Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Preview | 11th Match, Group B, Asia Cup 2025
The match will look to matter in Group B after strong performances so far.
The match will look to matter in Group B after strong performances so far. Sri Lanka and Afghanistan both need wins to stay clear in the standings and push for the Super Four stage. Indian viewers will follow this game closely: both teams have star players, some momentum, and desire to shine.
Sri Lanka entered this match after a good start in the Asia Cup 2025. They beat Bangladesh comfortably in their opener. Key batters like Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara played well. Their bowling unit also looks in form.
Afghanistan also made a promising start. In their first match they beat Hong Kong. But the batting was uneven. They collapsed in the middle overs. Yet some players stepped up, especially Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai.
For Indian fans, this match has big importance. If Sri Lanka wins, they strengthen their place in Super Fours. If Afghanistan wins, they will keep pressure on Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Performance under pressure will matter.
Match Details
- Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
- Time: 5:30 PM IST (14:30 GMT)
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Form Guide
Sri Lanka comes into this game with four wins in their last five matches. They showed control against Bangladesh and Hong Kong in the group stage and look balanced with both bat and ball. The only slip was against Zimbabwe, but overall the team has kept momentum.
Afghanistan have three wins and two losses in their last five. Their bowlers did well in the UAE Tri-Series and they beat Pakistan once, but the defeat to Bangladesh in this Asia Cup exposed problems in the top order. They depend on a solid start to stay in control.
Sri Lanka holds the edge in form, yet Afghanistan’s match-winners can change the game quickly. This makes the clash in Abu Dhabi an open contest.
Here are the last five matches of each side in recent times (Asia Cup + others), focusing on the result.
- Sri Lanka: W L W W W
- Afghanistan: W W L W L
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head in This Match
This contest has become important in recent years. Since 2014, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have met six times in the Asia Cup across ODI and T20 formats. Sri Lanka started strong with early wins, but Afghanistan have pushed back with some key results. The teams are close in record, with both showing the ability to dominate on their day.
Asia Cup record: Sri Lanka 3 – 2 Afghanistan.
Pitch And Weather
Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi often offers a good batting track early on. The outfield is fast. Spinners might get help in the middle overs as the pitch slows a little. Dew is likely late, giving advantage to the chasing side. Weather: Likely hot during the day. Evening cooler. Low chance of rain. Humidity moderate. Conditions favour those who adapt fast.
Team News
Both teams arrive with full squads and a mix of young and senior players. Sri Lanka relies on their balanced batting unit and strong spin attack, while Afghanistan count on their powerful spin trio and all-round options.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka looks settled with a stable top order and plenty of spin options. The captain Charith Asalanka will guide a team full of players in good form.
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana
Afghanistan
Afghanistan trust their spin power led by Rashid Khan. The batting needs stability, but the team has several all-rounders who can change games.
Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq
Key Players To Watch
This match will feature many stars who can decide the result. Both sides depend on certain players to deliver in key moments.
- Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka): A steady opener who gives a strong start. His form has been key in the group stage.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): A Dangerous spinner who also adds runs in the lower order. He often breaks partnerships.
- Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka): The captain and middle-order anchor. He controls the pace of the innings.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan): Aggressive opener who can dominate the powerplay. If he stays, Afghanistan get quick runs.
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): Captain and star spinner. His four overs can shift momentum.
- Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan): Senior all-rounder with experience. He provides control in bowling and depth in batting.
Broadcasting Platforms
Fans in India will be able to follow the game on several channels and streaming services. Broad coverage makes it easy to watch from TV or mobile apps.
- Star Sports (TV)
- Disney+ Hotstar (streaming)
- Local sports networks like Sony / DD Sports (depending on rights)
- Possible streaming on the official Asia Cup app or site
What To Expect
Sri Lanka entered as the more stable team with depth in batting and variety in bowling. Afghanistan, however, remains a dangerous opponent thanks to their world-class spinners and match-winners at the top. The Abu Dhabi conditions may favour batting early and spin later. The side that controls the middle overs will likely take the match.
Conclusion
This match promises a good contest. Sri Lanka is slightly ahead in form. Afghanistan is capable of upsetting if the top order performs. India fans should see sharp cricket. Sri Lanka will try to dominate from the first ball. Afghanistan need discipline to last 50 overs strong.
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