We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Probable XIs
Probable XI for Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha
Probable XI for Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmat Shah, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Yamin Ahmadzai
Pitch Report
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
(Based on the last 3 games)
1st innings average score: 271
2nd innings average score: 235
Wickets per innings: 8
Type: Decent batting wicket.
Weather: Showers forecast.
Wins
Batting 1st: 67%
Batting 2nd: 33%
Fantasy Tips of The Day
The Sri Lankan pace battery appears unsettled and erratic. Meanwhile, their spinners have been doing the bulk of the damage, taking 14 wickets in the last 3 ODIs at Pallekele.
On the batting front, they are extremely reliant on their top order.
Smart Picks
Rahmat Shah might operate at his own pace, but the ploy has been paying dividends for him and fantasy players. Another half-century in the opening ODI saw him make it to the Ultimate Team.
A bit quicker and more purposeful is Ibrahim Zadran. He generated 68.5 points for his splendid 106 off 120 balls and was the vice-captain of the Ultimate Team.
Similarly, Pathum Nissanka kept the runs flowing for Sri Lanka. Although the hosts lost, fantasy players were kept happy by the opener’s composed knock of 85 off 83.
Kusal Mendis might have been dismissed cheaply in the first ODI, but he remains Sri Lanka’s in-form batter. In his last 7 visits to Pallekele, he has added 235 runs at 35.
Likewise, Dhananjaya de Silva couldn’t deliver his best in the previous game. However, his dual role makes him a safe pick in fantasy leagues. Besides bagging 5 wickets, he has collected 135 runs in his last 4 ODIs.
Rashid Khan could manage only the solitary wicket of Maheesh Theekshana. Despite that, his numbers for the year make a decent reading: 19 wickets in 10 ODIs.
For his all-round heroics (2 for 42 and 66 off 46), Wanindu Hasaranga was the captain of the Ultimate Team. He provided the most fantasy points (79) for the game.
By picking 7 wickets between them, Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi made a significant impact in fantasy leagues. Together, they added 70 points for their impressive display with the ball.
