Match Preview – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan( SL vs AFG ), Dream11 Prediction, Asia Cup, 11th Match. Who Will Win, On September 18, 2025

Match Details:

• Match: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan( SL vs AFG ), 11th Match, Asia Cup 2025
• Date and Time: September 18,  02:30 pm GMT / 08:00 pm IST / 06:30 pm local time
• Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

SL vs AFG Tips & Match Prediction:

Who will win the toss? – Afghanistan

Who will win the match? – Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Preview:

Sri Lanka( SL ) is set to face Afghanistan( AFG ) in their 11th match during the Asia Cup 2025. This match is scheduled to take place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Thursday, September 18.

Charith Asalanka’s side has been clinical so far, winning both of their games to sit comfortably at the top of the points table. They cruised past Hong Kong in their last outing with a convincing 4-wicket win. Now, a tougher challenge awaits, and Asalanka will want his team to put in another strong performance to head into the Super Fours brimming with confidence.

Pathum Nissanka has been in good touch at the top and will look to set the tone alongside Kusal Mendis. In the middle order, Kusal Perera will aim to anchor the innings with support from Kamil Mishara and Dasun Shanaka. With Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Wanindu Hasaranga adding finishing firepower, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup looks well-rounded.

The bowling unit also impressed in the last game. Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara will look to make early inroads, while Maheesh Theekshana and Hasaranga are expected to capitalize on the conditions in the middle overs. With Asalanka and Shanaka also capable of chipping in, Sri Lanka has depth in their bowling options.

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On the other side, Afghanistan come into this clash under pressure after a narrow 8-run defeat against Bangladesh. Skipper Rashid Khan will be disappointed with his team’s batting, having failed to chase a modest target. With this being a must-win game, Rashid will need to inspire his side against a formidable Sri Lankan attack.

Sediqullah Atal has been among the runs and will look to give Afghanistan a solid start alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, and Gulbadin Naib will be tasked with building partnerships in the middle, while Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, and Rashid himself will look to provide quick runs in the death overs.

Afghanistan’s strength lies in their bowling, but they’ll need to sharpen up. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Omarzai were expensive in the last game and will be under pressure to bounce back. Rashid and Nabi remain key in the middle overs, while the team will also rely on AM Ghazanfar and Noor Ahmed to deliver tight spells.

SL vs AFG Possible Playing XI:

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

Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

SL vs AFG Recent 5 Match Performance:

SL vs AFG Head-To-Head Records:

SL vs AFG Toss Prediction:

We’re hoping the team wins the toss and chooses to bat first.

SL vs AFG Pitch Report:

The pitch at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi usually provides a fair contest between bat and ball. Early in the game, the surface plays true with good bounce, allowing batters to score freely, especially during the powerplay. As the match progresses, the wicket tends to slow down, bringing spinners and bowlers with variations into play. In evening fixtures, dew becomes a significant factor, often making it easier to bat in the second innings and giving chasing sides a clear advantage. A par score here generally ranges between 140 and 160 runs in T20s, depending on how well the top order capitalizes on the conditions.

SL vs AFG Weather Report:

At 6:30 PM local time on September 18, the weather at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is expected to be hot and slightly humid, with temperatures hovering around 36°C (97°F). A light breeze may provide some relief, but the overall conditions will remain warm and energy-draining for players. The skies are likely to stay partly cloudy with no chance of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted game. As the evening progresses, humidity could rise and dew might come into play, potentially making conditions challenging for bowlers.

Batters to Watch (Recent Form)

Sediqullah Atal (AFG): In fine touch with 251 runs in 9 matches at an average of 31.38 and a healthy strike rate of 128.06, he’s been giving Afghanistan solid starts.

Ibrahim Zadran (AFG): A consistent performer with 200 runs in 7 matches, averaging 28.57 and striking at 123.45. He’ll look to anchor the innings.

Pathum Nissanka (SL): Sri Lanka’s most reliable batter in recent games, scoring 385 runs in 10 matches at 38.5 average and a brilliant 146.94 strike rate.

Kusal Perera (SL): Dangerous in the powerplay and middle overs, with 252 runs in 9 matches at 31.5 average and an explosive 148.23 strike rate.

Bowlers to Watch (Recent Form)

Rashid Khan (AFG): The Afghan skipper remains a game-changer with 21 wickets in 9 matches at an economy of 6.61 and a stunning strike rate of 10.28.

Noor Ahmad (AFG): A rising star in Afghanistan’s attack, picking up 8 wickets in just 5 matches with an economy of 4.95 and strike rate of 15.

Dushmantha Chameera (SL): Sri Lanka’s pace spearhead, bagging 11 wickets in 5 matches at 6.4 economy and 10.9 strike rate.

Wanindu Hasaranga (SL): The go-to spinner for breakthroughs, with 7 wickets in 4 matches, striking every 13.71 balls despite a slightly high economy of 7.38.

Expected Scores:

• 1st Innings: 165–180 runs
• 2nd Innings: 150–165 runs

Key Notes:

The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi usually offers a balanced surface. Batters get value for their shots early on, but spinners come into play as the innings progresses.

Evening conditions may bring in humidity and possible dew, which could favor the chasing side by making it tougher for bowlers to grip the ball.

Sri Lanka’s power hitters like Nissanka and Perera can push the score above par if they settle early.

Afghanistan’s bowling strength, led by Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, can restrict the opposition if they strike in the middle overs.

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Full Squad:

Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Janith Liyanage.

Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.