Sri Lanka won their lone Test match against Afghanistan, securing a 10-wicket win.
However, as they prepare for the three-match ODI series, captain Kusal Mendis acknowledges the challenge ahead from Afghanistan, especially in the white-ball format.
In the pre-match briefing on Thursday, Mendis expressed that Afghanistan present more formidable opposition in ODIs.
Despite Sri Lanka drawing 1-1 in 2022 and succumbing to a 2-1 defeat in 2023 against Afghanistan, Mendis acknowledged the progress of the Afghanistan team, which finished sixth in the previous ICC Cricket World Cup.
Highlighting Afghanistan’s experience gained through league cricket, Mendis said: “They have come a long way and there is not much room for error.”
On the Afghan side, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was oozing with confidence, insisting that the world’s ninth-ranked team is well-equipped to secure a series win against seventh-ranked Sri Lanka. Shahidi highlighted the return of experienced players to the squad and their strong performance in ODIs, shown in the last World Cup.
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The upcoming ODI series, consisting of three matches in Kandy on February 11, 14 and 17, will be followed by three T20 matches in Dambulla.
Afghanistan’s key players including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Noor Ahmad are back in the squad for the ODI leg of the tour.
Mendis acknowledged the return of experienced batsmen to the Afghan side but expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s ability, especially in their home conditions.
Notably, Sri Lanka have left out former captain Dasun Shanaka due to poor form but are counting on all-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne and Dunith Wellalage.
While underlining their determination to win, Mendis clarified that there is no immediate target for the ODI series. Sri Lanka’s aim is to regroup and build a team for the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is scheduled for three years later in South Africa. Mendis emphasized the need to build a strong bowling attack, especially based on fast bowlers.
