The first ODI was a classic case of the Lankans surrendering at their own meek form. The Afghanistan top-order, led by Ibrahim Zadran, dismantled the Lankan bowling unit to ensure that the points from the ODI Super League remained elusive for the Dasun Shanaka-led side. It still could have been easy peasy had it not been for Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib doing magic with the ball, hence, the Lankans would need more than an inspiring win to stay ahead in the curve on Sunday.
Ground Details
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium has hosted 31 matches till date and a run-rate of 5.4 suggests that it is slightly on the slower side. A balls per dismissal ratio of 34.1 could have been great but a batting average of 30.9 means scoring runs has never been an easy proposition. An average first innings batting score of 272 writes home the point, but what makes it even more interesting is the fact that average first innings winning score is 292. Unlike most other venues in Sri Lanka, the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, however, supports pacers more than spinners with 60.2% of the wickets going to pacers.
Suggested Team
While you could go for the above team, you can also choose your team from Cricket.com’s Fantasy Research Centre. You can use this tool to build your team with the help of algorithms. Then, based on your preferences, the platform will guide you through creating the ideal fantasy XI.
Captaincy Suggestions
For small leagues: Ibrahim Zardan (Captain), Rahmat Shah (VC)
For grand leagues: Ibrahim Zardan (Captain), Pathum Nissanka (VC)
Grand League Punts
The kind of talent that Ibrahim Zardan has, it was only a matter of time before he got going. Playing only his sixth ODI, Zardan notched up his second ODI ton and that led Afghanistan to a memorable win. In ODIs, Zardan currently averages 52.20 and even though his strike rate is a concern, with it only veering around 76.53, it would be a wise punt to go ahead with him as the captain pick for the second ODI.
The same goes with Pathum Nissanka. The Lankan opener has been a great asset for the Sri Lankan side and hit an 85 in the opening encounter against Afghanistan. Even though that was not enough for them to bag the win, for us, having Nissanka in our team means a lot of points.
Here are the Top 10 Criclytics Projections
Probable XIs
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmat Shah, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqui, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Yasmin Ahmadzai