SL vs AFG, Asia Cup 2025: Probable playing XI, Broadcast and Live Streaming details – Where to watch in India, USA, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan & other countries

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A do-or-die Group B showdown awaits in Asia Cup 2025 when Sri Lanka and Afghanistan meet at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, September 18.

Both teams arrive under contrasting circumstances: Sri Lanka have been faultless in two outings, earning four points and boasting a net run rate of +1.546 after victories over Bangladesh and Hong Kong. Afghanistan sit third with two points from two matches but lead the group in net run rate at +2.150, having crushed Hong Kong before narrowly losing to Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka’s momentum is powered by a rock-steady top order anchored by Pathum Nissanka, whose three successive fifty-plus scores have laid the foundation for imposing totals. Captain Charith Asalanka’s tactical nous and timely batting have further stabilized proceedings. Their spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana has combined for key breakthroughs, while the pace duo of Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara have exploited the Abu Dhabi wicket with late-swing yorkers and back-of-a-length pace.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan reply with their trademark spin artillery led by Rashid Khan. Noor Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi form a potent trio capable of choking scoring rates in the middle overs. Up front, the explosive top three of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai can dismantle any bowling attack. Their all-round depth, featuring Fazalhaq Farooqi’s left-arm seam and Gulbadin Naib’s lower-order hitting, offers multiple routes to victory.

The qualification scenarios depend entirely on this match. Sri Lanka require a win by any margin to reach six points and confirm their place in the Super Four alongside Bangladesh. Afghanistan, on the other hand, must defeat Sri Lanka to move to four points and use their superior net run rate of +2.150 to overtake Bangladesh, who also have four points but a negative net run rate of -0.270, for the second qualifying position. Since Bangladesh have finished their matches, this game becomes a do-or-die encounter for Afghanistan while offering Sri Lanka a chance to maintain their unbeaten streak and advance with confidence.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Kusal Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Allah Ghazanfar

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