Following their loss to Bangladesh, Afghanistan must overcome a steady Sri Lanka side to stay in contention for the Super Fours. A win would leave all three teams on four points, but Afghanistan hold a clear advantage with a superior net run rate (2.150) compared to Bangladesh’s -0.270, with Bangladesh having completed their league fixtures.
Expectations are high from the Rashid Khan-led side after their T20 World Cup semifinal run, but their spin-heavy unit has yet to hit its stride in this tournament—especially with the bat. Chasing 155 against Bangladesh on Tuesday, Afghanistan faltered early and never recovered.
“We haven’t played the type of cricket we are known for — attacking cricket. We allowed pressure to build on us. The way we came back with the ball to restrict them under 160 was special, but our batting was full of irresponsible shots,” a disappointed Rashid said after the defeat.
“In T20s, sometimes the opposition can take the game away in the first six overs, but you must find a way to come back.”
Sri Lanka, unbeaten so far, will also be seeking sharper batting after a nervy chase against Hong Kong. Captain Charith Asalanka stressed the need to be more professional against a wounded Afghanistan.
“We are professionals and we have to do much better,” Asalanka said.
Afghanistan’s batters will face the challenge of Sri Lanka’s mystery spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, while Sri Lanka’s top order — Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara — look in good touch. Mendis, though, is yet to fire and will be eager to make an impact.
Squads
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq.
