While the hosts Sri Lanka will prepare for the World Cup qualifiers scheduled for later this month, the visiting Afghanistan side will look to get their squad ready for the main tournament it self which is set to take place in India in October-November window.
This will be Sri Lanka’s first ODI outing since their 0-2 series loss in New Zealand earlier this year, while this will be the visitors first ODI assignment since their 1-1 series draw with Lankans last year in November.
Dasun Shanaka’s men will look to start the series on a winning note when the action starts in Hambantota, while the visitors will also look to do the same when they play their first-ever match at the venue.
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will clash for the first time at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, where the hosts have a decent record, having won 9 of 18 matches so far. Apart from the first ODI in this series, the venue will also host the other two matches as well.
The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium has in fact hosted 21 ODI matches so far with most recent being three years ago in 2020, when Sri Lanka played hosts to West Indies and smashed 345 runs, beating the Windies by 161 runs.
Here is a look at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium Stats, Record, Pitch Report and Hambantota Weather Forecast ahead of Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan 1st ODI:
Hambantota Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium Info, Pitch & Weather Report
Seating Capacity: 35,000
Number of matches hosted: 21 ODIs and 7 T20Is
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium Pitch Report
The wickets at the venue are known to be flat and help the batters score at ease, but the spinner also come into play as the match progresses. This means that the spinners would enjoy bowling here than the pacers.
However, the last international match at the venue, witnessed the host score over 300 runs and restrict the visitors to a paltry total. Also, in the 18 One Day International matches held at the venue, the team chasing and batting first have almost had identical success.
Hambantota Weather Forecast For Friday, June 2
As per AccuWeather, there is prediction for a windy day with intervals of cloud and sunshine throughout the day with maximum temperature of 32o C. There is no threat of rain for the whole day and in the lead up to the match as well. So, expect an uninterrupted match.
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium ODI Stats and Record
Matches: 21
Sri Lanka Won: 9
Sri Lanka Lost: 8
Visiting Team Won: 8
Neutral Side Won: 1
No Result: 3
Matches Won Batting 1st: 8
Sri Lanka Won Batting First: 5
Matches Won Batting 2nd: 10
Sri Lanka Won Batting 2nd: 4
Highest Team Total: 368/4 by Sri Lanka vs Pakistan in 2015
Lowest Team Total: 112 All Out by Kenya vs Pakistan in 2011
Highest Run Chase: 312/2 by Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe in 2017
Lowest Total Defended: 286/9 by Sri Lanka vs Australia in 2011
Average 1st Innings Score: 250
Highest Individual Score: Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 133 vs India in 2012
Most Runs: Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 721 runs in 13 innings
Most Wickets: Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka) – 18 wickets in 12 matches
Best Bowling Innings: Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 5 for 16 vs Kenya in 2011
Total Sixes in ODI at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium: 105
Total Fours in ODI at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium: 838
Most Sixes in ODI at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium: Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka) – 8
Most Fours in ODI at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium: Kumar Sangakkara & Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) – 71
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan ODI Head to Head
Matches: 7
Sri Lanka Won: 4
Afghanistan Won: 2
No Result: 1
Highest Total For Sri Lanka: 314/6 in 49.4 overs
Highest Total For Afghanistan: 313/8 in 50 overs
Lowest Total For Sri Lanka: 158 All Out in 41.2 overs
Lowest Total For Afghanistan: 152 All Out in 32.4 overs (DLS)
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Date, Timing and Telecast Info
Match Date: Friday, June 2
Match Start Time: 10 AM IST
Live Streaming: Fancode App or Website with a tour pass (for all three matches) that will cost Rs 59
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