Asia Cup 2025 | Match 11: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka | Preview and Predictions

The eleventh game of the 2025 Asia Cup brings us a decisive encounter between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on September 18, 2025.

For the game, here are our preview and predictions.

Asia Cup 2025 | Match 11: AFG vs SL | 20:00 IST, September 18

This is a must-win game for Afghanistan if they are to qualify for the Super Four stage. As for Sri Lanka, they sit pretty at the top of the table with two wins out of two and a positive NRR. However, Sri Lanka also need to win this encounter to make sure they qualify for the Super Four without any hiccups. 

The Lankan Lions played against Hong Kong in their last game. Batting first, Hong Kong managed a total of 149/4, with Nizakat Khan (52* off 38) and Anshuman Rath (48* off 46) taking them to a decent total. For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera was the standout performer with the ball with a spell of 2/29 in his four overs. 

In response, Sri Lanka scored 153/6 inside 19 overs, with Pathum Nissanka scoring 68 off 44 balls. He was supported by Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Perera, who played decent cameos. Hong Kong bowler Yasim Murtaza bowled the most respectable spell — registering 2/37 in his four overs. 

Afghanistan, on the other hand, narrowly lost to Bangladesh in their last encounter. Bangladesh batted first but could only manage a total of 154/5, which looked like it could be chased comfortably. Tanzid Hassan was the top scorer with 52 off 31 balls, while Afghan spinners Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan took two wickets each to peg back the Bangladeshi batters.

In response, Afghanistan fell short by eight runs in a thrilling chase. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (35 off 31) and Azmatullah Omarzai (30 off 16) were the only ones who got going. Bangladesh’s veteran pacer Mustafizur Rahman was the pick of the bowlers with 3/28 and found support from Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain, who took two wickets each.

Afghanistan’s bowlers did well in the last game, but their batting failed to chase an easy total. However, they do possess great batting depth and could trouble the Sri Lankan bowlers.

As for Sri Lanka, they seem to have found great balance in their T20 team with explosive and consistent batters complemented by reliable wicket-taking bowlers, so they will be difficult to beat by any opposition on their day. Based on current form and team strength, Sri Lanka are our favourites to win this encounter and seal their Super Four spot.

Fantasy XI: Pathum Nissanka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Azmatullah Omarzai, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Rashid Khan, Dushmantha Chameera, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi 
Winners Prediction: Sri Lanka