Cricket Betting Tips and Fantasy Match Predictions: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 3rd ODI – 14th February 2024

The 3rd ODI of the Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka is set to take place on 14th February 2024 at Pallekele. Here are the Cricket Betting Tips and Fantasy Match Predictions for the match.

Current Form

In terms of current form, Sri Lanka has been performing well. In their previous match against Afghanistan, they won the toss and elected to bat first. Sri Lanka scored a total of 308 runs, with Charith Asalanka leading the batting innings with an impressive 97 runs. Asalanka also performed exceptionally well at the death, scoring 62 off just 38 balls. Wanindu Hasaranga proved to be the most effective bowler for Sri Lanka, taking 4 wickets for just 27 runs. In the end, Sri Lanka won the match by a massive margin of 155 runs.

For Sri Lanka, Kusal Mendis has been a consistent performer, scoring the most number of centuries in the playing 11. Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando have also been in good form, scoring 54 and 46 runs respectively. Wanindu Hasaranga has been their best bowler, taking the highest number of wickets, which is 15.

On the other hand, Afghanistan has also shown some promising performances. In their previous match against Sri Lanka, they struggled in the chase and fell short by a huge margin. Rahmat Shah was their top scorer with 63 runs. Mohammad Nabi has been their best bowler, taking the highest number of wickets, which is 16.

For Afghanistan, Ibrahim Zadran has been a standout performer, scoring the most number of centuries in the playing 11. Rahmat Shah has also been in good form, scoring 44 runs. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Qais Ahmad have been their key bowlers.

In-Form Players

Some players to look out for in this match are J Liyanage and P Nissanka for Sri Lanka, and Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran for Afghanistan. These players have been performing consistently and can make a significant impact on the game.

Historic Stats

In terms of recent head-to-head record in the ODI format, Sri Lanka has had the upper hand in the past encounters. They have won 4 out of the last 5 matches against Afghanistan. However, it is worth mentioning that Afghanistan did manage to secure a convincing 7-wicket victory in one of the matches.

Looking at the highest ODI run scorers among the Sri Lankan squad in the last 2 years, Pathum Nissanka leads the pack with 1724 runs in 39 matches. He is closely followed by Kusal Mendis with 1418 runs in 43 matches. Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama have also been consistent performers for Sri Lanka in recent times.

On the other hand, Afghanistan's batting line-up boasts some impressive performers as well. Ibrahim Zadran has been their highest run scorer with 1343 runs in 29 matches. Rahmat Shah and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have also contributed significantly to the team's total in the last 2 years.

When it comes to the highest ODI wicket takers among the Sri Lankan squad, Maheesh Theekshana leads the pack with 54 wickets in 28 matches. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dilshan Madushanka have also been key contributors with 52 and 39 wickets respectively. Dunith Wellalage has also made an impact with 21 wickets in 12 matches.

Afghanistan's bowling attack is led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, who has taken 42 wickets in 18 matches. Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have also been successful in picking up wickets for the team.

Venue Stats

Pallekele, the venue for the match, has seen some high-scoring matches in the last 2 years. The average first innings score at this venue has been 224 runs, with the highest first innings score being 381 runs. In the second innings, the average score has been 180 runs, with the highest second innings score being 339 runs.

Weather

There is a forecast of light rain in Kandy during the match, which might affect the proceedings.

Match  Prediction

Considering the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, our win predictor gives Afghanistan an 84 percent chance of winning. However, the average first inning total at the venue is 242, which suggests that both teams will have to put up a competitive total to secure victory.

Although the stats point to an Afghanistan win, recent form suggests that Sri Lanka have the edge and cricket is a game of many uncertainties, and anything can happen on the day of the match.

Key Battle:

Rahmat Shah vs Dushmantha Chameera: Innings - 5, Dismissals - 3, Runs = 24, Avg - 8.00

Squads

Sri Lanka- Kusal Mendis (c), Sahan Arachchige, Charith Asalanka, Akila Dananjaya, Shevon Daniel, Avishka Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Dilshan Madushanka, Pathum Nissanka, Pramod Madushan, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage

Afghanistan- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, Ibrahim Zadran, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveed Zadran, Noor Ahmad, Qais Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Riaz Hassan

Cricket Betting Tips and Match Predictions* - PrePlay

Who will win the toss? – Afghanistan

Who will win? – Sri Lanka

Top Batter (Runs Scored) – Pathum Nissanka – Sri Lanka, Rahmat Shah - Afghanistan

Top Bowler (Wickets taken) – Asitha Fernando – Sri Lanka, Noor Ahmad - Afghanistan

Most Sixes – Kusal Mendis – Sri Lanka, Mohammad Nabi - Afghanistan

Player of the Match – Pathum Nissanka – Sri Lanka

Team Scores Batting first – Sri Lanka 340+, Afghanistan 280 +

Match Handicap – Sri Lanka

*NB these predictions may be changed nearer the start of the match once the final starting teams have been announced and we will be running ‘In-Play’ features, so stay tuned.

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