Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will be switching to One Day International (ODI) cricket with a focus on solving old problems. The three-match ODI series between the Sri Lanka national cricket team and the Afghanistan national cricket team will showcase plenty of quality spin throughout the games. The first match took place on February 9 at the Pallekele International Stadium in Sri Lanka, where Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bowl first. The Sri Lankan captain, Kusal Mendis, was happy with this decision as the pitch looked good for batting.

Afghanistan Making a Name in White-Ball Cricket

Afghanistan has been making a name for themselves in white-ball cricket and will be taking the field with their key stalwarts. Notably, neither Mujeeb Ur Rahman nor Qais Ahmad were picked in the playing XI for Afghanistan in the first ODI, and they are also missing the services of Rashid Khan. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, announced their 16-member squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan. This series is an important opportunity for both teams to showcase their skills and improve their performances in the limited-overs format.

Series at Pallekele International Stadium

The entire series between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will take place at the Pallekele International Stadium. This venue, known for its challenging conditions, will test the skills of both teams. Fans can expect an exciting battle between the spinners, with the pitch favoring their abilities. The series promises to be an intriguing contest as it unfolds, with each match being crucial in determining the outcome.

Shanaka Dropped, Nissanka and Karunaratne Return

In preparation for the ODI series against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka made some changes to their squad. Dasun Shanaka was dropped, while Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne made their return to the team. These changes show Sri Lanka’s determination to address their previous shortcomings and strengthen their lineup for the upcoming matches.

Overall, the switch to ODIs between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan brings excitement and anticipation. With a focus on solving old problems, both teams will look to showcase their skills and secure victories in the series. Cricket fans can expect quality spin, tough contests, and the emergence of new talents as Sri Lanka and Afghanistan battle it out on the field.

Sources:

• Yahoo Sport