We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report for Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup Match
First innings average score: 142
Second innings average: 124
Type: Slow wicket. Helpful for spinners.
Time: August 27, 7.30 PM IST
Probable Playing XI for Sri Lanka & Afghanistan
Probable XI for Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay/Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Thushara
Probable XI for Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Usman Ghani, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad Malik/ Fazalhaq Farooqi
Also read:
India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2022: Fantasy Cricket Tips
Dubai Stadium Pitch Report for Asia Cup 2022
Afghanistan Squad for T20 World Cup
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Smart Fantasy Picks
Dasun Shanaka has the ability to clear the ropes quite comfortably, especially against the faster bowlers. He averages 44 in 2022, registering two fifties and four thirties.
The onus of providing Afghanistan with rollicking starts in the powerplay will be on Hazratullah Zazai. He has added 220 runs, including the highest score of 59* in his last 10 T20Is.
In his last 10 competitive games, Hashmatullah Shahidi has scored four fifties and two thirties. However, the rate at which he collects may not be impressive at times.
Not once in 5 innings did Mohammad Nabi manage to go past the single-digit mark with the bat in the T20Is in Ireland. With the ball too, he could only manage 3 wickets. That said, his numbers are good at the Dubai Sports City: he has added 115 runs and taken 11 wickets.
Naveen-ul-Haq was the leading wicket-taker (7 at 17.29) for his side in the T20Is against Ireland. He has the ability to strike with both new and old ball.
Najibullah Zadran finished the Ireland series as the leading run-getter (125 at 25), including the highest score of 50 for Afghanistan. He has the ability to accelerate towards the end of the innings. Watch out for his leg-side hoicks!
Given the conditions, coupled with multiple tricks in his arsenal, Maheesh Theekshana can make a huge difference in the powerplay. It is almost a given that Sri Lanka will rely on him to get the job done with the new ball.
Pathum Nissanka may not necessarily go ballistic in the powerplay, but he has his own smart ways of accumulating runs. He has collected 142 runs in his last 5 T20Is.
On the other hand, Charith Asalanka prefers to get on with the show at the top of the order. His recent scores read 38, 39, and 26. He can also be called upon to roll his arm over.
Fantasy Power Picks
Rashid Khan might have picked only 3 wickets in the T20Is against Ireland, but it is important to recognize that he will remain the No.1 strike bowler for Afghanistan. Not for nothing does he boast of 112 wickets in only 66 games, at a staggering average of 13.8. Anything with the bat, down the order, will be a bonus too.
For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga will be the go-to man for regular wickets. In his previous T20I series against Australia at home, he bagged 10 wickets, including the best figures of 4 for 33. Like Rashid, Hasaranga too can use the long handle to good effect.
Fantasy Tip of The Day
Spinners from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka revel in shorter formats. Given the spinner-friendly conditions in the UAE, drafting them in your teams on the My11Circle fantasy cricket app could help you march ahead.