Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Prediction: Afghanistan yet to win a game

Sri Lanka and West Indies are going head to head in the 2nd Match of the T20 Series at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka on 19 Feb 2024. Sri Lanka won the ODI series and first game in the T20 series. Who will win this game of cricket?

Despite starting with a victory on Saturday, Sri Lanka faced challenges as they only utilized 19 of their allotted 20 overs. While four of their top six batsmen achieved double-figure scores, those from the seventh position onwards managed only single-figure scores in the first T20I. Therefore, they should aim to bat for an additional six balls to expedite their goal of clinching the series at the earliest opportunity.

Regarding the bowling performance, even though Binura Fernando proved to be the most expensive bowler, Wanindu Hasaranga displayed excellent captaincy by entrusting him with the ball for the last over when Afghanistan required just 11 runs. This decision paid off, showcasing Hasaranga's confidence in the pacer, and it is anticipated that Fernando will be boosted in confidence after securing the match with that crucial over.

Kusal Mendis (Captain), Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Dilshan Madushanka/Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana

Afghanistan faced a setback in the opening T20I as they lost wickets at regular intervals, hindering their chances of securing a favourable outcome. Ibrahim Zadran's team believed that the target of 161 was achievable, especially when they were at 68/1 near the end of the eighth over, appearing to be on a promising trajectory. The captain, Ibrahim Zadran, contributed an unbeaten 67 with eight fours, yet there is a need for him to increase his batting pace if he faces a similar number of balls (55) in the upcoming match.

In the bowling department, Fazalhaq Farooqi emerged as the standout performer, registering figures of 3/25. He received commendable support from Naveen-ul-Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai. Notably, Qais Ahmad was the sole Afghan bowler who did not claim any wickets in the match.

Ibrahim Zadran (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi

The weather forecast for Monday in Dambulla predicts a cloudy and humid day with no anticipated rainfall. The temperature is expected to remain in the high twenties throughout the day.

As observed on Saturday, the pitch in Dambulla poses challenges for batsmen. The pace of the wicket is unpredictable, and we witnessed the ball gripping well for spinners and slower deliveries from the fast bowlers.

In the previous match, Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bowl first, but the decision did not yield the desired results. Considering this and the unique conditions of the venue for the first-ever T20I, it is anticipated that both captains will likely choose to bowl first if they win the toss in the upcoming T20I.

Neither team performed at their best on Saturday, and improvements are expected from both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan on Monday. Both sides aim to enhance their batting rates, which may pose a challenge for the bowlers. Despite the improvements expected from both teams, the prediction is in favour of Sri Lanka to secure a victory and take a 2-0 lead.