Sri Lanka will take on Afghanistan in the 1st match of Super Four in Asia Cup 2022 on Saturday (September 4th).
Sri Lanka made it through to the Super Four stage after a thrilling last-over win against Bangladesh in the Group stage. However, they were handed a heavy defeat against Afghanistan in the first match of the Asia Cup 2022 and would be looking to bounce back. After getting bowled out for 105 against Afghanistan, Lankan batters Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka stepped up against Pakistan, scoring 60 & 45 runs respectively. All-rounder Chamika Karunaratne also smacked a crucial 10-ball-16 in a thrilling chase at the end.
While only one Lankan bowler (Wanindu Hasaranga) managed to pick a wicket in the first match, all 5 bowlers took wickets in the 2nd match. While Wanindu Hasaranga and Chamika Karunaratne picked up 2 wickets each, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Asitha Fernando managed 1 wicket each. The Lankan bowlers would have to step up their game against attacking Afghan batters to register a win.
Afghanistan has shown excellent cricket in this Asia Cup, winning their group matches and qualifying as the B1 team for the Super Four. The Afghans defeated Sri Lanka and Bangladesh quite comfortably and would be looking to cruise through the Super Four stage with momentum on their side. Hazratullah Zazai and Ibrahim Zadran have been the top run scorers for their team with 60 and 57 runs respectively in two matches, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz has struck 51 runs at a strike rate of 141.67.
Spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 5 wickets to his name. Ace spinner Rashid Khan and sensational pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi have picked up 3 wickets each. Along with Mohammad Nabi, the Afghan bowling attack looks formidable enough to take on any batting side in this Asia Cup 2022.
