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THE FACTS
When is Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan on and what time does it start? Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan will take place on Friday 2nd February, 2024 – 04:30 (UK)
Where is Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan taking place? Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan will take place at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo
THE LOWDOWN
SRI LANKA
Upal Tharanga, former Sri Lanka batter and current leader of his nation’s new selection committee have picked a squad with three uncapped players for this only test against Afghanistan. Bowlers Chamika Gunasekara and Milan Rathnayake, alongside opener Lahiru Udara have all be selected, whilst Pathum Nissanka is left out. Dhanajaya de Silva captains the hosts.
AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan embarks on this one-off Test without one of their biggest bowling threats. Spin-bowler Rashid Khan is out due to injury after undergoing back surgery and has been replaced in the squad by Qais Ahmad. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi will likely be crucial with the bat, as will teammates Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah.
THE PREDICTION
Although Afghanistan do pose plenty of threat in the spin-bowling department even without Rashid Khan, Sri Lanka’s team from an all-round perspective should be more adept at handling the rigours of a five-day contest. With home advantage in their favour, Sri Lanka are expected to take the honours in this one-off Test and are to be backed as appropriate.
BETTING TIP: SRI LANKA TO WIN