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After taking a 1-0 lead with a victory in the first ODI by six wickets, Afghanistan will once again take on Sri Lanka in the second ODI on Sunday, June 04 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota. In the first ODI, Afghanistan Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and elected to bowl first. The decision was vindicated by his bowlers who bundled out the hosts for 268 in the first innings. 

In reply, Afghanistan chased down the target in 46.5 overs and won the match by six wickets. Ibrahim Zadran was the top scorer for his side as he played a brilliant knock of 98 off 98 balls smashing 11 fours and two sixes in his innings. Sri Lanka will have a lot of thinking to do as they come into the second ODI as another loss would result in their first series loss against Afghanistan.

Notably, the two teams are playing just their second ODI series. The first series between the two teams played in the year 2022 was tied 1-1. Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have faced each other eight times in ODIs where Sri Lanka have won on four occasions while Afghanistan have won thrice.

The first time Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka was during the 2018 Asia Cup where they knocked the island nation out with a heavy defeat by 91 runs. Sri Lanka have a lot to work on, to prevent themselves from another embarrassing defeat.

The top order failed to fire for the hosts in the first ODI as Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews departed cheaply. With the ball, debutant Matheesha Pathirana leaked runs at an economy of 7.50 giving away 8 wides which proved to be rather costly for the team. 

Wrist spinner Dushan Hemantha also failed to pick up a wicket in his nine-over spell and gave away 50 runs. It would require a complete team effort from the hosts to make a strong comeback in the series.

On the other hand, Afghanistan will look to continue their good work and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.