Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: SL and AFG square off in Asia Cup 2025 match No. 11 on Thursday, September 18, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Sri Lanka defeated Hong Kong by four wickets after winning Bangladesh by a stunning six wickets to begin the campaign. Afghanistan is currently in a difficult situation after winning one game and losing another. They need to win this game in order to go to the Super Four; if they lose, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will advance to the next round.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Match Details:
Match: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Match 11, Asia Cup 2025
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Date & Time: Thursday, September 18, 8:00 PM (IST)
Live Broadcast and Streaming: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV
Sheikh Zayed Stadium Pitch Report:
Abu Dhabi has so far rewarded brave batsmen in the Asia Cup, but the pitches have also been helpful to bowlers. Temperatures are expected to rise. At this location, the first-inning average has been around 135, and the side that wins the toss will choose to bowl first.
SL vs AFG Head to Head
Matches Played : 08
Won by Sri Lanka: 05
Won by Afghanistan: 03
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Match Prediction – Asia Cup 2025
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan face off in a high-stakes Group B clash of the Asia Cup 2025. Both sides have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency will be the key in this encounter.
Sri Lanka enter as the more balanced team, with experienced batters like Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka, along with match-winning all-rounders and a strong spin attack led by Wanindu Hasaranga. Their batting depth and bowling variety give them an edge in pressure games.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, rely heavily on their spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi to stifle Sri Lanka’s batters. Their openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will be crucial in setting up a competitive total.
On paper, Sri Lanka look slightly stronger due to their experience in big tournaments. However, Afghanistan’s fearless style of play and world-class spinners make them capable of pulling off an upset.
👉 Prediction:
- Favorites: Sri Lanka 🟡
- Dark Horses: Afghanistan 🔵
- Expected Result: Sri Lanka to win, but Afghanistan’s spinners could make it a thriller.
SL vs AFG Predicted Playing XIs
Sri Lanka (SL):
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka(c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and Nuwan Thushara
Afghanistan (AFG):
Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan(c), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, and Fazalhaq Farooqi