Can Afghanistan Progress into the 2025 Asia Cup Super 4? Preview
By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 18, 2025 | 02:55 am
Afghanistan’s cricket team faces a must-win clash against Sri Lanka on Thursday to secure their place in the Super 4 stage of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup. The high-stakes match will take place at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
Should Afghanistan lose, Bangladesh will advance to the next round alongside Sri Lanka. For Sri Lanka, the scenario is less daunting – they only need to avoid a heavy defeat to remain in contention.
Game Plan and Scenarios
According to ESPNcricinfo, if Sri Lanka bat first and post a total of 150 runs, Afghanistan will need to chase it down within 11.4 overs to eliminate Sri Lanka from the tournament. Conversely, if Afghanistan bat first and score 150, Sri Lanka must be restricted to 84 runs or less for Bangladesh to progress.
In summary, Afghanistan must secure a victory to qualify, whereas Bangladesh hopes for either a Sri Lankan win or a substantial Sri Lankan defeat, leveraging net run rate (NRR) considerations.
Pitch Report and Team News
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch in Abu Dhabi is known for high-scoring games but has shown favorable conditions for slower bowlers throughout the tournament.
Afghanistan is expected to stick with the same playing XI despite their previous loss to Bangladesh. Sri Lanka, too, may retain their lineup. Maheesh Theekshana, who went wicketless against Hong Kong but maintained an economical spell, is likely to keep his spot. However, players like Matheesha Pathirana and Binura Fernando might miss out for Sri Lanka.
Head-to-Head Record
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have met eight times in T20 Internationals, with Sri Lanka winning five encounters and Afghanistan claiming three victories.
Probable Playing XIs
Afghanistan: Seqidullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara.
Player Focus: Key Stats
In 2025, Sri Lanka pacer Dushmantha Chameera has impressed, taking 11 wickets in five innings at an exceptional average of 11.63 and maintaining an economy rate of 6.40.
Pathum Nissanka comes into this contest in good form, having scored back-to-back fifties in the Asia Cup 2025. In his career, he has amassed 2,068 runs from 70 matches, including 17 fifties.
Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan boasts 173 T20I wickets from 102 matches at an average of 13.79. Against Sri Lanka, Rashid has picked up 4 wickets at 27.25.
Conclusion
All eyes will be on Abu Dhabi as Afghanistan battles Sri Lanka in a crucial match that will decide which team advances to the Super 4 stage. With high stakes, strategic gameplay, and individual brilliance expected to shine, fans can look forward to an exciting contest.
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