SL vs AFG Full Scorecard (SL Won by 6 Wickets): Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025

Asia Cup 2025 is heating up, and one of the most anticipated matches in the group stage is Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan. Over the past decade, Afghanistan has emerged as a serious force in Asian cricket, with its fearless batting and deadly spin attack. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, with a mix of old and new talent, has been a strong contender in the tournament.

This competition is all about pride, pace and making a strong statement in the tournament. Let’s dive into the team announcements, live score updates, key player stats and predictions for this high-voltage encounter.

Sri Lanka Squad for Asia Cup 2025

The Sri Lankan selectors have picked a balanced team that includes explosive batsmen and a variety of bowling options.

Full Sri Lanka Squad (Asia Cup 2025)

Captain: Charith Asalanka

Batters

• Kamil Mishara (Opening batter)

• Kusal Mendis (†, Wicketkeeper batter)

• Kusal Perera (†, Wicketkeeper batter)

• Nuwanidu Fernando (Batter)

• Pathum Nissanka (Top-order batter)

Allrounders

• Charith Asalanka (c, Batting allrounder)

• Chamika Karunaratne (Bowling allrounder)

• Dasun Shanaka (Allrounder)

• Janith Liyanage (Batting allrounder)

• Kamindu Mendis (Allrounder)

• Wanindu Hasaranga (Allrounder)

Bowlers

• Binura Fernando (Bowler)

• Dushmantha Chameera (Bowler)

• Dunith Wellalage (Bowler)

• Maheesh Theekshana (Bowler)

• Matheesha Pathirana (Bowler)

• Nuwan Thushara (Bowler)

Sri Lanka’s Key Strengths

• Spin dominance with Hasaranga and Theekshana.

• Explosive opening pair in Nissanka and Perera.

• Varied pace attack with Pathirana and Madushanka.

Afghanistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025

Afghanistan has built a reputation as one of the giants of world cricket. Their team is full of game-changing players.

Full Afghanistan Squad (Asia Cup 2025)

Captain: Rashid Khan

Batters

• Darwish Rasooli (Top-order batter)

• Ibrahim Zadran (Opening batter)

• Mohammad Ishaq (†, Wicketkeeper batter)

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (†, Wicketkeeper batter)

• Sediqullah Atal (Opening batter)

Allrounders

• Azmatullah Omarzai (Allrounder)

• Gulbadin Naib (Batting allrounder)

• Karim Janat (Batting allrounder)

• Mohammad Nabi (Allrounder)

• Rashid Khan (c, Bowling allrounder)

• Sharafuddin Ashraf (Allrounder)

Bowlers

• AM Ghazanfar (Bowler)

• Fareed Ahmad (Bowler)

• Fazalhaq Farooqi (Bowler)

• Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Bowler)

• Noor Ahmad (Bowler)

Afghanistan’s Key Strengths

• World’s best spin trio: Rashid, Mujeeb, and Noor Ahmad.

• Fearless top-order batting with Gurbaz and Zazai.

• Death-bowling expertise with Naveen-ul-Haq and Omarzai.

Head-to-Head Stats: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan  

Although Afghanistan are new to the Asia Cup stage compared to Sri Lanka, they have already played some exciting competitions.

Asia Cup Head-to-Head  

Last 5 Matches:

• Afghanistan won by 3 runs21-Feb-2024

• Sri Lanka won by 72 runs19-Feb-2024

• Sri Lanka won by 4 runs17-Feb-2024

• Afghanistan won by 8 runs04-Oct-2023

• Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets (with 9 balls remaining)01-Nov-2022

Sri Lanka has the upper hand, but Afghanistan has stunned them in crucial matches, including Asia Cup 2018 and 2022 group stages.

Related Post: PAK vs OMA Full Scorecard (PAK Won by 93 Runs): Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025

Players to Watch Out For

Sri Lanka  

1. Wanindu Hasaranga: Sri Lanka’s MVP, capable of breaking partnerships and scoring quick runs.

2. Pathum Nissanka: Mr. Consistent at the top.

3. Matheesha Pathirana: A death-overs specialist who can derail Afghanistan’s finishing plans.

Afghanistan  

1. Rashid Khan: The X-factor spinner who thrives under pressure.

2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz: One of the most explosive openers in world cricket.

3. Ibrahim Zadran: A reliable anchor who balances the innings.

Key Stats to Know Before the Match

• Sri Lanka’s Highest Score vs Afghanistan: 314/6 (ODI).

• Afghanistan’s Highest Score vs Sri Lanka: 249/10 (ODI).

• Top Run-Getter (Sri Lanka): Sanath Jayasuriya (Asia Cup overall, 1220 runs).

• Top Run-Getter (Afghanistan): Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Fastest to 1000 ODI runs for AFG).

• Top Wicket-Taker (Sri Lanka): Muttiah Muralitharan (Asia Cup overall, 30 wickets).

• Top Wicket-Taker (Afghanistan): Rashid Khan (Leading spinner in all formats).

Match Prediction

This clash is expected to be a battle of spin vs batting resilience.

• Sri Lanka’s advantage: Their batting depth and experience in handling pressure.

• Afghanistan’s advantage: Spin trio of Rashid, Mujeeb, and Noor, who can choke runs and pick wickets.

If the pitch favors spin, Afghanistan could dominate. If it’s a batting-friendly wicket, Sri Lanka’s stronger middle order may take the game away.

Prediction: Slight edge to Sri Lanka, but Afghanistan has every chance to upset.

Conclusion

The clash between Sri Lanka and AFG in the Asia Cup 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matches of the tournament. Sri Lanka will rely mainly on a balanced team of experienced players and youngsters. While Afghanistan will come into the game with its world-class spinners and fearless batsmen.

Expect explosive batting, bowling changes and a thrilling finish when these two teams clash. This is a test of character and consistency for both the teams.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When is the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan match in Asia Cup 2025?  

The match is scheduled to take place during the group stage of the Asia Cup 2025, the official dates of which have been announced by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

Q2. Who are the captains of Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2025?  

Talking about Sri Lanka, they have selected Kusal Mendis and Afghanistan has selected Hashmatullah Shahidi as their player.

Q3. Which bowlers will be crucial in this match?  

Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Matheesha Pathirana.
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad.

Q4. Has Afghanistan beaten Sri Lanka in Asia Cup history?  

Yes, Afghanistan have defeated Sri Lanka twice in Asia Cup matches (2018 and 2022), which proves that they are capable of causing an upset.

Q5. Which Sri Lankan bowler was the most effective in trying to defend the total?

Sri Lankan batsman says there is no single answer to who works the total score most effectively. But if we have to name someone, it is Muthali Muralitharan.

Share Post on: