AFG vs SL, ICC Cricket World Cup Match 7, Key Players: Rashid Khan, Dimuth Karunaratne, Lasith Malinga and Other Cricketers to Watch Out for at Sophia Gardens
This game may not boast of big names but should produce some entertaining cricket with two evenly matched teams in the fray.
Sri Lanka lost their third consecutive game including their opening ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 match against New Zealand, since landing on English soil and are yet to put in one decent showing. While Afghanistan were equally poor against Australians but they can be excused as they were facing the defending champions in their first game. The two teams will need to regroup and focus their energy on a game they will both consider as winnable. The batsmen of both the teams have a huge role to play in the game as they are the ones that can bail their countries out of trouble. Not having the best of techniques to counter the swing and bounce is a hindrance but it’s a challenge they must rise upto. Let us look at the five key players who will be under the spotlight in this key clash. Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Cricket Score 7th ODI Match in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Rashid Khan
The influential spinner had a pretty average outing against the Australians who countered him well. Against Sri Lanka, he will fancy himself to be more effective as the opposition batsman are low on confidence. Afghanistan need wickets from his ten over spell to restrict Sri Lanka to a low score.
Rahmat Shah
He is known for his clam head and ability to strike partnerships in the middle which is what is needed from the Afghanistan point of view. Coming in the pivotal number 3 spot, he was the main reason Afghanistan reached a double century in the previous game.
Dimuth Karunaratne
The Sri Lankan skipper kept running out of partners against the Kiwis yet stuck a fifty in a difficult situation. Karunaratne at the top of the order is an asset for the team but will need others to chip in with useful contributions too.
Kusal Perera
Till the time he was in the middle against New Zealand, he reminded everyone about the talent he has at disposal. But when he needed to kick on and get a big score, he got out playing a loose stroke. This has been an issue with his batting for quite some time now which he needs to work upon.
Lasith Malinga
The Sri Lankan veteran was taken for plenty in his five-over spell in the last game and will be eager to bounce back against Afghanistan. If he finds a rhythm early on, the opposition batsman are in for trouble.
Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match 7 Video Preview
This game may not boast of big names but should produce some entertaining cricket with two evenly matched teams in the fray. It is imperative for both teams to open their account in the points table with difficult games coming up.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 04, 2019 10:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).