Sri Lanka (171/4) defeat Afghanistan (169/8) by 6 wickets to eliminate them from the Asia Cup 2025

[BouncerGuy]

All eyes are on Sri Lanka as they take on Afghanistan in a crucial group-stage clash, Match 11, of the Asia Cup 2025 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi today, September 18.

Sri Lanka are unbeaten so far, with wins over Bangladesh and Hong Kong, and a victory today would seal their spot in the Super Four. Afghanistan, meanwhile, faces a do-or-die scenario — a loss here could knock them out and send Sri Lanka and Bangladesh through.

Squads:

Afghanistan Squad: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan(c), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Sharafuddin Ashraf

Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka(c), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana

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[adi_62941]

Interestingly group b is more interesting and got amazing matches until now. And group A is very boring.

I hope Srilanka wins and knockout these indian agents

 

[Devadwal]

Afghanistan needs to win otherwise, SL and Bangladesh will qualify for super -4 stages. Afghanistan NRR is good so a win is good enough for them

If Afghanistan wins today, then the points of all three teams – Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh – will be equal.

Bangladesh have a negative net run rate, so I this scenario they will be out of the tournament.

 

[sweep_shot]

Hoping for a good game.

SL have better batters and better pacers than AFG. AFG have better spinners than SL.

Let's see who win. Should be a good contest.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Alot will depend on the toss I reckon

Both teams will want to bat first

 

[Rana]

Alot will depend on the toss I reckon

Both teams will want to bat first

Sri Lanka won’t mind chasing

But yes they will know it’s better to set a total against Afghanistan. I think AFG mentally lose half the game knowing they will have to chase

 

[Rana]

Wallalage 100% should play this

Afghanistan batters are absolute duds against left arm spin

 

[Hellion]

If SL score 150, Afghans have to chase it in 11.4 overs or so for Bangladesh to qualify.


If Afghanistan bat first and score 150, SL will have to be restricted below 84 for Bangladesh to qualify.

Want a narrow loss for SL to eliminate BD from Asia Cup

But SL look too strong for Afghans unfortunately.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Wallalage 100% should play this

Afghanistan batters are absolute duds against left arm spin

Gurbaz and Sediqullah play left arm spin well.

Only Nabi plays leg spin reasonably well though. So Hasaranga will be a big threat

 

[Rana]

Gurbaz and Sediqullah play left arm spin well.

Only Nabi plays leg spin reasonably well though. So Hasaranga will be a big threat

Afghanistan struggled massively against Nawaz and then Nasum in last 2 games

They clearly have a mental block against left arm spin atm

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Afghanistan struggled massively against Nawaz and then Nasum in last 2 games

They clearly have a mental block against left arm spin atm

Still. Theirs is a problem of just not having any batsmen , regardless of any particular weakness.

Gulbadin + Nabi + Janat is a terrible combination.

They need Rasooli or someone to start ahead of Karim Janat

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Sri Lanka won’t mind chasing

But yes they will know it’s better to set a total against Afghanistan. I think AFG mentally lose half the game knowing they will have to chase

Yes. SL won't mind chasing especially since Nissanka is usually a significantly better batsman in the 2nd innings

 

[Sachin fan]

Yes. SL won't mind chasing especially since Nissanka is usually a significantly better batsman in the 2nd innings

Plus they will know exactly the target they need to qualify for finals even if they lose. They can aim for that safely first.

 

[Rana]

Plus they will know exactly the target they need to qualify for finals even if they lose. They can aim for that safely first.

That works for SL but not Bangladesh

They are desperately hoping SL play this to beat AFG and not just secure qualification

 

[mominsaigol]

Sri lanka will win, Afghanistan are out of this tournament.

They've always been an overrated team who got hype and traction due to causing one off upsets against bigger teams. The stark reality of the rankings are (T20 ONLY)

1) India

Big big Big gap

2) Pakistan
3) Sri Lanka
4) Afghanistan
5) Bangladesh

Bangladesh and Afghanistan are extremely extremely close to each other with all their encounters being close.

Their encounter yesterday and the one they had in 2024 wc were extremely close but Afghanistan is better as they can one up teams and Bangladesh can't unless playing at home soil which UAE isn't.

Sri lanka and Pakistan have been equally close in virtually all formats but Pakistan is slightly stronger based of historical data.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in world cup, narrowly lost to Sri Lanka in asia cup 2023. Destroyed Lanka in the test series. Stomped Sri Lanka in asia cup 2022 until the final where Sri Lanka won.

People are also overrating Sri Lanka. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are relative to one another.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Wellalage is worth getting a chance here. His style probably suits here.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Sri lanka will win, Afghanistan are out of this tournament.

They've always been an overrated team who got hype and traction due to causing one off upsets against bigger teams. The stark reality of the rankings are (T20 ONLY)

1) India

Big big Big gap

2) Pakistan
3) Sri Lanka
4) Afghanistan
5) Bangladesh

Bangladesh and Afghanistan are extremely extremely close to each other with all their encounters being close.

Their encounter yesterday and the one they had in 2024 wc were extremely close but Afghanistan is better as they can one up teams and Bangladesh can't unless playing at home soil which UAE isn't.

Sri lanka and Pakistan have been equally close in virtually all formats but Pakistan is slightly stronger based of historical data.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in world cup, narrowly lost to Sri Lanka in asia cup 2023. Destroyed Lanka in the test series. Stomped Sri Lanka in asia cup 2022 until the final where Sri Lanka won.

People are also overrating Sri Lanka. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are relative to one another.

PAK did not stomp SL in Asia Cup.

Last 5 matches H2H have all been won by SL.

So, it will be an interesting match - SL v PAK

 

[mominsaigol]

PAK did not stomp SL in Asia Cup.

Last 5 matches H2H have all been won by SL.

So, it will be an interesting match - SL v PAK

Did they not win any games vs Sri Lanka in 2022?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Did they not win any games vs Sri Lanka in 2022?

Nope. Not in T20's at least. Last time PAK beat SL in T20 cricket was probably back in 2017

 

[mominsaigol]

Nope. Not in T20's at least. Last time PAK beat SL in T20 cricket was probably back in 2017

Ah ic. Sorry brother, I misremembered.

 

[sweep_shot]

@Mainul

As per Cricinfo, SL can also get eliminated. Check below:

If Sri Lanka bat first and make 150, for example, Afghanistan would have to chase that target down in 11.4 overs in order to knock Sri Lanka out and have Bangladesh accompany them to the Super Four. If Afghanistan bat first and make 150, Sri Lanka would have to score 84 or fewer for Bangladesh to qualify.

So, all 3 teams can qualify or go home today.

 

[shamaan]

Hope Sri Lanka win.

 

[mominsaigol]

@Mainul

As per Cricinfo, SL can also get eliminated. Check below:

If Sri Lanka bat first and make 150, for example, Afghanistan would have to chase that target down in 11.4 overs in order to knock Sri Lanka out and have Bangladesh accompany them to the Super Four. If Afghanistan bat first and make 150, Sri Lanka would have to score 84 or fewer for Bangladesh to qualify.

So, all 3 teams can qualify or go home today.

Sri lanka will win.

Sri lanka and Bangladesh are qualifying. Mark my words

 

[Devadwal]

Afghanistan have won the toss and they are batting first. Good

 

[sweep_shot]

Sri lanka will win.

Sri lanka and Bangladesh are qualifying. Mark my words

SL are better than AFG in batting and pace attack. It is only in spin department where Afghans are ahead.

I expect a close game.

 

[Josh]

Looks difficult for Bangladesh. Sri Lanka was struggling in chase against Hong Kong and Afghans are batting first

 

[mominsaigol]

SL are better than AFG in batting and pace attack. It is only in spin department where Afghans are ahead.

I expect a close game.

Afghanistan spinners have been a joke this tournament excluding Noor Ahmed.

 

[Devadwal]

Looks difficult for Bangladesh. Sri Lanka was struggling in chase against Hong Kong and Afghans are batting first

Afghanistan needs to score minimum 160 runs then they can win the match.

 

[Devadwal]

Sri lanka will win.

Sri lanka and Bangladesh are qualifying. Mark my words

.Now that your prediction whatever chances they had will be gone

 

[RyanRyan10]

Looks difficult for Bangladesh. Sri Lanka was struggling in chase against Hong Kong and Afghans are batting first

HK dropped 6 catches

 

[sweep_shot]

Afghanistan spinners have been a joke this tournament excluding Noor Ahmed.

Rashid did well too.

I honestly don't know why they play Ghazanfar. Mujeeb was a much better spinner.

 

[sweep_shot]

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first.

 

[mominsaigol]

Rashid did well too.

I honestly don't know why they play Ghazanfar. Mujeeb was a much better spinner.

Mujeeb was 100x better yes

 

[Devadwal]

Afghanistan have won the toss and they are batting first. Good

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka(c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Afghanistan (Playing XI): Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan(c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooq


Good that Afghanistan dropped Ghazanfar and Naib for mujeeb and rasooli.

 

[G0rmintAunty]

Just when I think the SL anthem is over, it starts up again..

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Karim Janat still playing. Man, this guy has some serious pull in ACB. I know he is the ex-captain's brother but seriously ??

 

[Devadwal]

Nice pickup shot for six by atal

 

[Josh]

Flying start. Afghanistan is showing some intent here.

 

[ace030693]

Afghanistan vs. Sri Lanka in the #AsiaCup2025!

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[sweep_shot]

Explosive start from AFG.

 

[sweep_shot]

SL bowlers are bowling rubbish.

AFG - 23/0 (1.5 overs).

 

[Devadwal]

Flying start for AFG 26/0 in 2 over but they can crumble at any time

 

[jnaveen1980]

Not wanting to put mockers.Apart from Kamindu most impressive batsman I have seen from Asia is sediq. He will finish better than Gurbaz. Played one IPL game too. Proper stroke players without hacking

 

[Hellion]

Great start by AFG. Come on , let's eliminate BD before Super 4 and send them packing.

 

[sweep_shot]

18 off the over!

26/0 (2 overs).

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

SL bowlers are bowling rubbish.

AFG - 23/0 (1.5 overs).

Sri lanka are providing them pace which they want bangladesh might be out if this keeps going

 

[Devadwal]

Gurbaz gone. Good catch

 

[sweep_shot]

Out. First wicket.

Gurbaz is out. Big wicket.

26/1.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Afghanistan is good when they play normal cricket. Manufacturing shots are never their forte

 

[sweep_shot]

Sri lanka are providing them pace which they want bangladesh might be out if this keeps going

Let's see what happens.

Remember SL can be out too if they lose by 70+ runs (something like that).

Anyway, SL have dismissed the big fish. Gurbaz.

 

[Devadwal]

Now Ibrahim will comes and play tuktuk and will ruined all the momentum.

 

[Devadwal]

janat at 3 @Nikhil_cric ? They are using him as pinch hitter

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Karim Janat should seriously be rechristened Schrodinger's Janat .

 

[jnaveen1980]

Trying to find usefulness in Jannat is like searching needle in haystack

 

[Josh]

Let's see what happens.

Remember SL can be out too if they lose by 70+ runs (something like that).

Anyway, SL have dismissed the big fish. Gurbaz.

The big Fish is out of form these days, getting caught at the slips every match

 

[Rana]

As expected

Sri Lankan’s intensity is down

They’ve leaked too many already in 3 overs

 

[Devadwal]

Useless janat gone

 

[G0rmintAunty]

Afg are hoping Janat gets out early now and spares them later on.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

As expected

Sri Lankan’s intensity is down

They’ve leaked too many already in 3 overs

This looks the best batting wicket of the tournament tbh.

 

[sweep_shot]

Another wicket. Karim Janat departs.

AFG - 32/2 (3 overs).

Very action-packed 3 overs.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Worst, club level batsman in the lineup is promoted to #3 and there you go.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Worst, club level batsman in the lineup is promoted to #3 and there you go.

Mujeeb is probably a better batsman

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Mujeeb is probably a better batsman

Probably ? There's no doubt

 

[jnaveen1980]

Sediq so easy on the eye. Beautiful shot

 

[G0rmintAunty]

Afg are hoping Janat gets out early now and spares them later on.

Wish granted.

 

[PAKFAN12]

Atal is showing intent but they have already lost two wickets

 

[jnaveen1980]

Wellalage is another good potential

 

[amvbfm]

I dont think there has ever been a worse player from a full member nation than Jannat. Simply awful.

 

[sweep_shot]

AFG - 37/2 (4 overs).

 

[sweep_shot]

I dont think there has ever been a worse player from a full member nation than Jannat. Simply awful.

Yeah. Not sure why he is in the team for. LOL.

Doesn't bowl either.

I think Afghanistan are better off playing Shahidi than Karim Janat.

 

[sweep_shot]

Thushara has a nice slingy action.

Poor man's Malinga.

 

[Rana]

Beautiful bowling Thushara

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Thushara, what a match winner for Bangladesh

 

[Devadwal]

Game over for Afghanistan in PP.

 

[sweep_shot]

Bowled. Sediq is out.

Another big wicket. SL are on top now.

AFG - 40/3 (4.5 overs).

 

[sweep_shot]

All 3 wickets have been taken by Thushara.

 

[amvbfm]

Yeah. Not sure why he is in the team for. LOL.

Doesn't bowl either.

I think Afghanistan are better off playing Shahidi than Karim Janat.

His bowling is as bad as his batting His brother wasn't a great player either but he was Bradman compared with Jannat. Most probably they have some influence within the board.

They can play Shahidi, Rahmat, Najeeb instead (dont know about young talent).

 

[Justcrazy]

Afghans need a solid partnership here , these two need to bat till 13 - 14 overs , to set a solid platform.

 

[G0rmintAunty]

Zadran and Rasooli, tuk.tuk time.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Tusharabl bowled okay in IPL. Who did he represent? Mi?