Preview by Mohammad Anab
Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A will lock horns in the third match of the Tri-Nation A Series in Sri Lanka on Saturday at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. With India A, Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A all competing for a place in the final, the encounter represents an important opportunity for both sides to strengthen their position in the standings.
Sri Lanka A will be looking to bounce back after suffering a narrow defeat to India A in the tournament opener. Despite ending on the losing side, the hosts showed plenty of promise, with several batters making useful contributions and the bowling attack keeping the contest alive until the closing stages. Chasing a target of 278 runs, the side fell short by 8 runs. Skipper Sahan Arachchige led from the front by scoring a 70-odd.
Sri Lanka A possess a squad packed with domestic experience, including the likes of Niroshan Dickwella, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Chamika Karunaratne.
Afghanistan A, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after producing one of the results of the tournament so far. The Afghan side stunned India A by four runs via the DLS method in a rain-affected encounter, showcasing both their batting depth and their ability to handle pressure against a strong opponent.
Batting first, India posted a mammoth 349/9 on the back of 84 from opener Prabhsimran Singh. In reply, skipper Imran Mir scored 75* while Bahir Shah hit 51*. This helped Afghanistan score 177/2 in 25.5 overs before the rain played the spoilsport.
The visitors will once again rely on captain Mir, top-order batters Mohammad Ibrahim and Hassan Eisakhil, and the experienced Bahir Shah to provide stability with the bat.
Conditions in Dambulla have generally offered a balanced contest between bat and ball during the tournament. Batters who spend time at the crease have been rewarded, but spinners have become increasingly influential as matches progress.
Who will win this match? Join us at 9 AM IST & Local Time on Saturday for the live coverage.