Asia Cup 2022: Super Four, Match 7 – Predicted Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Afghanistan

Sri Lanka are coming off a massive victory against Bangladesh as the Islanders managed to knock the Tigers out of the Asia Cup 2022 in a nail-biting thriller on Thursday evening. With the victory, Sri Lanka made their way into the Super 4, becoming the third team to do so after Afghanistan and India.

Sri Lanka will now face their group’s table toppers- Afghanistan. The Lankans faced an abysmal defeat when they faced Afghanistan in the first game of the Asia Cup 2022 as their batting order collapsed, but they worked on it very well and put up a good show against Bangladesh.

Having won a close contest, skipper Dasun Shanaka is not expected to make any changes to the lineup as the team has winning momentum. The Lankans will enter the game with a positive mindset and would look to start the Super 4 stage with a victory, and also settle things with Afghanistan given their previous defeat.

Openers - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis

The fact that Pathum Nissanka can handle pressure and has a history of playing with a professional attitude makes him the ideal opener. If he hangs around for a while, the right-hander has the potential to deliver and therefore can play the big innings. The 24-year-old, who had been criticised for not putting up a big knock, will try to make amends for his setback.

Kusal Mendis was the star against Bangladesh as after surviving several dismissals scares, he went on to post a big score of 60 off 37. He has a great ability to strike the ball at the right time, but he will look to rectify his mistakes from the recently-concluded game. Luck played a factor as the ball turned out to be a no-ball whenever he was dismissed and he was also dropped once, but that won’t be helpful every time.

Middle Order - Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa

Charith Asalanka’s game was not up to the mark against Bangladesh, and the batter has been struggling to bring out his A-game. He is yet to make a mark at the Asia Cup, and the upcoming game will be a good opportunity for him to do so.

In both the games played so far, Danushka Gunathilaka started with some boundaries, but then lost his wicket soon. A middle-order batter walking back to the pavilion soon after taking the field proves to be a big blow for the team, and Gunathilaka will have to work on himself now.

Before being dismissed for an abysmal score against Bangladesh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa top-scored for the team against Afghanistan, however, he was dismissed run out. He is the key component of the middle-order and needs to stick the team together in order to anchor the innings.

All rounders - Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne

Wanindu Hasaranga is currently the finest bowler in the Sri Lankan side. His form in the T20Is has skyrocketed ever since the completion of the IPL 2022. Being an impactful player both with the bat and the ball, Hasaranga picked up two wickets in the previous game, but could not fire with the bat. That is what he would look to work upon next.

Dasun Shanaka, after being criticised for his game against Afghanistan, bounced back and played a key role with the bat. His power-hitting helped Sri Lanka cover up the humungous target set by Bangladesh. He helped the side to win the game with his 33-ball 45-run knock and he would want to perform a similar trick this time around.

Chamika Karunaratne has been handy with the ball and the bat. He has put up a decent performance so far, but was the pick for the batters in the opening fixture. He picked up two wickets against Bangladesh but also ended up conceding 32 runs in four overs. He will have to keep a check on his line and length.

Bowlers - Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka

Maheesh Theekshana is one of Sri Lanka's finest T20 bowlers, and he performs admirably during the powerplay. The mysterious spinner, who has a variety of spins in his skillset, will have to perform well for Sri Lanka given their inexperienced bowling lineup. Compared to his standard economy rate, he has been a bit costly in the tournament.

Asitha Fernando, though being a proper bowler, scored the winning runs for Sri Lanka in the previous game, which helped them seal a spot in the Super 4. He amassed 10 runs off just three deliveries and carried the team over the finish line. But he also conceded the most runs among all other bowlers, tallying 51 in four overs and would look to work in that area.

Dilshan Madushanka made his debut against Afghanistan in this tournament and he put on a respectable performance as well. He could pick up only one wicket against Bangladesh, but restricted the batters really well with his bowling skills, giving away 26 runs in four overs.  

Sri Lanka Playing XI against Afghanistan: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne,  Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka