Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka: A Must-Win Clash in the 2025 Asia Cup

Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka: As the 2025 Asia Cup continues to provide thrilling cricket, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are set to square off in what could be a high-octane thriller. This crucial match, scheduled for Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, will begin at 8:00 PM IST.

For Afghanistan, it’s do-or-die time. With just one win and one loss in Group B, a loss here would dash their hopes of progressing to the Super Four stage, allowing Bangladesh to leapfrog them. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has already secured their place in the next round with two wins from two games. Still, they’ll be looking to fine-tune their preparations for the bigger challenges ahead.

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Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka: Afghanistan’s Fight for Survival

For Afghanistan, the path to the Super Four is narrow. They find themselves third in the group, with just two points. A loss here would likely see Bangladesh claim the spot instead, unless Sri Lanka experiences an unexpected collapse. Afghanistan’s fortunes rest heavily on this match, and they must win, preferably by a significant margin, to boost their net run rate and leave nothing to chance. Their hopes are pinned on explosive players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who has been in stunning form, and the ever-reliable Rashid Khan, whose performance with the ball will be pivotal.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, has already secured a spot in the Super Four. Having won both of their group-stage matches, they have nothing to lose in this encounter. However, they will still be eager to maintain their winning momentum, with key players like Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga leading the charge. The Sri Lankan team, despite their qualification, will want to send a statement by continuing their fine form into the next stage.

A Thrilling SL vs AFG Head-to-Head Record

The history between these two sides is a fascinating one. In their eight previous T20I encounters, Sri Lanka has the upper hand with five wins, while Afghanistan has won three. The most recent clash was in February 2024 during the Super Four stage, where Sri Lanka successfully chased down a target of 175/6 to win by four wickets. While Sri Lanka has dominated the head-to-head battle, Afghanistan has shown flashes of brilliance, and with the likes of Rashid Khan and Gurbaz in their ranks, they cannot be taken lightly.

SL vs AFG Key Players to Watch

Afghanistan:

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz: The explosive opener has been a standout performer for Afghanistan in the past against Sri Lanka. His impressive strike rate of 172 in six T20I matches against them speaks volumes about his ability to take on the best. Gurbaz’s experience in the Lanka Premier League gives him an edge when facing Sri Lanka’s bowlers, and his contribution at the top of the order will be vital for Afghanistan’s chances.

• Azmatullah Omarzai: The all-rounder has been a revelation in the tournament so far, racking up 83 runs at a staggering strike rate of 224.32. His ability to accelerate in the latter stages of an innings could make all the difference for Afghanistan, especially if they are chasing a tricky total.

• Rashid Khan: As always, Afghanistan’s hopes will be pinned on Rashid Khan. The leg-spinner’s ability to turn the ball sharply on any surface makes him a weapon that Sri Lanka’s top order will need to be wary of.

Sri Lanka:

• Pathum Nissanka: The Sri Lankan opener has been a rock at the top, scoring 118 runs in two innings at an average of 59 and a strike rate of 151.28. His stability and ability to anchor the innings will be crucial as Sri Lanka looks to set a challenging target or chase one down.

• Wanindu Hasaranga: One of the best T20 spinners in the world, Hasaranga has the ability to change the course of a game with his wrist-spin. He’ll be vital not only for his wicket-taking ability but also for his contributions with the bat.

• Dushmantha Chameera: The pacer has been a key figure for Sri Lanka, with 11 wickets in five innings in 2025. His pace and accuracy, especially in the powerplay and death overs, will be critical in containing Afghanistan’s big hitters.

SL vs AFG:  Match Conditions and Playing XI

The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is known for its relatively high-scoring nature, although spinners have found some assistance in the middle overs. Afghanistan’s spinners, particularly Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, will look to exploit the conditions during the middle overs, while Sri Lanka will hope for a clinical performance from their seamers, led by Dushmantha Chameera.

Both teams are expected to field the same XI as in their previous games, with Afghanistan potentially sticking with their squad despite the loss to Bangladesh. Sri Lanka, while already qualified, will likely keep their team intact, looking to build on their winning streak.

Afghanistan (Probable XI):

1. Saqidullah Ataq

2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)

3. Ibrahim Zadran

4. Gulbadin Naib

5. Mohammad Nabi

6. Azmatullah Omarzai

7. Karim Janat

8. Rashid Khan (capt.)

9. Noor Ahmad

10. AM Ghazanfar

11. Fazalhaq Farooqi

Sri Lanka (Probable XI):

1. Pathum Nissanka

2. Kusal Mendis (wk)

3. Kamil Mishara

4. Kusal Perera

5. Charith Asalanka (capt.)

6. Kamindu Mendis

7. Dasun Shanaka

8. Wanindu Hasaranga

9. Dushmantha Chameera

10. Maheesh Theekshana

11. Nuwan Thushara

Betting Odds and Predictions

According to betting odds from Dafabet, Sri Lanka comes into this match as slight favorites, with odds of 1.80, compared to Afghanistan’s 2.01. These odds reflect Sri Lanka’s superior form in the tournament so far, but Afghanistan’s all-round depth, combined with a do-or-die mentality, makes this a hard-fought contest to call.

Summary

As Afghanistan fights for survival, Sri Lanka will look to continue their dominant form and fine-tune their game ahead of the Super Four. The contest promises plenty of excitement, with both teams boasting explosive talents capable of turning the game on its head. Afghanistan’s bowling strength, particularly with Rashid Khan, and Sri Lanka’s in-form top order will be the key battles to watch in this high-stakes encounter. With so much on the line, expect an intense contest in Abu Dhabi that could have major implications on the rest of the Asia Cup.

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