Cricket Prediction | Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan | Only Test | Feb 02 – Can the visiting AFG win against the Lankans in the only test?

SL vs AFG Match Analysis

On February 2, Afghanistan will play a single Test match against Sri Lanka, which will be hosted by the latter. Sri Lanka will play Afghanistan in its sixth Test match of the cricket season. This will be the first meeting between the two countries in the longest format of the match.

Afghanistan became a Test nation in 2018 and has since taken part in seven Test matches, winning three and losing the other four. Afghanistan’s eighth Test match overall and the start of their Test cricket rivalry between them will take place in this upcoming one-off Test against Sri Lanka. Afghanistan is slated to play six more test games this year after this.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka lost a depressing Test match against Pakistan in July 2023, which was its final match. Sri Lanka’s first Test match of 2024 will be the one against Afghanistan.

SL vs AFG Team Preview & Squads

Sri Lanka

The team, which is led by newly appointed captain Dhananjaya de Silva, will include seasoned players Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, and Dinesh Chandimal, all of whom have previously served as captains. Karunaratne and Mathews demonstrated their form by hitting centuries in the most recent NSL match, while skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and rookie Kamindu Mendis are also in good form. Kusal Mendis, who scored an impressive 80, was named deputy captain.

But thanks to his strong play, NCC wicketkeeper-batsman Lahiru Udara was awarded a spot. The squad also includes two young pacers who have recently been among the wickets: Milan Ratnayake and Chamika Gunasekara. Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, and Kasun Rajitha, the speed trio, kept their positions. Leggie Prabath Jayasuriya and off-spinner Ramesh Mendis are included in the spin department, although Lasith Embuldeniya and Akila Dhananjaya did not cut.

Sri Lanka Squads

Sri Lanka

Dananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Dimuth Karunaratne, Ramesh Mendis, Nishan Madushka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Kasun Rajitha.

Afghanistan

Rashid Khan, the team’s premier spinner, is currently recuperating from back surgery, which creates a significant hole in the bowling lineup. The addition of leg-spinning all-rounder Qais Ahmad, though, gives the team’s bowling attack a fresh perspective.

Notably, two bright prospects—Naveed Zadran and Mohammad Ishaq—who get called up to the team for the first time are highlighted. These young cricket players have earned a well-earned spot in the senior Test team by showcasing their abilities and promise in some domestic competitions.

The team, captained by Hashmatullah Shahidi, is composed of a mix of experienced veterans and up-and-coming players. Rahmat Shah steps in as deputy, contributing significant leadership and expertise to the area. In addition, the addition of players like Abdul Malik and Ikram Alikhail strengthens the team’s adaptability and depth, ensuring an exciting blend of youth and experience.

Afghanistan Squads

Afghanistan

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Bahir Shah, Zia-ur-Rehman, Noor Ali Zadran, Nijat Masood, Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, and Yamin Ahmadzai.

SL vs AFG outfield report

Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo

The best days to bat in the Test will likely be the first few days, since the pitch will roll over in the latter few days. We therefore predict that both teams will be eager to bat first. There is a strong possibility that this Test match will be interrupted by rain, as reports say that the skies will remain cloudy for the first two days and there will be thundershowers on the last two days. Besides, the sky will be cloudy on the last day as well.

There have been 44 Test matches played here, with 20 victories for the home team. This is a batting-friendly ground where spinners usually find some assistance. Even though Sri Lankan wickets are often recognized for being spin-friendly, the team management chose to target Afghanistan with a lot of pace in the one-off test.

SL vs AFG Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

These two teams are going to meet for the first time in a Test match.

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Prediction

Winning the toss

• Sri Lanka

Player of the Match

• Sri Lanka – Dimuth Karunaratne

Most runs

• Sri Lanka – Dimuth Karunaratne
• Afghanistan – Rahmat Shah

Most wickets

• Sri Lanka – Prabath Jayasuriya
• Afghanistan – Yamin Ahmadzai

Most sixes

• Sri Lanka – Dimuth Karunaratne
• Afghanistan – Rahmat Shah

Team Scores Batting First

• Sri Lanka – 320+
• Afghanistan – 300+

According to cricket analysts, Sri Lanka has a 58.1% chance of winning.

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