day International (ODI) of their three-match series, scheduled to take place at the renowned Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Friday, February 9.
The clash between these two teams is anticipated to deliver an exhilarating contest with an intense battle on the cards as each side boasts world-class players. Kusal Mendis will lead the Sri Lankan team, while Hashmatullah Shahidi retains his role as the captain for Afghanistan.
In the head-to-head encounters, both teams have crossed paths 12 times, with Sri Lanka emerging victorious on seven occasions, Afghanistan on four, and one match concluding without a result. The stakes are high for both teams, as they are determined to secure a win in this upcoming contest.
ODI stats and records at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium:
Total matches: 39
Matches won batting first: 15
Matches won bowling first: 22
Average first innings scores: 248
Average second innings scores: 200
Highest total recorded: 363/7 (50 Overs) by South Africa vs Sri Lanka
Lowest total recorded: 170/10 (24.4 Overs) by Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka
Highest score chased: 314/6 (49.4 Overs) by Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
Lowest score defended: 209/9 (36 Overs) by West Indies vs Sri Lanka
Also READ: Sri Lanka’s best XI for ODI series against Afghanistan
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch report
The Pallekele Cricket Stadium is renowned for its outstanding batting surface, which provides minimal assistance to fast bowlers. This sets the stage for elegant stroke play and an enjoyable batting experience. Once batters establish their rhythm and settle into their comfort zone, they often capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities. Furthermore, as the game unfolds, the pitch tends to become increasingly favourable for spin bowlers. Therefore, winning the toss is advantageous for captains, as they would likely opt to bat first to maximize the benefits offered by these favourable playing conditions.
Pallekele Weather Forecast
Pallekele Weather Forecast (Image Source: Twitter)
The forecast for Pallekele International Cricket Stadium indicates overcast conditions, yet the game is anticipated to proceed seamlessly without any disruptions, as the likelihood of rainfall is minimal. The temperature is projected to be approximately 31 degrees Celsius, accompanied by a humidity level of around 61%. The prevailing wind speed is expected to be 16 km/h.
SL vs AFG, Probable Playing XIs:
Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (wk/c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Wanindu Hasaranga, Akila Dananjaya, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana , Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah (vc), Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Riaz Hassan, Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Also READ: Afghanistan’s best playing XI for the ODI series against Sri Lanka
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