Mahinda Rajapaksa Cricket Stadium Pitch Report (Batting or Bowling),?<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/?s=SL+vs+AFG" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SL vs AFG 2023</a>:?On June 7th, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will play the 3rd ODI match at Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Hambantota. Both Teams has played two ODIs out of three and won one game each, so this match will decide who will lift the ODI series trophy.



<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/?s=Sri+Lanka" rel="nofollow">Sri Lanka</a> played good cricket in the 2nd ODI after the defeat in the 1st ODI, they showed good intent and performed well with bat and bowl hence won the 2nd ODI by 132 runs. Kusal Mendis has played an important inning of 78 runs, whereas Dhananjay de Silva was the POTM as he scored 29 runs in 24 balls and got three wickets.



<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/?s=Afghanistan" rel="nofollow">Afghanistan</a> defeated Sri Lanka in the First ODI Match but lost the second ODI match, and both matches were at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota. Ibrahim Zadran has played good cricket so far this series, whereas Fareed Ahmad was taken four wickets in the last two ODIs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mahinda Rajapaksa Cricket Stadium Pitch Report:&nbsp;</h2>



Usually, in the first inning, The Pitch of Mahinda Rajapaksa Cricket Stadium is known to favour batters, and in the Second inning, Spinner will be more effective, and batting might be a little tricky. Both the Team has quality and experienced spinners, so it would be a good battle between both teams.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Mahinda Rajapaksa Cricket Stadium Pitch Report Batting Or Bowling?</h4>



As per the reports and Pitch Conditions in the last two matches, It is quite expected that&nbsp;Mahinda Rajapaksa Cricket Stadium&nbsp;will be a good wicket for both batters and bowlers. The Batting first team is more advantageous than the batting second team, and Average Score in this group is 250 runs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mahinda Rajapaksa Cricket Stadium ODI Records:</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/06/hambantota-22_11zon.jpg" alt="Mahinda Rajapaksa Cricket Stadium Pitch Report (Batting or Bowling) " class="wp-image-114517" width="900" height="506" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mahinda Rajapaksa Cricket Stadium| Image Credit: Twitter</figcaption></figure>



Total Matches Played:?25



Matches Won Batting 1st:?10



Matches Won Batting 2nd:?12



Highest Team Score:&nbsp;368/4 (Sri Lanka)



Lowest Team Score: 112/10 (Kenya)



Average Score:&nbsp;250



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Mahinda Rajapaksa Cricket Stadium Hambantota Weather Forecast:</h4>



As per the reports, The Temperature in the daytime will be approx. 33 degrees Celsius, and In the Evening, The Temperature falls to 27 degrees Celsius, and the weather will be sunny. The Humidity at Hambantota is about 75%, and the wind speed of around 30 km/h, which is very fast.



Read This Also:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/world-cup-2023-qualifier-zimbabwe-announced-their-squad-for-icc-cwc-qualifier-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;World Cup 2023 Qualifier: Zimbabwe announced their squad for ICC CWC Qualifier 2023</a>



For More, Check the Official Site:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/homepage" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC</a>

Mahinda Rajapaksa Cricket Stadium Pitch Report (Batting or Bowling) | SL vs AFG 2023 3rd ODI: ODI Records, Hambantota Sri Lanka Weather Forecast

mahinda-rajapaksa-cricket-stadium-pitch-report-batting-or-bowling-sl-vs-afg-2023-3rd-odi-odi-records-hambantota-sri-lanka-weather-forecast

<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pak-vs-afg-odi-series-2023-schedule-fixtures-squad-venue-date-time-live-streaming-details-pakistan-vs-afghanistan-2023/">PAK vs AFG</a> Dream11 Prediction, Rajapaksa International Stadium Pitch Report | Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Dream11 Team: Pakistan and Afghanistan are all set to go head-to-head in a 3-match ODI series starting on 22nd August 2023 and ending on 26th August. Today, on 22nd August, Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st ODI is scheduled at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium and the match will start at 3:00 PM IST.



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><h2>Jump To:</h2><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#pak-vs-afg-match-details">PAK vs AFG Match Details</a></li><li class=""><a href="#pak-vs-afg-dream-11-prediction-today-match">PAK vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today Match</a></li><li class=""><a href="#pak-vs-afg-top-picks-for-dream-11-team">PAK vs AFG Top Picks for Dream11 team</a></li><li class=""><a href="#pakistan-vs-afghanistan-dream-11-team">Pakistan vs Afghanistan Dream11 Team</a></li><li class=""><a href="#pak-vs-afg-dream-11-prediction-captain-and-vice-captain">PAK vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-captain</a></li><li class=""><a href="#mahinda-rajapaksa-international-stadium-pitch-report">Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium Pitch Report</a></li></ul></nav></div>



The last time these two teams faced off, Afghanistan pulled off a shock by upsetting their neighbors 2-1 in the T20I series in Sharjah. Although Afghanistan can take something from the outcome, Pakistan actually deployed a second-string team for the short series.



The battle will be much tougher for Afghanistan this time around with players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf strengthening the roster.



Afghanistan would undoubtedly think they have a good chance of ousting Pakistan considering their recent performance. They recently defeated Bangladesh 2-1 in an ODI series, which was a huge victory considering how few teams have recently been able to defeat Bangladesh at home.



On the other side, in their previous ODI match earlier this year, Pakistan thoroughly dominated New Zealand at home. The Afghans may still be in the game, though, because the batting conditions in Hambantota might not be as favorable as they were in Pakistan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="pak-vs-afg-match-details">PAK vs AFG Match Details</h2>



Tournament/Series: Pakistan vs Afghanistan in Sri Lanka 2023



Match: PAK vs AFG 1st ODI



Venue: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota



Date/Day: 22 AUGUST 2023/ Tuesday



Timing: 3:00 PM IST



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="pak-vs-afg-dream-11-prediction-today-match">PAK vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today Match</h2>



The Dream11 team is prepared by choosing more players from the Stronger SIde team. Pakistan Team is stronger than Afghanistan Team, so consider more players from the Pakistan Team in your Dream11 Team.



Expecting Pakistan would win the first match pick those players who can perform based on their recent form, which will help you to prepare the best playing11 for your Dream11 Team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="pak-vs-afg-top-picks-for-dream-11-team">PAK vs AFG Top Picks for Dream11 team</h2>



Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, Najibullah Zadran, and Rashid Khan



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="pakistan-vs-afghanistan-dream-11-team">Pakistan vs Afghanistan Dream11 Team</h2>



Wicketkeepers:?Mohammad Rizwan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz Batters:?Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran All-rounders:?Shadab Khan Bowlers:?Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman/Noor Ahmed



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot_2023-08-22-10-11-43-270_com.dream11.fantasy.cricket.football.kabaddi.jpg" alt="PAK vs AFG Dream11 Prediction, Rajapaksa International Stadium Pitch Report | Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Dream11 Team" class="wp-image-118077" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">PAK vs AFG Dream11 Team</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="pak-vs-afg-dream-11-prediction-captain-and-vice-captain">PAK vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-captain</h2>



A- Babar Azam (C) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (VC) B- Babar Azam (C) and Rashid Khan (VC) C- Shaheen Afridi (C) and Fakhar Zaman (VC)



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="mahinda-rajapaksa-international-stadium-pitch-report">Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium Pitch Report</h2>



At Humbantota's surface, both bowlers and batters enjoy their time but to be precise, the seam bowlers flourish and overcast conditions are going to step it up. Even though no rain is forecast, it could be a bit cloudy in Hambantota on match day. The last time an ODI was played, Sri Lanka's seamers ran through the Afghanistan lineup so they will be wary of that. The average 1st Inning total is 250.



Despite not being in the same group, Afghanistan and Pakistan are anticipated to cross paths at some point during the Asia Cup. Additionally, they will compete in a crucial World Cup match in Chennai in two months. This three-match series gives both sides a chance to put themselves to the test ahead of those tougher challenges. Furthermore, they have an edge in preparation because this series is scheduled in Sri Lanka, where the Asia Cup will be played.



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/who-could-be-better-white-ball-captain-of-india-hardik-or-bumrah-captaincy-analysis/">Who Could Be Better White-Ball Captain Of India- Hardik or Bumrah?</a>



For more details head to?<a href="https://www.bcci.tv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BCCI?s?</a>official website.

PAK vs AFG Dream11 Prediction, Rajapaksa International Stadium Pitch Report | Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Dream11 Team

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just a month away, and the two-time champion, Australia, have been hit with a couple of massive injury-related blows. Star pacer Josh Hazlewood, who was ruled out of the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, might not take part in the upcoming mega event, and now, there is another massive injury concern.
ODI captain Pat Cummins is likely to miss the coming event. This news has certainly hit the team and Australian fans, as the captain is a key member of the squad and has been nursing an ankle injury. His participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is hanging by a thin thread.
Notably, Australia are scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for two test matches ahead of the coming ICC event. Cummins has been rested, and Steve Smith has been given the captaincy duties for the upcoming series. Australia have already qualified for the World Test Championship final, which is why the coming tests don't hold much value and their result won't affect anything. Hence, Cricket Australia decided to give Cummins a rest.
<h2>Pat Cummins might miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to an ankle injury</h2>
The captain, Pat Cummins, played a crucial role in helping Australia win the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He finished with the second-most wickets in the series after Jasprit Bumrah (32). Cummins took 25 wickets at an average of 21.36. He also scored 159 runs with the bat in this low-scoring series.
However, playing all five tests on the trot has seemed to have affected him, and the captain has sustained an ankle soreness. Meanwhile, the captain is on leave because of the birth of his second child, which was also one key reason for him missing the Sri Lanka tour. That's what George Bailey, the chief selector of Australia, also confirmed in one of his statements.
But the recent news has not just raised questions about his availablity but also his participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. He is set to undergo scans for his sore ankle. Bailey said, "We’ll have to wait and see when the scan comes back and see how it's tracking. There’s a little bit of work to do.”
That indicates that the two-time Champions Trophy winner are in jeopardy. If Cummins couldn't make it in time, then Mitchell Marsh is likely to lead Australia in the mega event, which will begin on February 19. Australia are placed in Group B, and they will begin their campaign on February 22 against England.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025-to-shift-from-pakistan-to-uae-completely-here-s-why/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to shift from Pakistan to UAE completely? Here's why</a>

Pat Cummins led Australia to to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy win after a wait of ten years. Cummins is likely to miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to injury.

Australia suffered a massive blow; after Josh Hazlewood, captain Pat Cummins is also likely to miss ICC Champions Trophy due to injury

australia-suffered-a-massive-blow-after-josh-hazlewood-captain-pat-cummins-is-also-likely-to-miss-icc-champions-trophy-due-to-injury

Australia Tour of Sri Lanka 2025: Australia, after having a dominating Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, are all set to tour Sri Lanka for a red-ball series. Cricket Australia have announced the squad for the tour today and Steve Smith is named captain of the side as Pat Cummins is rested.
Australia won the Border Gavaskar Trophy after a decade this year. The series started with Perth's loss for them and many ruled them out as a competition against India this time as well. But, they owned strong character and won three out of four test matches clinching the series 3-1. 
The entire bowling department was thoroughly in the best of their forms, the batting looked damped in the first two tests but by the end of BGT 2025, the entire batting lineup got some runs from their bat. 
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_676e141bad740.jpg" alt="">
Now, Australia has unveiled a 16-player squad for their upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, with a few surprising changes. Skipper Pat Cummins will miss the tour as he takes paternity leave to welcome his second child while continuing to recover from an ankle issue that plagued him throughout the home season.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh, who was part of the team that triumphed over India, has been left out. Adding to the injury concerns, Josh Hazlewood remains unavailable due to the setback that sidelined him during the latter stages of the India series. These adjustments set the stage for an intriguing challenge as Australia gears up for the Sri Lankan Tests.
<h2>Australia Squad for Sri Lanka Tour</h2>
Steve Smith (C), Travis Head(VC), Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Nathan McSweeney, Beau Webster, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Cooper Connolly, Todd Murphy, Matt Kuhnemann, Sean Abbott
Australia's squad for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka signals a clear strategy to tackle spin-friendly conditions. With only two frontline pacers, Mitchell Starc and Sean Abbott, the focus has shifted firmly to spin.
Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann join the experienced Nathan Lyon, creating a strong spin arsenal designed for the turning tracks of Galle. This balanced mix of experience and fresh talent shows how the selectors are adapting to the challenges of playing conditions in Sri Lanka.
On the batting front, Nathan McSweeney has earned a spot in the squad despite falling out of favor during the India series. Adding a fresh spark, young Cooper Connolly, a left-handed batter who can also bowl orthodox spin, has received his first-ever Test call-up. His inclusion not only reflects Australia’s faith in young talent but also highlights their intent to embrace versatility.
Sam Konstas also retained his spot in the side. Alex Carey and Josh Inglis are two wicket-keeping options and the presence of Vice Captain Travis Head provides an absolute balance to the squad. With these selections, Australia seems ready to take on the Sri Lankan conditions with both skill and strategy.
READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025-to-shift-from-pakistan-to-uae-completely-here-s-why/">ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to shift from Pakistan to UAE completely? Here's why</a> 
SOURCE- <a href="https://x.com/cricketcomau/status/1877160916057313759">CRICKET AUSTRALIA</a>

Australia's squad for the Sri Lanka Tests emphasizes spin with Lyon, Murphy, and Kuhnemann. McSweeney returns, while debutant Connolly adds versatility. Starc and Abbott lead a trimmed-pace attack.

Australia strengthens spin options for Sri Lanka Tests, recalls McSweeney, and includes debutant Connolly. Starc, Abbott lead reduced pace lineup.

Cummins Rested, Smith to Lead! Cricket Australia Announced Squad for Sri Lanka Tour

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The next big destination for cricket fans is the upcoming mega event. It is the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is all set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE. We are just five weeks away from the ninth edition, as the tournament will kick off on January 19 in Karachi.
The top 8 teams will be taking part in the tournament and will be divided into two groups of four teams each. But with a little over one month left in the start of the mega event, the drama continues to take new episodes.
Firstly, it was the tensions between the Indian Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board that forced the ICC to go for a hybrid model where India will play all their matches in Dubai after the Indian Board refused to send their team to Pakistan, citing security concerns.
<h3>Pakistan to lose the hosting rights of ICC Champions Trophy 2025?</h3>
As a result, the ICC added the UAE as the venue for Indian matches in Dubai, which will be a neutral venue. But it looks like the clouds of uncertainty have loomed once again over the hosting rights of the events. As per the latest media reports, it has been learned that the construction work at the three shortlisted venues in Pakistan is nowhere near done. There are 35 left in the start of the tournament, and the renovation work, which began in August last year, has not been completed.
The deadline to complete the renovation work was December 31, which has passed. According to the Times of India, the stadiums are still far away from the completion of the work. As per the TOI's source, some parts of the stadium are still under construction, and the finishing work will take a bit longer. The work to be done related to fencing and placing of floodlights and some other detailing work is still pending.
The three venues to host matches are National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This came to notice when the PCB decided to shift the coming ODI tri-series in Pakistan, involving New Zealand and South Africa, from Multan to Lahore and Karachi.
However, the PCB has declined all such rumours and said that the work will be done as planned. Notably, the ICC will schedule an inspection, and a team will be sent to check the arrangements of all three venues. PCB will hand over all three venues to ICC on February 12. But if the shortlisted stadiums don't meet the expectations by then, the ICC can shift the entire ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to the UAE.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/sa2025-schedule-and-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-south-africa-t20-2025-league-in-india-/">SA2025 Schedule and Live Streaming: When and Where to Watch South Africa T20 2025 League in India?</a>

Pakistan are the official host of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, the renovation work is still going on, which has passed the deadline.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to shift from Pakistan to UAE completely? Here's why

icc-champions-trophy-2025-to-shift-from-pakistan-to-uae-completely-here-s-why

India keeper-batter Sanju Samson might be a surprise inclusion in the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As per the reports in India Today, it is learned that the right-hander is likely to be there as the backup keeper for Rishabh Pant in the team. 
The reports stated that Sanju Samson's inclusion in the Indian team will depend on how the BCCI treats Gautam Gambhir. It is learned that if the head coach has the same say in the selection matters that he had during the Australia tour, then the keeper-batter might be included in the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
The India squad for the Australia tour was mostly picked on the recommendation of Gautam Gambhir. The head coach played a huge role in the selection of Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy. But the team failing badly there didn't go any good to the head coach. 
Some reports claimed that head coach Gautam Gambhir won't be having a say in selection matters. However, if that isn't the case, then the reports in India Today say that the head coach's favourite, Sanju Samson, will be picked for the team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
 Rishabh Pant will be the first-choice keeper in the team, and Sanju Samson will be serving as backup.
It is learned that Rishabh Pant will be the first-choice keeper in the team, and Sanju Samson will be serving as backup. This will be a massive step for the Indian team going forward, as Samson has been in hot form in white-ball cricket, especially in T20 cricket. 
Sanju Samson has made a staggering return to the Indian T20I setup as he slammed three centuries in the two series that were played. The keeper-batter also has a great record in the ODIs as well as he has an average of over 56 in his short career and would want to cash on that as well. 
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to begin from 19th February. The Indian team for the tournament is all set to be announced soon, and it is learned that Rohit Sharma will be leading the team, which will see some of the expected names.

India keeper-batter Sanju Samson might be a surprise inclusion in the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Sanju Samson to get nod ahead in Indian squad? Massive report comes on Gautam Gambhir's 'favourite'

icc-champions-trophy-2025-sanju-samson-to-get-nod-ahead-in-indian-squad-massive-report-comes-on-gautam-gambhir-s-favourite-

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar is all set to meet captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir along with the BCCI officials to do the post martom of of the team's poor outing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The India team faced a 3-1 thrashing at the hands of Australia in a five-match series. 
Ajit Agarkar will be meeting Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir on Sunday, the same day when the BCCI will be appointing Devajit Saikia as the new BCCI secretary. While this is one development, other claims the captain Rohit and Gambhir will be at the receiving end of some harsh questions by the BCCI.
The reports claimed that there will be informal and formal meetings among selectors and all the issues will be addressed. This will also include India's poor performances in the Tests last year. India faced a 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand and then suffered a loss to Australia. 
Another issue that will be addressed by the BCCI will be the poor form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both the stalwarts of the Indian team failed badly in the entire Test season, and hence, discussions related to their future will be taking place as well among the board members and head coach. 
<h2>Ravichandran Ashwin's announcement of retirement during mid-tour will also be discussed - Reports</h2>
It is also learned that Ravichandran Ashwin's announcement of retirement during mid-tour will also be discussed, along with the rumours of things not good in the dressing room will be addressed as well. The source close to the developments told Hindustan Times: 
"The Australian tour, which immediately followed the 0-3 rout at home to New Zealand, was expected to decide the fate of many senior players. The 3-1 loss shut the door on India’s WTC final hopes, which is seen as a big setback. 
" Off-spinner R Ashwin’s mid-tour retirement and return home, murmurs of team discontent on tour, Rohit’s free fall in form that resulted in his sitting out the final Test at Sydney and the prolonged lean run of Virat Kohli has left Indian cricket faced with several searching questions. 
"All these are likely to be addressed in a number of formal and informal meetings among selectors and the administrators in the coming days." 
It remains to be seen what conclusion will come out once the BCCI officials meet. The next Test match of India will be played in June when the team will tour England. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-dynamic-opening-combinations-india-can-try-in-the-icc-champions-trophy-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 Dynamic Opening Combinations India can try in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025</a>

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar is all set to meet captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir along with the BCCI officials to do the post martom of of the team's poor outing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25