The excitement builds for a crucial Asia Cup 2025 group stage encounter where Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are set to clash, both eyeing a spot in the Super Fours. For Afghanistan, this match isn’t just another game; it’s a must-win situation that demands a return to their signature ‘attacking cricket’ style, as captain Rashid Khan emphasized.
After a disappointing loss to Bangladesh, Afghanistan needs to secure a victory against a consistent Sri Lankan side to keep their Super Fours dreams alive. A win would place all three teams (Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh) on four points, but Afghanistan currently holds a significant advantage with a superior net run rate of 2.150, compared to Bangladesh’s -0.270, whose league fixtures are already complete.
High expectations surround Rashid Khan’s squad, especially after their impressive T20 World Cup semi-final run. However, their spin-heavy unit has yet to fully click in this tournament, particularly with the bat. Their chasing efforts against Bangladesh, where they fell short of 155 runs, highlighted a need for more responsible shot selection. “We haven’t played the type of cricket we are known for — attacking cricket. We allowed pressure to build on us. The way we came back with the ball to restrict them under 160 was special, but our batting was full of irresponsible shots,” a candid Rashid remarked after the defeat. He added, “In T20s, sometimes the opposition can take the game away in the first six overs, but you must find a way to come back.”
Sri Lanka, currently undefeated in the tournament, is also looking for an improved batting display after a somewhat shaky chase against Hong Kong. Captain Charith Asalanka stressed the importance of a more professional approach against a motivated Afghanistan. “We are professionals and we have to do much better,” Asalanka stated.
Afghanistan’s batters will face a stern test against Sri Lanka’s mystery spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s top order, featuring Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Kamil Mishara, has shown good form, though Mendis will be particularly eager to make a more significant impact in this crucial match.
Probable Starting Lineups:
SRI LANKA: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
AFGHANISTAN: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Full Squads:
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq.