Afghanistan opted to bowl in opposition to Sri Lanka.
In the first ODI, which was played in Pallekele on a brilliant and sunny day, Afghanistan won the toss and placed Sri Lanka in to bat.
Hashmatullah Shahidi, captain of Afghanistan, stated that the four seamers on their side and the potential for moisture later were the main factors influencing their decision. Afghanistan possesses a diverse array of all-round options, including two frontline spinners in addition to their seam-bowling quartet.
Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis expressed his delight at batting first on a pitch that appeared favorable to the batsmen. Sri Lanka utilized five frontline bowlers (three seam, two spin) and six batsmen, with the versatile No. 7 Wanindu Hasaranga providing balance.
Despite the sweltering and humid climate, Pallekele experiences a light airflow that rolls across the ground. However, no precipitation is anticipated throughout the entirety of the match. The pitch is challenging, as the ball is anticipated to be hit, but speed bowlers will be able to take advantage of the bounce.
Sri Lanka:
Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (capt, wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka
Afghanistan:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad
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