The Asia Cup 2025 was cooked at the tense finals, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan on Thursday 18 September in the United Arab Emirates locked the horns in victory. Bets are high not only for both parties in action, but also for Bangladesh, who have completed their group tasks and are now anxiously awaiting the result that could determine their fate.
Sri Lanka will enter the competition as a favorite, after winning both of their opening matches to sit on the top of group B with four points and commanding clean run (NRR) +1.546. The victory would confirm their advance to the Super 4 phase, while even a narrow defeat can still keep them above the water if they avoid heavy loss.
Captain Kusal Mendis well included his troops, with the consistency of Pathum Nissanka above, and Wanind Hasarang provides a versatile brilliance to champions dynamics.
However, Afghanistan remains very much in hunting. With two points from so many games and the best NRR in the +2,150 group, Men Rashid Khan know that qualifications are within their reach. But the equation is tight – only a complex victory will ensure their passage.
Also read: Asia Cup, Super 4 Scenario: How can Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka qualify
Their firing showed flashes through Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Nadran, but inconsistency hurt them. Bowling attack, headed by Rashid and left hand, Fast Fazalhaq Farooqi, has tools for problems with Sri Lanka in the footsteps of the SAE.
For Bangladesh, the situation is agonizing. Their lively victory against Afghanistan at the beginning of this week took them to four points, but the negative NRR –0,270 leaves them vulnerable. Their only hope is the Sri Lankan victory, which would see that both sides advance. Afghanistan victory, however, would cause a three -way tie in four points, which almost certainly eliminated Bangladesh for their lower NRR.
Qualifying scenarios in Group B
Bangladesh: Qualifice if Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan.
Afghanistan: Qualify yourself at a clean running rate if they defeated Sri Lanka on any margin.
Sri Lanka: qualify with victory; Stay safe unless they lose 70+ runs or pursuit of Afghanistan with 50 or more balls to save.
With everything on the line, Thursday’s clash promises a high drama when three nations are attached to one decisive result.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan:
The playground in Abu Dhabi was decent for the dough, with spinners and Pacers are likely to get help in the same ratio. In Crunch Match, teams should first bat, trigger runs on the album and expose the opposition under pressure.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: Details of match
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will play at the Sheikh Zayed stadium in Abu Dhabi. The match starts at 8 pm.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: Livestreaming
The tournament will live in the Sonyliv application. The matches will also be broadcast on Sony Sports Network.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: Probable Xis Playing
Sri Lanka likely playing XI
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asala’s (C), Kaminda Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Waninda Hasarang, Maheesh Theekshan, Dushmanha Chameer, Nuwan Thushar
Afghanistan likely to play XI
Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Prophet, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaqaqi
– ends
Published:
Sabyasachi Chowdhury
Published on:
September 18, 2025
Tune
