Afghanistan bat first against Sri Lanka

KOLKATA: Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai won the toss and decided to bat against defending champions Sri Lanka in their first Super 10 stage match of the World Twenty20 on Thursday.

"The wicket is slow and may break up after our innings," said Stanikzai, referring to a dry track at Eden Gardens.

Afghanistan came through a difficult qualifying schedule and the skipper said the experience would stand them in good stead.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said he did not mind chasing a target and denied being under pressure.

"We are coming in as the underdogs probably, no pressure at all," the all-rounder added.

"We want to have a bit of fun and enjoy the contest," said Mathews before explaining that his team needed to shed their inconsistency in all departments of the game.