Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Decider Shapes Super Four Race

The equation is brutal. Afghanistan must win against Sri Lanka or see their hopes of the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four vanish. Few saw this scenario coming, but here it is.

The math adds a twist. If Sri Lanka bat first and post 150 runs on board, Afghanistan will need to manage it within 12 overs to secure their spot in super four. In reverse, if Afghanistan score 150, Sri Lanka would have to collapse for 84 or fewer for Bangladesh to sneak through. That one moment could flip the entire table.

For Afghanistan, the weight rests on Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan. Gurbaz loves this matchup, with 248 runs at a strike rate above 170 against Sri Lanka. Rashid, their captain and talisman, remains the heartbeat of the bowling attack. Yet three defeats in eight meetings against Sri Lanka show they can be vulnerable.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, just needs to avoid humiliation. Their campaign has been inconsistent, nearly derailed by Hong Kong earlier in the week. Pathum Nissanka’s form at the top has carried them, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera continue to keep their bowling alive. Suddenly, the points table looks very different if they collapse again, as they did against Zimbabwe only weeks ago.

Abu Dhabi offers runs but also grip for slower bowlers. Both teams pack spinners who can change the night in a handful of overs. Fans watching every ball of the Afg vs Sri match must be aware that qualification could swing wildly with just one partnership or one collapse.

Team News

Afghanistan are still recovering from their recent defeat to Bangladesh but may choose to back the same combination of players.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are unlikely to tinker much with their setup. Although Theekshana went wicketless in the previous game against Hong Kong, he managed to keep things tight. Pathirana and Fernando could once again miss out.

Afghanistan (probable XI)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Saqidullah Ataq, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (capt.), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar

Sri Lanka (probable XI)

Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (capt.), Dasun Shanaka, Kamil Mishara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera