Mens T20 Emerging Asia Cup 2024 Match 2, SL A vs AFG A Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today's Match?

SL A vs AFG A Match Prediction [Source: @NewsWireLK, @acb_190/x.com]

The ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 will see Sri Lanka A take on Afghanistan A in Match 2 on Friday, October 18 at Al Amerat Cricket Ground Ministry Turf 1. With a slew of promising talents and rising stars, both teams will be aiming to kick off the tournament with a win.

Sri Lanka A Squad Stacked With Experience

Sri Lanka A has assembled a squad that combines experienced hands and emerging powerhouses under the leadership of Lahiru Udara.

Udara, an accomplished batter, will be looking to set an example from the top of the order, supported by aggressive batters like Yashoda Lanka and Lasith Croospulle, who are known for making quick runs in the powerplay. Nuwanidu Fernando, another bright talent, is expected to anchor the innings, adding stability to Sri Lanka A's batting lineup.

The middle order boasts versatility with Sahan Arachchige and Pawan Rathnayake, who bring calmness and the ability to rebuild the innings if needed. The all-round strength of Isitha Wijesundara and Kavindu Nadeeshan, alongside the skillful spin of Nimesh Vimukthi, Dushan Hemantha and Ramesh Mendis, will be key as the match progresses and the pitch starts to favour turn.

Sri Lanka A has left no stone unturned in constructing a team capable of performing in every phase of the game as they aim to start the tournament on the right foot.

Afghanistan A Squad Teeming With Power

Afghanistan A will be led by Sediqullah Atal, a captain who brings aggression to the table. Afghanistan's bowling unit looks particularly fierce, with spin sensation Qais Ahmad and young prodigy Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, who recently stunned South Africa with his bowling.

These two will be crucial in putting the brakes on Sri Lanka A's batsmen and extracting grip from the Al Amerat surface as the game progresses.

Batting-wise, Afghanistan A has depth and firepower. Mohammad Ishaq, Darwish Rasooli, and Nangialai Kharoti, along with the hard-hitting Shahidullah, are expected to lead from the front, while all-rounders like Karim Janat add a steadying hand and impactful lower-order hitting.

Afghanistan A’s strategy will likely revolve around building pressure early and exploiting Sri Lanka A’s batting strength with their mix of spin and pace as they look to make their mark in the competition.

How Will the Al Amerat Cricket Ground Pitch Behave?

With an average first-innings score of 149 across 99 T20I games, Al Amerat Cricket Ground Ministry Turf 1 has historically rewarded teams batting second. Fresh from a rest period, the wicket is likely to play true for batters in the early stages, making the first half of the game ideal for stroke play. However, as the ball starts to grip, spinners are expected to play a key role, especially on a fresh surface that might offer turn later in the innings.

SL A vs AFG A: Predicted Toss Result

The toss could play a crucial role, with stats showing that chasing teams have had a slight edge, winning 60 matches to the 39 wins secured by teams batting first. Both captains will have their eyes on fielding first if they win the toss.

SL A vs AFG A: Players To Watch Out For

Sri Lanka A

Batters: Lahiru Udara, Nuwanidu Fernando
All-rounders: Ramesh Mendis, Sahan Arachchige 
Bowlers: Dushan Hemantha

Afghanistan A

Batters: Mohammad Ishaq, Darwish Rasooli
All-rounders: Karim Janat
Bowlers: Qais Ahmad, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar

SL A vs AFG A: Match Prediction

SL A vs AFG A: Predicted Score

Predicted first innings score: 140-165
Predicted second innings score: 145-170

Predicted Result: The team bowling first will have an edge in this match.

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