Sri Lanka emerged victorious in their solitary Test match against Afghanistan, securing a 10-wicket win.
However, as they gear up for a three-match ODI series, Captain Kusal Mendis acknowledges the impending challenge from Afghanistan, especially in the white-ball format.
In a pre-match briefing on Thursday, Mendis expressed that Afghanistan poses a more formidable opposition in ODIs.
Despite Sri Lanka drawing 1-1 in 2022 and succumbing to a 2-1 defeat in 2023 against Afghanistan, Mendis acknowledged the progress of the Afghan team, which finished sixth in the previous ICC Cricket World Cup.
Mendis emphasised Afghanistan's gained experience through league cricket, stating, "They have come a long way, and there's not much room for error with them."
On the Afghan side, Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi exuded confidence, asserting that the ninth-ranked team in the world is well-equipped to secure a series win against seventh-ranked Sri Lanka. Shahidi highlighted the return of experienced players to the squad and their strong performance in ODIs, showcased in the last World Cup.
The upcoming ODI series, consisting of three matches in Kandy on February 11, 14, and 17, will be followed by three T20 matches in Dambulla.
Afghanistan's key players, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Noor Ahmad, are back in the team for the ODI leg of the tour.
Mendis acknowledged the return of experienced campaigners to the Afghan side but expressed confidence in Sri Lanka's capabilities, particularly in their home conditions.
Notably, Sri Lanka have omitted former captain Dasun Shanaka due to poor form but counts on all-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, and Dunith Wellalage.
While Mendis stressed their determination to win, he clarified that there is no immediate goal for the ODI series. Sri Lanka aims to regroup and build a team for the upcoming ODI World Cup, scheduled three years later in South Africa. Mendis emphasised the need to build a potent bowling attack, particularly based on fast bowlers.
