𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐈𝐏𝐋 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 🏏👉
Sri Lanka
Afghanistan
Afghanistan are set to engage in a one-off Test match against Sri Lanka on February 2, hosted by the latter. The upcoming match marks the first encounter between the two teams in the longest format of the game, making Sri Lanka, Afghanistan's sixth Test cricket opponent.
Having gained Test status in 2018, Afghanistan have participated in seven Tests so far, securing victory in three and facing defeat in the remaining four.
This impending one-off Test against Sri Lanka will be Afghanistan's eighth overall Test match and the initiation of their Test cricket rivalry with Sri Lanka. Following this, Afghanistan is scheduled to play six more Test matches in the current year.
In contrast, Sri Lanka's last Test match was in July 2023 against Pakistan, culminating in a disheartening defeat. The upcoming Test against Afghanistan will mark Sri Lanka's first Test match of 2024. The top bookmakers in India have amazing odds with them for this match.
Sri Lanka boasts a well-balanced batting lineup, featuring experienced players
The betting tip is...
Sri Lanka to score 400+ runs in the first innings.
66 %
34 %
Sri LankaAfghanistanNewly appointed captain Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the squad, featuring experienced players Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, and Dinesh Chandimal – all former skippers.
Karunaratne and Mathews showcased their form with centuries in the last NSL game, while captain Dhananjaya de Silva and the young Kamindu Mendis, who also hit centuries, are in commendable form. Kusal Mendis, with a fine knock of 80, secured his place and was appointed deputy skipper.
However, Lahiru Udara, the NCC wicketkeeper-batsman, earned a spot due to his impressive form. Two young pacemen, Milan Ratnayake and Chamika Gunasekara, who have been among the wickets recently, are also part of the squad.
The pace trio of Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, and Kasun Rajitha retained their places. In the spin department, leggie Prabath Jayasuriya and off-spinner Ramesh Mendis are included, while Lasith Embuldeniya and Akila Dhananjaya did not cut.
The squad is a blend of experience and promising talent, aiming to deliver in the upcoming Test match against Afghanistan.
Predicted Lineup: Dhananjaya de Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Nishan Madushka, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Ramesh Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama
The absence of star spinner Rashid Khan, who is currently recovering from back surgery, leaves a noticeable void in the team's bowling lineup. However, the inclusion of leg-spinning all-rounder Qais Ahmad injects a new dimension into the team's bowling arsenal.
Notably, the spotlight falls on two promising talents – Naveed Zadran and Mohammad Ishaq – who receive their maiden call-ups to the squad. These young cricketers have demonstrated their skills and potential in various domestic tournaments, earning them a well-deserved place in the senior Test team.
Under the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi, the squad presents a well-balanced combination of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents. Rahmat Shah assumes the role of deputy, bringing valuable leadership and experience to the field.
Furthermore, the inclusion of players such as Ikram Alikhail and Abdul Malik enhances the team's depth and versatility, promising an exciting blend of experience and youthful energy.
Rashid Khan absence will surely be missed against Sri Lanka
Predicted Lineup: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Ikram Alikhail (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Noor Ali Zadran, Abdul Malik, Naveed Zadran, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Baheer Shah, Nasir Jamal, Qais Ahmad
In what promises to be an intriguing clash between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in the upcoming one-off Test, Sri Lanka holds a slight edge, largely attributed to their recent form and experienced lineup.
The absence of Afghanistan's star spinner Rashid Khan due to injury adds to Sri Lanka's advantage. However, cricket's unpredictability and Afghanistan's well-balanced squad, make this encounter a compelling battle. However, we predict Sri Lanka to win the match.
