MATCH ANALYSIS IN BRIEF
| Date | Monday 30th October 2023 at 13:00 (IST) and at 08:30 (UK) |
| Venue | Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka will take place at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, India |
| Weather | Conditions are expected to be extremely hot across the majority of play, with bright sunshine before clear skies later and temperatures above 30c, despite light winds being prevalent throughout |
| TV & Streaming | Viewers in India: you can watch this match live on Star Sports channels or stream it via the Disney+ Hotstar app. |
| Viewers in Pakistan: you can watch this match live on both PTV Sports and A-Sports or stream it through the PTVFLIX App. | |
| Viewers in Sri Lanka: you can watch this match live on Maharaja TV or stream it on Sirasatv. Lk. | |
| Viewers in Afghanistan: you can watch this match live you on Ariana TV. | |
| Viewers in Bangladesh: you can watch it on Gazi TV or stream it through Rabbithole. | |
| Viewers in the UK: you can watch this match live on Sky Sports or stream it via the Sky Go App. | |
| Viewers in Australia: you can watch this match live on Fox Sports or stream it via the Foxtel or Kayo Sports app. | |
| Viewers in South Africa: you can watch this match on SuperSport channels or stream it via the SuperSport app. | |
| Viewers in the USA and Canada: you can watch this match live on Willow TV, whilst viewers from the USA can also stream it via the ESPN+ app. |
KEY BETTING STATS
- Four of the last five official ODI fixtures between these two nations have been won by Sri Lanka – To Win the Match.
- Pathum Nissanka has scored a fifty in each of Sri Lanka’s last four 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup matches – Batter to Score Fifty in the Match.
- Afghanistan has put on over 29.5 runs for the first wicket in four of their five 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup matches played so far – Team – Opening Partnership Total.
BETTING ANALYSIS For AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup are still well and truly alive following a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Pakistan, in which Hashmatullah Shahidi’s side was totally dominant, outplaying Pakistan in all departments. Unless any late injuries crop up, it’s hard to see Afghanistan changing their team following that display.
Teenage leg-spinner Noor Ahmad stole the show against Pakistan on his World Cup debut, recording figures of 3/49. While Pune isn’t seen as the best ground to bowl spin on, the mystery of the 18-year-old makes him a big threat to Sri Lanka’s batters should he be selected. Therefore, consider backing Noor Ahmad to finish as Afghanistan’s top bowler (4.50) for the second match running.
One of Afghanistan’s biggest strengths lies within their opening batters. Both Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran are consistently getting them off to fast starts, and Afghanistan’s last three group games have seen the pair add 130, 27, and 114 for the first wicket. Back them to not only accrue a first wicket stand of over 29.5 runs here (1.90) but also to record a higher opening partnership than that of Sri Lanka (1.80).
Gurbaz, in particular, warrants investment after accumulating 156 runs across his last three innings, reaching a half-century on two occasions. Bettors can back Gurbaz via the ‘Batter Milestones’ market to score 30+ runs (1.83) against Sri Lanka, and those eying up a riskier bet with a more lucrative return should consider backing him to score 50+ runs (2.62) for a third time in four games.
BETTING ANALYSIS For SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka moved fast to replace the injured Matheesha Pathirana with Angelo Matthews, and the decision paid off against England, the experienced Matthews taking a wicket with his third ball of the match as Sri Lanka destroyed the World Champions, bowling them out for just 156 before reaching their victory target with eight wickets and 24.2 overs to spare.
Top-order batter Sadeera Samawickrama finished on 65 not out and has now accumulated 156 runs across his last two innings without being dismissed. However, while backing Samawickrama to score 30+ runs here (2.10) offers good value, bettors should know that he needed treatment at one stage against England after being struck hard on the glove. Therefore, wait until Samawickrama is confirmed to be playing vs Afghanistan before making any moves.
Opener Pathum Nissanka’s brilliant form continues across this World Cup following his fourth consecutive 50+ score. The 25-year-old has racked up scores of 77 (not out), 54, 61, and 51 since his 0 against South Africa, emphasizing Nissanka’s consistency. Backing him to record a fifth straight score of 50+ runs (3.00) has to be favored, as does a small stake on Nissanka to finish as Sri Lanka’s top bowler (4.75).
Matthews didn’t get the chance to bat vs England, but taking two wickets underlines his value as an all-rounder. One of those players who is very hard to keep out of the game; it would be no surprise if the 35-year-old veteran has a big role to play in this contest. When considering his influence and potential impact, placing a small investment on Matthews to finish ‘Player of the Match’ (13.00) may prove a shrewd play.
CRICKET 8’S EXPERT PREDICTION
Recent memorable victories for Afghanistan and Sri Lanka against Pakistan and England, respectively, have breathed fresh life into their group-stage campaigns, with knockout qualification still very much possible for both nations. With that in mind, expect a tight contest between two teams full of confidence. The outcome itself really could go either way, and while Sri Lanka will come into it as favorites, Afghanistan can beat any team in the competition if they play like they did last Monday with bat and ball.
The smart move here is to back an individual player, specifically Rahmanullah Gurbaz, to continue his hard-hitting style of play and look to get Afghanistan off to a fast start in the Powerplay, regardless of whether they are batting first or second. Gurbaz is not afraid to take risks, and his ability to clear the ropes is a huge strength. Each of Afghanistan’s five group-stage matches played so far has seen Gurbaz hit at least one six, and it’s well worth backing him to continue that streak here in Pune.
TIP
RAHMANULLAH GURBAZ TO HIT OVER 0.5 MATCH SIXES (1.90)
Match Highlight of this match is here- Fearless Afghan Boys Delivered Another Top Performance Against Sri Lanka
