Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2023: Lahore Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report & Weather Forecast

With Super Four berths up for grabs, Afghanistan face Sri Lanka in the final first round Group B clash of the Asia Cup 2023 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan on Tuesday (September 5).

Afghanistan head into the match on the back of an 89-run loss to Bangladesh at the same venue on Sunday (September 3) in their tournament opener, while Sri Lanka come into the fresh of a 5-wicket win over the same opposition in their opening match.

Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2023 (Image Courtesy: ACBOfficial)

Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan were made to toil in the heat as they conceded 334 against Bangladesh and managed to score only 245 in response to be put in a spot of bother in their final first round match.

Dasun Shanaka's Sri Lanka, on the other hand, bundled out Bangladesh for 164 and chased down the target with 11 overs to spare, but that was at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Now, Sri Lanka will play their first Asia Cup 2023 game in Lahore, where they have previously played six time and won only twice. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will be playing their second game in this tournament and overall at the venue.

With the venues in Sri Lanka witnessing rain and the wickets also being a key for the match, here is a look at the Lahore Gaddafi Stadium pitch report and weather forecast ahead of BAN vs SL, Asia Cup 2023:

Lahore Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report

The wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium initially aided the bowlers, but has become a batter's paradise in recent years. One example for that is the match on Sunday (September 3) when the bowlers had nothing going in their favour and batters scored at ease.

Overall, the teams batting first have had an edge over the teams chasing with the record standing at 33-30. Even in the most recent match, Bangladesh defended a total of 334.

The average score batting first at the venue in 254. So, the captain winning the toss on Tuesday (September 5) may also look to follow the pattern of getting runs on the board and use their spin to dominate the second half of the match. But, how will the weather play?

Lahore Gaddafi Stadium Weather Forecast on Tuesday, September 5

Tuesday (September 5) will be no different to Sunday (September 3). It is expected to be a very warm day with hazy sunshine. The maximum temperature is expected to be 36° C at the start of the match (2:30 PM Local Time), but that will reduce to as low as 29° C before the close of play.

Rain Prediction for September 5 in Lahore: There is no chance of rain throughout the day and in the lead up to the match. So, expect a full match without any interruption due to weather. The team fielding will, however, prefer to be out bowling after sunset.