Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 1st T20I Match Preview

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will continue their ongoing multi-format series by facing off in the first of three T20Is at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Saturday, February 17. 

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have played a one-off Test and three ODIs in the series and it is safe to say that Afghanistan have found themselves on the wrong end of the spectrum. After losing the Test match, Sri Lanka swept the visitors in the three-game ODI series as well.

As the T20I clash approaches, Afghanistan will be keen on improving and registering the first win of this series for them. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will be eager to continue their exceptional form and finish the series by clinching the T20I matches.

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium Pitch Report 

The surface at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is preferred by the batters. With little help for the bowlers, the batters will aim to make the most of their opportunities and post a big total on the scoreboard. Opting to bat first after winning the toss could prove to be a wise decision. 

SL vs AFG Probable Playing XI

Sri Lanka:

Sri Lanka will be expected to field a fully strength lineup, with their batting depending on the likes of skipper Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera in the batting attack, the hosts should be hoping for a comfortable victory.

Predicted XI: 

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara

Afghanistan:

Afghanistan is not a side to be underestimated, especially in the shortest format. With multiple short-format stars in their lineup, the visitors will be keen on putting in their best performance. 

Predicted XI:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran (c), Gulbadin Naib, Azamatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Qais Ahmad

Also Read: Afghanistan announce squad for T20I series against Sri Lanka, Mujeeb ur Rahman misses out due to injury

SL vs AFG T20Is Head-to-Head Records:

SL vs AFG, 1st T20I Broadcast details: