World Cup 2019, Match 7, Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Match Prediction: Who will win today's match?

The two apparent weaklings of the tournament, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka go head to head with each other for Match 7 of Cricket World Cup 2019 at the Sophia Gardens Stadium in Cardiff on June 4th.

Both the sides failed to open their account with losses in their respective group stage matches. While Sri Lanka's poor batting show was simply intolerable, Afghanistan fared much better and put up a good fight but eventually succumbed to the might of Australia.

These sides have played 3 matches against each other with Sri Lanka leading 2-1. In their only meeting in a World Cup, it's Sri Lanka who emerged the winner.

This game is crucial on a lot of accounts as it provides 2 teams who are struggling to find form to get off the mark and boost their confidence with a much-needed win.

Now, let's take a look at who has the advantage in this fixture.

---

If Afghanistan bat first

Afghanistan's lower order buckled up pretty well after the Aussie pacers ripped their batting order getting out both the openers for a duck. Their middle order's resilience must provide a lot of confidence to the openers who will be looking to make up for their poor outing in the previous game.

Sri Lanka have lost the efficiency with the ball and have no good spinner to utilize the overcast, cold conditions expected to be on offer in Cardiff. Some rain can be expected too and taking all this into consideration, Afghanistan can be happy with a score of about 270-290 which they can reach with relative ease.

---

If Sri Lanka bat first

Sri Lanka will want their talented batsmen to step up and stay at the crease more longer in order to gain some form and make some runs. With players like Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews in their ranks, Sri Lanka can do pretty well in the pretty tacky conditions expected in Cardiff.

They are yet to produce their best and if the skipper manages to get some tough words in, Sri Lanka have the skill and depth to make 280-300 runs and defend it with their experienced pace attack.

---

Who will win?

While Sri Lanka's experience might pose a challenge, Afghanistan are in a much better position with their performances and have 3 quality spinners who can exploit the conditions to perfection. With plenty of positives in their roster, Afghanistan are favourites to win the match.

Follow Sportskeeda for all the updates on World cup points table, news, live scores, World Cup schedule, most runs, most wickets and fantasy tips.