The 2023 ODI World Cup continues to heat up as Afghanistan and Sri Lanka prepare to battle it out on Monday, October 30, in a bid to keep their semi-final aspirations alive. Both teams have secured two wins in their first five tournament matches, firmly in contention for a spot in the top four. Presently, Afghanistan sits in seventh place, while Sri Lanka holds the fifth position with an equal number of points.

Afghanistan has been steadily gaining momentum in the tournament, delivering two remarkable upsets against England and Pakistan in their last three games. Their stunning 69-run victory over defending champions England in Delhi marked the first major upset of the tournament. This was followed by an impressive 8-wicket win against Pakistan in Chennai, solidifying their reputation as giant-killers. For the first time in World Cup history, they have clinched two victories in a single edition and are now aiming for a maiden semi-final berth. In contrast, Sri Lanka initially faced a rough patch with three consecutive losses but managed to bounce back by defeating Netherlands and England in their last two encounters, staying firmly in contention for a semi-final spot. The winner of this Monday's faceoff between these two Asian powerhouses will edge closer to securing a place in the top four.

Both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have managed to recapture their form, setting the stage for a highly-anticipated showdown. Sri Lanka enters the match with confidence after recent victories over Netherlands and England, while Afghanistan is riding high on their comprehensive triumph over Pakistan in their last outing.

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: A Historical Perspective: In the realm of ODI cricket, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have crossed paths 11 times. The Lankans have enjoyed a commanding lead, securing seven victories compared to Afghanistan's three. Their most recent encounter took place this September, where Sri Lanka narrowly edged out Afghanistan by a margin of just 2 runs. Furthermore, Sri Lanka has also claimed victories over Afghanistan in their two prior meetings in the ODI World Cup.

Predicting the Outcome of Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: Considering their head-to-head record and current form, Sri Lanka emerges as the favorites in their clash with Afghanistan. Nevertheless, Hashmatullah Shahidi's squad has been on a remarkable giant-killing spree in the 2023 ODI World Cup, boasting the potential to upset any opponent. Therefore, it is expected that Afghanistan will outshine Sri Lanka in the contest taking place in Pune on Monday.

Team India's Bold Gesture to Honor Late Bishan Singh Bedi

World Cup: Rohit Sharma Set to Lead India in His 100th Match as Captain