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Sri Lanka are set to clash with Afghanistan in the second and final One-Day International (ODI) of their three-match series at the prestigious Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, February 14.
Having secured victory in the first two matches convincingly, Sri Lanka aims for a clean sweep in the ODI leg, while Afghanistan seeks to secure a consolation win before transitioning to the T20I series, commencing from Saturday in Dambulla.
ODI stats and records at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium:
- Total matches: 41
- Matches won batting first: 17
- Matches won bowling first: 22
- Average first innings scores: 253
- Average second innings scores: 202
- Highest total recorded: 381/3 (50 Overs) by Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
- Lowest total recorded: 70/10 (24.4 Overs) by Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka
- Highest score chased: 314/6 (49.4 Overs) by Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
- Lowest score defended: 206/9 (36 Overs) by West Indies vs Sri Lanka
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report:
The Pallekele Cricket Stadium is renowned for its outstanding batting track, providing minimal assistance to fast bowlers. This sets the stage for elegant stroke-play and an enthralling batting display. Once batsmen establish their rhythm, they often capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities. Additionally, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to become increasingly favourable for spinners. Therefore, winning the toss becomes crucial for captains, as they are likely to opt for batting first to maximize these favourable conditions.
Also READ: Key players missing as Afghanistan announces T20I squad for Sri Lanka series
Pallekele Weather Forecast:
Pallekele is anticipated to witness overcast skies, with a minimal 5% chance of rainfall during the match. The temperature is predicted to hover around 29 degrees Celsius, accompanied by a humidity level of roughly 71%. The prevailing wind speed is forecasted to be approximately 14 km/h.
SL vs AFG, 3rd ODI, Probable Playing XIs:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
