Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Prediction: Afghanistan have fielded a strong lineup in the Cup and will be looking to show their strength

Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are going head to head in the third quarter-finals of the Asian Games 2023 at Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field, Hangzhou on 4th October. Afghanistan have fielded a strong lineup in the Cup and will be looking to show their strength. Who will win this game?

Under the leadership of the seasoned all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, the Afghan team boasts a formidable squad. Many of their players possess significant experience in international cricket.

Mohammad Shahzad and Noor Ali Zadran have witnessed the highs and lows of Afghan cricket over the past 12 to 13 years. Sediqullah Atal, on the other hand, represents a promising and youthful talent in the batting department.

Karim Janat and Sharafuddin Ashraf are highly effective all-rounders, while Qais Ahmad and Zahir Khan Pakteen are entrusted with the responsibility of managing the spin department. Sayed Shirzad and Fareed Malik are the pace bowlers in the team.

Noor Zadran, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Afsar Zazai, Sediqullah Atal, Gulbadin Naib (c), Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fareed Ahmad, Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, Sayed Shirzad

Due to the majority of the squad being engaged in World Cup commitments, Sri Lanka will introduce some newcomers who have demonstrated their capabilities in the Sri Lankan domestic T20 tournament. While Sri Lanka possesses a pool of talented cricketers, they may not have the same level of experience as the Afghan team. The spotlight will be on spinner Vijaykanth Viyaskanth, who has delivered impressive performances in multiple seasons of the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Leading Sri Lanka will be Shehan Arachchige, with the support of players like Shevon Daniel, Ashen Bandara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Lasith Croospull, and others. These players may lack international exposure but have displayed their skills effectively in the Lanka Premier League.

Lasith Croospulle, Nuwanidu Fernando, Sahan Arachchige (c), Lahiru Udara (wk), Ashen Bandara, Ravindu Fernando, Ranitha Liyanarachchi, Nimesh Vimukthi, Nuwan Thushara, Isitha Wijesundara, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth

The pitch at the Hangzhou venue has consistently favored the batsmen, making it a wise choice for teams to opt for batting first after winning the toss. With temperatures expected to hover around 20 degrees Celsius, the playing conditions are likely to be comfortable, with no rain in the forecast. Afghanistan enters the match as the favored team, primarily due to their superior firepower in the lineup compared to their opponents. Our prediction is that Afghanistan will emerge victorious in the match.