5 Players to Watch Out for in Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2023

The last Group B game of the ongoing Asia Cup is all set to take place on 5 September between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in Lahore, Pakistan. Sri Lanka made a winning start to the tournament but Afghanistan suffered a loss against Bangladesh. Hence, it will be a must-win clash for the Afghans to keep themselves alive. However, they need to win by a big and significant margin to qualify for the next stage along with either the Lankans or Bangla Tigers. 

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Look at the Top 5 Players to Watch Out for in SL vs AFG clash in the Asia Cup 2023:

Charith Asalanka

Charith Asalanka (Image Source: Twitter)

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This stylish middle-order batter stood up for his team in the first game when Sri Lanka were in trouble while chasing 165 runs against Bangladesh. After losing three wickets for 43 runs, Charith Asalanka showed his nerves and put up a 78-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Sadeera Samarawickrama. Asalanka remained not out on 62* runs off 92 balls, including five fours and one six. So, he will look to do well in this upcoming clash also.

Ibrahim Zadran

Ibrahim Zadran (Image Source: Twitter)

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This Afghanistan opener came up with a solid 75-run knock from 74 balls, including 10 fours and one six against Bangladesh. The Afghans were chasing 335 runs and Ibrahim Zadran gave a good start despite losing the first wicket for just one run. First, he put up a 78-run partnership for the second wicket with Rahmat Shah while for the third wicket, he put up 52 runs with Hashmatullah Shahid. But, his effort went in vain as they lost the game eventually.

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Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana (Image Source: Twitter)

This young pacer hit the headlines for his exceptional performance against Bangladesh. Matheesha Pathirana grabbed the Player of the Match award for picking up four wickets for 32 runs in 7.4 overs. His spell was instrumental in bundling Bangladesh out for just 164 runs in 42.4 overs. So, all eyes will be on him again as his slinky bowling action can surprise Afghanistan in this upcoming clash.   

Hashmatullah Shahidi

Hashmatullah Shahidi (Image Source: Twitter)

The Afghan skipper failed with captaincy duties in terms of bowling changes and fielding setups as the Bangla Tigers set up a 335-run target. But, with the bat, Hasmatullah Shahidi played a crucial role along with Ibrahim Zadran. Shahidi scored 51 runs off 60 balls, including six fours. He and Najibullah Zadran also put up a 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket. So, fans will hope for another captain’s knock against the Lankans in this clash.      

Sadeera Samarawickrama

Sadeera Samarawickrama (Image Source: Twitter)

This Sri Lanka batter also made a good start to the tournament with a 54-run knock from 77 balls, including six fours. Sadeera Samarawickrama steadied the chase against Bangladesh with Charith Asalanka by putting up a 78-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Hence, another top performance from him while batting in the middle order is expected against Afghanistan.

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