AFG vs SL Match Analysis
The 11th match of Group B in the Asia Cup 2025 will see Afghanistan take on Sri Lanka at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on September 18, 2025. The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM local time, promising an exciting evening encounter under the lights.
Afghanistan enters this match seeking redemption after a narrow loss to Bangladesh. The team boasts a mix of explosive young talents and experienced players in both batting and bowling. Key players like Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran will be crucial for their chances.
Sri Lanka comes into this clash after a hard-fought win against Hong Kong, boosting their confidence. With a balanced squad of experienced campaigners and young prospects, they can challenge any opposition in the tournament.
Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Team Preview & Squads
Afghanistan
Rashid Khan, the iconic leg-spinner and leader of AFG, brings tactical brilliance and match-winning skills to the table. His calm presence in pressure situations often inspires the team. Rashid’s leadership will be tested against a strong Sri Lankan lineup.
AFG batting is led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who can anchor the innings and accelerate when needed. The middle order, including Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi, adds depth and finishing power.
Afghanistan possesses a potent bowling lineup, spearheaded by Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The pacers, including Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad, can exploit seam and bounce on the Abu Dhabi wicket. Overall, their spin-heavy attack makes them dangerous in the middle overs.
In the 9th Match of Group B against Bangladesh, Afghanistan posted 146 chasing a target of 155. Despite efforts from Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, they fell short by 8 runs. Bangladesh’s disciplined batting and effective spin attack proved decisive. Afghanistan will aim to bounce back strongly in this fixture.
Afghanistan Squad
Afghanistan
Rashid Khan (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Darwish Rasooli, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, AM Ghazanfar, Gulbadin Naib, Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Sharafuddin Ashraf
Sri Lanka
Charith Asalanka leads SL with a calm and composed approach, blending aggressive batting with astute captaincy. His performances at the top order provide stability and momentum. Asalanka’s tactical decisions will be key against Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack.
SL batting is deep and versatile, with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Kamindu Mendis forming a reliable top and middle-order core. The finishing abilities of Dasun Shanaka and Charith Asalanka add firepower in the death overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowling combines pace and spin effectively, with Chamika Karunaratne and Dushmantha Chameera leading the pace attack. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana provide quality spin options, ideal for controlling the middle overs.
In the 8th Match against Hong Kong, Sri Lanka chased down 150 with four wickets in hand, winning with seven balls to spare. Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka anchored the innings while Hasaranga’s bowling kept Hong Kong under control. This win boosted team morale and highlighted their depth in batting and bowling.
Sri Lanka Squad
Sri Lanka
Charith Asalanka (c), Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Binura Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Dunith Wellalage
Match Details | ||
Match | Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka | 11th Match | Group B | T20 Asia Cup 2025 | |
Date | 18/09/2025 (Thursday) | |
Time | 08:30 PM (BDT) / 07:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM (INR) | |
Format | T20 | |
Venue | Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | |
Recent performance | Afghanistan – W W L W L | Sri Lanka – W L W W W |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Live Streaming Score on SLH(Sports Live Hub) | |
AFG vs SL Outfield Report
The Abu Dhabi pitch is known for being batting-friendly with consistent bounce and carry. Spinners can extract turn in the middle overs, making spin-heavy teams like Afghanistan a threat. Pacers will benefit from the slow dew factor in the second innings.
The weather in Abu Dhabi is expected to be clear with temperatures around 34°C during the match. Humidity will be moderate, which may slightly affect stamina but generally favors high-scoring games. Evening conditions under lights may bring some dew, benefiting batsmen in the latter stages.
Historically, teams batting first at Zayed Stadium have posted scores between 150–180 on average. Chasing teams have successfully reached 160–170 in favorable conditions, making this a balanced wicket for both departments.
Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
In the last five encounters between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka holds a slight edge with three wins, while Afghanistan has won twice. Past contests indicate closely fought battles with no side dominating consistently.
AFG vs SL Prediction
Event | Afghanistan | Sri Lanka |
Toss Winner | – | Sri Lanka |
Player of the Match | – | Pathum Nissanka |
Top Run Scorer | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Pathum Nissanka |
Top Wicket Taker | Noor Ahmad | Dushmantha Chameera |
Most Sixes | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Pathum Nissanka |
Predicted Score | 160+ | 170+ |
Win Probability | 46% | 54% |
According to cricket analysts Sri Lanka have a 54% chance of Winning.
