The Asia Cup has reached a crucial stage , and the upcoming contest Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Sri Lanka will look to carry forward their winning momentum , while Afghanistan are fighting to stay alive in tournament .
Team overview
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka have looked disciplined in the Asia Cup . Their batting has been led by Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis who has given them solid starts at the top of the order.But Sri Lanka also concerned with the middle order who has been inconsistent yet , at down the order Wanindu Hasaranga and Dashun Shanaka who have ability to make quick runs in death overs.
In terms of bowling, Sri Lanka strength lies in spin. Hasaranga and Matheesh Theekshana can apply brakes in the middle overs, while Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Tushara add firepower with pace. The biggest positive for them has been their ability to take wickets in regular intervals.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan journey in this tournament has been a mixed one. With the bat ,the top order has been inconsistent. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran their explosive opener,has not been in his best rhythm. Middle order has been inconsistent so far , one of biggest concern for Afghanistan, in down the order Azmatullah omarzai and Rashid Khan has brilliant.
In bowling attack, Rashid khan and Noor Ahmad has been good so far both control game in middle overs and also capable to take wickets,in pace attack Fazalhaq Farooqi hasn’t been find rhythm in Asia Cup .if Afghanistan to win ,then middle order have to step up make runs and put big total on scoreboard, with new ball farooqi try to breakthroughs early with new ball put pressure on Sri Lankan middle order who hasn’t been consistent so far.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Head to Head
| Total Matches Played | 8 |
| SL win | 5 |
| Afg win | 3 |
| No Results | 0 |
Pitch Reports
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi has been known for its slower surface, but recent matches in this edition have produced higher than usual first innings totals. Fast bowlers get a bit of help with the new ball, but spinners tend to game progresses . If teams prefer winning the toss and decided to bat first.
| Total Matches | 94 |
| Matches won batting first | 43 |
| Matches won bowling first | 51 |
| Avg 1st innings score | 137 |
| Avg 2nd innings score | 123 |
| Highest score chase | 174 |
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan predicted playing XIs
Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal pareera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Charith Asalanka (c), Dashun Shanaka, kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Tushara
Afghanistan
Sediquallah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim janat, Azmatullah omarzai, Rashid khan, Fazal haq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar
Key players to watch out
Pathum Nishanka : he is been outstanding in Asia cup 2025 he made back to back half century in two matches, he will be key for Sri Lanka in this match.
Wanindu Hasaranga : Sri Lankan star allrounder hasn’t been performed really well with ball but in this game he will play vital role specially with the ball
Azmatullah omarzai: He is been brilliant in two Asia Cup 2025 game with both bat and ball, he is play important role in must win game for Afghanistan.
Rashid Khan: He is Trump card for the Afganishtan team , with variations and control try to get wickets of inconsistent middle order of sri Lankan put pressure on opposition in must win game.
Prediction
Sri Lanka are slightly favourites, but Afghanistan will fight hard till the end, if Afghanistan bat first put 160 on board then Afghanistan win, if Sri Lanka bat first put 150 on scoreboard then Sri Lanka win.