All eyes turn to the Pallekele Stadium in Kandy today as Sri Lanka prepares to host Afghanistan for the final One Day International (ODI) match of the series.
With the Lankan Lions already clinching victory in the first two encounters, the third ODI is viewed as an opportunity for Afghanistan to regain momentum before the Twenty20 International series commences on Saturday.
In the preceding ODI, Charith Asalanka's formidable 97, supported by Captain Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama's contributions of 61 and 52 respectively, propelled Sri Lanka to set a target of 308. Despite efforts from Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah, who managed decent runs, their team fell short, being bundled out for 153.
In the initial ODI, Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka stole the spotlight with an unbeaten 210, setting a new record as the highest individual scorer in Sri Lanka's ODI history. Despite noteworthy centuries from Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, the team fell 42 runs short of victory.
As Sri Lanka eyes a clean sweep, Afghanistan seeks to regroup swiftly and secure a consolation win. With Sri Lanka's squad boasting impressive form and momentum, they are heavily favored to emerge victorious in the final encounter.
Sri Lanka Squad:
- Kusal Mendis (Captain)
- Charith Asalanka (Vice-Captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Avishka Fernando
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Janith Liyanage
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Pramod Madushan
- Sahan Arachchige
- Akila Dananjaya
- Dunith Wellalage
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Shevon Daniel
Afghanistan Squad:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain)
- Rahmat Shah (Vice-Captain)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Ikram Alikhil
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Riaz Hassan
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Qais Ahmad
- Noor Ahmad
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazal Haq Farooqi
- Naveed Zadran
- Farid Ahmad Malik
