ALL 2026: Match 1, SLLS vs AFGP Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between Sri Lankan Lions vs Afghanistan Pathans?

The second season of the Asian Legends League kicks off with much fanfare and fervour, with the Sri Lankan Lions set to take on Afghanistan Pathans in the opening game of the 2026 edition at the Lotus Sports Club Ground, Lusaka, Zambia, on Friday, July 30.

This clash is a repeat of the Eliminator of the 2025 season, where the Lions emerged victorious by 25 runs, successfully defending a total of 230 runs in their 20 overs. They were carried by a stunning 36-ball 108 by all-rounder Thisara Perera.

Both teams are boosted by a roster of legendary players who have turned games on their heads. The Lions have a wealth of star players such as Perera, Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Tharanga, and Ajantha Mendis, while the Pathans are not short of experienced names, with the likes of Mohammad Shahzad, Hazratullah Zazai, and Asghar Afghan in their ranks.

The pitch at the Lotus Sports Club Ground, Lusaka is expected to be of a balanced nature, aiding both batters and bowlers. Batters will be able to play shots on the up while bowlers could get early purchase with the new ball. Due to this being an afternoon game, the effect of dew is expected to be negligible, while spinners could pose a threat if the surface becomes dry.

Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Danushka Gunathilaka, Chamara Kapugedera, Thisara Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Shehan Jayasuriya, Seekkuge Prasanna, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, Chaturanga de Silva.

Mohammad Shahzad, Hazratullah Zazai, Shabir Noori, Asghar Afghan (C), Samiullah Shinwari, Riaz Hassan, Nijat Masood, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Waqarullah Ishaq, Wafadar Momand.

All-rounder Thisara Perera comes into this clash as the star man in the previous encounter between these two teams. The southpaw scored a stellar unbeaten 108 off 36 balls when these two teams last met, hitting a whopping 13 sixes in his innings. He will be looking to continue the same form into the season and start with a big tournament.

Mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis is expected to be a key player in this clash and will be expected to control the run-flow in the middle overs with his spin bowling. If there is grip and turn from the surface, Mendis could prove a major difference-maker.