Riding high from a second unexpected victory in the Cricket World Cup 2023, Afghanistan is gearing up to face Sri Lanka at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune this coming Monday.

On the previous Monday, Afghanistan showcased their skill by triumphing over Pakistan with an eight-wicket win in Chennai. 

This stunning victory, soon after their win against the previous champions, England in Delhi, has marked the first instance of Afghanistan securing two victories in a single ODI World Cup series.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the opening batsman, played a pivotal role in both matches. In the game against England, the young 21-year-old scored a swift 80 runs from 57 balls, setting Afghanistan on course with a target of 285. 

In the clash with Pakistan, Gurbaz's steady 65 from 53 balls provided a robust beginning for his team. While reaching the semi-finals might be a tall order for Afghanistan, they are certainly eyeing a third tournament win. However, a revitalized Sri Lanka stands in their way.

Sri Lanka had a rocky start to the World Cup, with three consecutive losses to South Africa, Pakistan, and Australia. The injury of their captain, Dasun Shanaka, only added to their woes. Yet, in recent games, the team has shown resilience and a determination to fight on.

Under the temporary leadership of Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka turned their fortunes around, starting with a win over the Netherlands, ending a four-match losing streak that began with the Asia Cup final against India. Their win over England further highlighted the strength and potential of this Sri Lankan squad.

The World Cup journey of Sri Lanka has been peppered with notable individual displays. Mendis, Shanaka, and Charithra Asalanka achieved scores above fifty in their game against South Africa. Furthermore, Mendis not only secured the fastest century by a Sri Lankan in ODI World Cup history against Pakistan but was also joined by Sadeera Samarawickrama in scoring centuries in this series.

Team Updates

Afghanistan enters the game after a six-day break, ensuring they're refreshed and ready. Fazalhaq Farooqi is anticipated to replace Noor Ahmad.

Afghanistan's expected lineup: 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 5 Azmatullah Omarzai, 6 Ikram Alikhil (wk), 7 Mohammad Nabi, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10 Naveen-ul-Haq, 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi

For Sri Lanka, the tournament has brought another setback as Lahiru Kumara, the star of the match against England, has been sidelined due to a thigh injury. Dushmantha Chameera, who is making a comeback from injury, will likely replace him. Kusal Perera's recent form has been under scrutiny, leading to speculation that Dimuth Karunaratne might open instead.

Sri Lanka's likely lineup: 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Perera/Dimuth Karunaratne, 3 Kusal Mendis (capt, wk), 4 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Angelo Mathews, 8 Maheesh Theekshana, 9 Kasun Rajitha, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Dilshan Madushanka.

Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Live Stream TV Channels

The viewers can watch Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Live Stream in Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3 and many other networks.

Star Sports Network India is the official broadcaster of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, it sheduled to air the tournament on Star Sports and OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar in India.The list below is showing the broadcasters by County or Territory.

The broadcasting rights for the upcoming event are held by various networks across different territories. Here’s a consolidated view of Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Live Stream TV Channels:

Afghanistan: RTA Sports and Ariana TV.

Australia: Foxtel TV, Kayo TV, and Nine Network.

Bangladesh: Gazi TV, T Sports, and BTV.

Canada: Willow TV.

Continental Europe: Yupp TV.

Caribbean Islands: ESPN.

England: Sky Sports Cricket.

Hong Kong: Astro Vinmeen HD and Yupp TV.

India: Star Sports Network and DD Sports.

Central East and North Africa: Etisalat and Starzplday.

New Zealand: Sky Sports and Sky Sports 3.

Nepal: Star Sports Network.

Pakistan: A Sports and PTV Sports.

Pacific Islands: TVWAN Action PAC.

Sri Lanka: Sirasa TV (TV1) and Star Sports Network.

South Africa: SuperSports.

South East Asia: Yupp TV.

Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSports.

Singapore: Astro Vinmeen HD.

United States: Willow TV and Willow TV Xtra.

United Kingdom: Sky Sports Cricket.