The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Tuesday that the Afghanistan cricket team will travel to Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series in early June. The matches are part of a long-term commitment between the two countries, and will serve as preparation for the upcoming ACC Asia Cup 2023 and ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which are set to take place later this year in October and November.
The matches will be played on June 2, 4, and 7 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota. Afghanistan is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka on May 29.
Naseeb Khan, CEO of the ACB, expressed his satisfaction with the negotiations and said, "Aside from a thorough ICC Future Tours Program, the ACB is dedicated to arranging more bilateral series with the other boards. We have our sights set on the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, and we are working hard to arrange more bilateral cricket for our National team in the buildup for the event."
The last time Afghanistan toured Sri Lanka for an ODI series was in November 2022, where they won the first ODI by 60 runs, had a no result in the second game, and lost the third ODI by four wickets.
The series will also mark the return of international men's cricket to Hambantota, with the venue having last hosted an ODI match in February 2020. Both teams are expected to put up a strong fight and engage in some high-voltage cricket.
Series Schedule:
1st ODI - June 2, Hambantota
2nd ODI - June 4, Hambantota
3rd ODI - June 7, Hambantota