Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Prediction: Sri Lanka can whitewash Afghanistan in T20 series

Sri Lanka and West Indies are going head to head in the 3rd and final Match of the T20 Series at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka on 19 Feb 2024. Sri Lanka won the ODI series by whitewashing Afghanistan and has the same opportunity to whitewash them in the T20 series as well. Who will win this game of cricket?

Sri Lanka secured a convincing victory in the preceding match, with their opening batsmen launching a relentless attack on the opposing bowlers right from the start. Sadeera Samarawickrama further solidified the momentum in the middle order, achieving a half-century. Angelo Mathews' notable innings (42 off 22) from the lower order also played a crucial role. This outstanding collective performance allowed the home team to establish a formidable target of 188 runs, proving too challenging for the Afghan side to overcome.

In the second T20I, Pathum Nissanka showcased his prowess with a rapid 25 off just 11 deliveries, even though his innings was curtailed by Azmatullah Omarzai. Nissanka's recent form, highlighted by a remarkable double century in the ODI series, makes him a player to closely watch in the final T20I.

Facing minimal pressure, the bowlers demonstrated confidence and composure in the second T20I. The pacers set a commendable tone by securing crucial early breakthroughs, maintaining momentum throughout the middle overs. Angela Matthews, Binura Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Matheesha Pathirana each claimed 2 wickets, effectively limiting the opposition's scoring opportunities.

In these conditions, the bowling unit has proven highly efficient at stifling the Afghanistan batting lineup.

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 may be disappointed with the series outcome, but their reputation as a team known for never giving up remains unblemished. With their characteristic resilience, they aim to give their all in the final game, hoping to salvage the series with a positive result, and are likely to maintain the same eleven players.

The overall struggle of Afghanistan's batting lineup has been evident, especially with the limited contributions from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, which has proven detrimental to the team's performance. Gurbaz's recent displays have not met the desired standard, contributing to the team's challenges. Nevertheless, he is determined to break free from this slump and make a significant impact in the upcoming final game.

Zadran has emerged as Afghanistan's most dependable batsman, displaying remarkable consistency across various formats. His notable century in the Test match and a half-century in the ODI series underline his importance. In the first T20I, he scored 67 runs, and his performance will undoubtedly play a crucial role in Afghanistan's quest for victory in the upcoming final match.

Azmatullah Omarzai is identified as a potential game-changer for Afghanistan. His proficiency with both bat and ball provides the team with a competitive edge, making him a valuable asset in their pursuit of victory.

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 pitch at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla is predominantly favorable for batsmen. Initially, it offers assistance to fast bowlers during the opening overs with the new ball, while spinners become more effective as the ball wears down.

Expect temperatures to vary between 32 and 21 degrees, with humidity levels around 54 percent. Although rain is forecasted in Dambulla on the eve of the game, clear skies are predicted during the start.

The average first innings score at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is approximately 160. In this series, the team batting first has posted scores of 160 and 187, respectively. A par score here is around 170.

Both matches in this series have been held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, and in both instances, the team batting first emerged victorious. We anticipate the captains to adhere to this trend and opt to bat first upon winning the toss.

With two consecutive wins, Sri Lanka holds a significant advantage heading into the third T20 match. Afghanistan, on the other hand, has encountered challenges with their bowling lineup in recent fixtures, compounded by batting woes in the previous game. The home team has exhibited dominance consistently. Considering Afghanistan's key absences, particularly Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman, Sri Lanka appears to be the stronger side and is poised to continue their commanding performance in the upcoming final match.

Sri Lanka is favored to win the 3rd T20I and secure a 3-0 series victory.