Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka – 11th Match, Group B, Asia Cup 2025 Preview

Match Context: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka – 11th Match, Group B, Asia Cup 2025 Preview

This is a top-of-the-table Group B clash in the Asia Cup.

Sri Lanka are unbeaten with two wins and sit at the top of the group. Their balanced unit has clicked in both batting and bowling, giving them the early edge.

Afghanistan, with one game played and one win, are also flying high. Their spin-heavy attack and aggressive batting style make them dangerous opponents.

A win here could all but confirm a semi-final berth for the victor, while the loser will face extra pressure in the final group fixture.

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Date & Time: September 18, 2025, 6:30 PM (local)
Tournament: Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025

Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)

• Afghanistan: ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅
• Sri Lanka: ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅

Afghanistan are on a strong run, but Sri Lanka have momentum with 3 wins in a row.

Players to Watch

Afghanistan

• Sediqullah Atal – Promising opener, 251 runs @ 35.86 avg, 128.71 SR in his last 8 matches.
• Ibrahim Zadran – Anchoring option, 197 runs @ 28.14 avg, can play the stabiliser role.
• Rashid Khan – Afghanistan’s trump card, 19 wickets @ 6.67 econ, 10.42 SR, lethal in middle overs.
• Fazalhaq Farooqi – Left-arm pace threat, 8 wickets in 7 matches, effective in the powerplay.

Sri Lanka

• Pathum Nissanka – Their most reliable batter, 385 runs @ 38.5 avg, 146.94 SR, a class act at the top.
• Kusal Perera – Returning to form, 252 runs @ 31.5 avg, 148.23 SR, dangerous in powerplay.
• Dushmantha Chameera – Strike bowler, 11 wickets in 5 games @ 6.4 econ, consistently breaks partnerships.
• Wanindu Hasaranga – World-class leggie, 7 wickets in 4 matches, adds balance with bat too.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• 21-Feb-2024: Afghanistan won by 3 runs
• 19-Feb-2024: Sri Lanka won by 72 runs
• 17-Feb-2024: Sri Lanka won by 4 runs
• 04-Oct-2023: Afghanistan won by 8 runs
• 01-Nov-2022: Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets

Recent history shows a tight rivalry – both teams winning two apiece in their last four encounters.

Pitch & Conditions – Abu Dhabi

• Balanced pitch offering something for both batters and bowlers.
• Dew factor in night games can make defending totals tricky.
• Spinners will be key, but pacers with variations (slower balls, yorkers) often succeed at this venue.

Par score: 170–180

Key Battles

• Pathum Nissanka vs Rashid Khan – Sri Lanka’s opener against Afghanistan’s trump card.
• Sediqullah Atal vs Chameera – Young Afghan batter versus Sri Lanka’s strike pacer.
• Hasaranga vs Afghan middle order – A spin duel that could decide the game.

Prediction Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka – 11th Match, Group B, Asia Cup 2025

Both teams are in form, but Sri Lanka’s depth and recent winning streak give them a slight edge. Afghanistan, however, with Rashid and their fearless batting, are capable of upsetting the defending champions.

Likely Result: A close contest, but Sri Lanka slight favorites.