The clinical dismantling of Pakistan or England, which would you call bigger? The former happened in Chennai, on an easy-paced wicket as Afghanistan coasted to victory, going past Pakistan's total of 282 with an over to spare and 8 wickets in hand. Eight days before that, Afghanistan had pulled off the first upset of this World Cup, comfortably defending 284 against England in Delhi with spin playing a prominent role in their win. And then there was the comprehensive drubbing of England in Bengaluru, on a slow wicket, where Sri Lanka used the cutters and change of pace to good effect to bowl the Jos Buttler-led side out for 156 and took only 25.4 overs, with 8 wickets still remaining, to chase down the target and all but seal the defending champions' early exit.
Afghanistan, Sri Lanka out to make a habit out of wins
Sri Lanka are currently fifth, and Afghanistan seventh, with both having four points after two wins apiece from five matches. The top four have eight or more points at this stage but the gridlock is among the teams below them, and the two Asian teams facing off in Pune on Monday will be eager to get ahead in this battle of one-upmanship and in the process keep themselves in the hunt for a semifinal spot should one or two teams in the top four falter at some stage in their remaining games.
For Afghanistan, after zero victories in the 2019 edition, this has been a huge improvement and they will be hoping their surge continues. And there is also the matter of unfinished business. Just about a couple of months back, they nearly pulled off an incredible chase against Sri Lanka but fell short of qualifying for the Super four stage of the Asia Cup. Not having a clear picture of the NRR permutations halted Afghanistan's progression in the competition and caused a heartbreak for them despite putting on quite a show with the bat. They have come a long way from that with inspiring performances in this World Cup but so have Sri Lanka who will be keen to extend their run of wins, having started the tournament with a hat-trick of losses.
When: Monday, October 30 at 2:00 PM Local Time
Where: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
What to expect: In the only game played here earlier in this World Cup, India applied the choke on Bangladesh after they got off to a good start, keeping them to 256 and chasing it down in 41.3 overs. The World Cup is the first time in more than two years that the MCA stadium is hosting international 50-over cricket. Big totals were a regular feature in 2021 when India and England played three ODIs here, with the 300 mark being crossed five times in six innings. Although it wasn't the case in the India-Bangladesh game, batting-friendly pitches are the norm here and the same can be expected for the 30th match of World Cup 2023. A clear weather is forecast for the match duration, with temperatures in the early 30s for the first half of the game.
Team news:
Sri Lanka
Lahiru Kumara, the player of the match in Sri Lanka's victory against England, has been
