World Cup 2023, AFG vs SL: Afghanistan Opt To Bowl As Both Teams Eye Semis Spot in Must-Win Clash

Pune: Two teams that have surprised so far in the Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, will face off on Monday in a crucial match for both sides. With three wins from their remaining four league games, either team could secure a spot in the semi-finals. However, their upcoming fixtures are challenging, with Afghanistan set to face Australia and South Africa, and Sri Lanka taking on India and New Zealand.

Afghanistan has lost three of their five matches so far, but they have also shown glimpses of brilliance, with historic wins against England and Pakistan. Sri Lanka has faced defeats to South Africa, Pakistan, and Australia, but they turned things around with wins against the Netherlands and England.

These two teams are familiar opponents, having played six ODIs in the past year, with Sri Lanka winning four of them. The last encounter in the Asia Cup, which Sri Lanka won, will serve as extra motivation for Afghanistan in this important fixture.

Playing XIs

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil(w), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka