ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka taking place? Tuesday 4th June – 10:30 (UK)
Where is Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka taking place? Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
What is the expected weather for Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka? 15-16c with cloud and a 25-30% risk of showers throughout the day that could affect play
What television channel is Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka on in the UK? Sky Sports Cricket
Where can I stream Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka? https://tickets.cricketworldcup.com/showProduct.html?idProduct=396
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka by 91 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
AFGHANISTAN
Coach: Phil Simmons
Captain: Gulbadin Naib
- Afghanistan were beaten in their opening match by Australia as they could only manage 207 batting first and the Aussies were able to knock that off in just 34.5 overs so Gulbadin Naib’s men will be desperate to bounce back in a match which represents their best chance of winning a game in this World Cup.
- Openers Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai were both out for ducks in that game which put them on the back foot right from the start and they will hope to offer much greater contributions here against a significantly inferior bowling attack compared to what they had to face in the Australian attack.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman was extremely expensive in that match going for 45 from his 4.5 overs and they may decide to go with another pace option in Aftab Alam in his place but they will not overreact to that first defeat and they could easily go unchanged for this match.
SRI LANKA
Coach: Chandika Hathurusinghe
Captain: Dimuth Karunaratne
- Sri Lanka were completely outplayed by New Zealand on Saturday as they were skittled out for 136 and then their bowlers were dominated by openers Guptill and Munro who knocked the low target off in just 16.1 overs.
- Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne was the only player in the team to come out of that match with any credit after he hit an unbeaten half century, but he admitted afterwards that his team struggled psychologically and that was the reason why their batsmen performed so poorly.
- Any changes are most likely to be in the batting department although they do not have that many strong options to select from so the eleven that lost to New Zealand may be given the benefit of the doubt for this match.
THE PREDICTION
A fascinating match between these two teams that appear relatively well-matched. They both struggled in their opening matches but Afghanistan at least competed against Australia and did not embarrass themselves unlike Sri Lanka against New Zealand. So much will depend here on how each team responds to those opening losses but the mood in the Afghani camp will surely be better. This match will be something like their World Cup final as it represents their best chance of winning but Sri Lanka may actually prefer to play against their spin rather than against pace which exposed them against New Zealand. They will be fired up to respond and their veterans should come to the fore here and see them win a hard fought match.
