NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka are set to take on a spirited Afghanistan in a high-stakes battle for survival in the World Cup, and while the island nation has been emboldened by back-to-back wins, they face a daunting challenge with the absence of their lead pacer, Lahiru Kumara. Kumara was ruled out of the World Cup on Sunday, having sustained a left thigh muscle injury during a training session.
In his place, the Sri Lankan team has brought in the talented Dushmantha Chameera as a replacement. The Sri Lankan team has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, making a comeback after a series of defeats in the tournament.
With both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan securing two wins out of five matches, they have managed to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the coveted semifinals. However, the path to the semifinals is fraught with challenges, and their fate hinges not only on their own performance but also on the outcomes of other matches in the tournament.
Sri Lanka, after suffering three consecutive defeats, has managed to rekindle their hopes with two impressive victories against the Netherlands and England. However, it's clear that they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents from Afghanistan. The Afghan cricket team has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world with notable wins against cricket powerhouses England and Pakistan, showcasing their ability to punch above their weight.
Here's everything you need to know about the ICC ODI World Cup match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka:
What: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, 2023 ODI World Cup 30th Match
When: October 30 (Monday)
Where: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Time: 1400 IST
Where to watch: Live stream/telecast on Disney Hotstar and Star Sports Networks
Where to follow Live: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports
Playing XIs (Likely):
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka
