In what promises to be a thrilling showdown, Sri Lanka are set to lock horns with Afghanistan in the second One Day International (ODI) of their three-match series. The highly anticipated match is scheduled to take place at the esteemed Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 11.
The previous ODI between these two teams treated fans to a spectacular display of cricket, with both sides posting scores exceeding 300 runs. The home team secured a brilliant victory in the end, thanks to a historic double century by the emerging batting talent, Pathum Nissanka.
As the teams gear up for the second ODI, Sri Lanka will be eager to maintain their winning streak, while Afghanistan will be determined to bounce back and level the series.
With thirteen encounters between them so far, Sri Lanka hold the edge with eight wins, while Afghanistan have clinched victory on four occasions, with one match ending without a result. The upcoming match carries immense importance for both teams, as they vie to gain the upper hand in this fiercely contested series.
ODI stats and records at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium:
Total matches: 40
Matches won batting first: 16
Matches won bowling first: 22
Average first innings scores: 251
Average second innings scores: 203
Highest total recorded: 381/3 (50 Overs) by Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
Lowest total recorded: 70/10 (24.4 Overs) by Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka
Highest score chased: 314/6 (49.4 Overs) by Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
Lowest score defended: 206/9 (36 Overs) by West Indies vs Sri Lanka
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch report:
The Pallekele Cricket Stadium is famous for its exceptional batting pitch, offering little support to fast bowlers. This creates an environment conducive to graceful stroke-making and an enjoyable batting spectacle. Once batters find their groove and settle into their rhythm, they frequently exploit numerous scoring chances. Moreover, as the match progresses, the pitch typically becomes more conducive to spin bowling. Hence, winning the toss holds significance for captains, as they would likely choose to bat first to fully utilize these advantages.
Also READ: Twitter reactions – Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi centuries in vain as Pathum Nissanka’s double ton guides Sri Lanka to victory over Afghanistan in the 1st ODI
Pallekele Weather Forecast:
The Pallekele is expected to experience overcast conditions according to the forecast, but without any anticipated rain disruptions during the game. The temperature is forecasted to reach around 29 degrees Celsius, with a humidity level of approximately 63%. The prevailing wind speed is expected to be around 16 km/h.
SL vs AFG, 2nd ODI, Probable Playing XIs:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
Also READ: 7 fastest double centurions in men’s ODI history; Pathum Nissanka joins the elite list
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