The Asia Cup 2025 is delivering thrilling battles, and fans now turn their attention to the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 in Group B. Scheduled at the Dubai International Stadium, this match has all the ingredients of a blockbuster.
Sri Lanka, one of Asia Cup’s most successful teams, bring balance and depth. Afghanistan, known for fearless cricket and a world-class spin attack, are eyeing another famous upset. Here’s your complete match preview: live scores, Dream11 prediction, probable playing XI, pitch report, fantasy tips, and expert analysis.
Sri Lanka – Balanced & Experienced
Sri Lanka has a history of performing well in Asia Cups. Their 2025 squad has a mix of explosive batting, reliable all-rounders, and wicket-taking bowlers.
Sri Lanka Squad (Asia Cup 2025):
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), 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.
🔑 Strengths: Spin all-rounders like Hasaranga & Theekshana, aggressive top-order batters, death-over specialists (Pathirana, Chameera).
Afghanistan – Spin Kings with Firepower
Afghanistan’s fearless cricket has won them millions of fans. Their 2025 squad features power-hitters and some of the world’s best spinners.
Afghanistan Squad (Asia Cup 2025):
Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, AM Ghazanfar, Sediqullah Atal, Abdullah Ahmadzai (replacement for injured Naveen-ul-Haq).
🔑 Strengths: Elite spin attack (Rashid, Mujeeb, Noor Ahmad), aggressive openers (Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran), all-round depth with Nabi & Omarzai.
📊 Head-to-Head Record Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025
- Asia Cup 2022: Afghanistan stunned Sri Lanka in the group stage, but Sri Lanka later bounced back to win the tournament.
- T20I Meetings: Sri Lanka holds a slight edge overall, but Afghanistan has proved they can beat them on big occasions.
This makes SL vs AFG one of the most unpredictable rivalries in Asian cricket.
🔑 Key Battles to Watch
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Pathirana/Chameera – Gurbaz’s powerplay hitting vs Sri Lanka’s pace.
- Rashid Khan vs Sri Lanka Middle Order – Rashid will target batters like Asalanka and Mendis.
- Wanindu Hasaranga vs Afghanistan’s Lefties – Hasaranga’s googlies could trouble Najibullah Zadran.
- Mujeeb ur Rahman vs Sri Lanka Openers – Mystery spin in the powerplay could shift momentum.
🏟️ Pitch Report – Dubai International Stadium
- Balanced wicket: early help for pacers, but good bounce for batters.
- Spinners dominate in the middle overs.
- Under lights, chasing teams have a slight advantage due to dew.
- Par Score: 160–170.
📺 Live Broadcast & Streaming
- TV: Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten channels).
- Digital Streaming: Sony LIV app & website.
- Scores: Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo for live ball-by-ball commentary.
- Social Media: Real-time updates on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook.
🏆 Dream11 Fantasy Prediction – SL vs AFG
Captain Choices: Rashid Khan, Wanindu Hasaranga
Vice-Captain Options: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Kusal Mendis
Safe Picks: Pathum Nissanka, Ibrahim Zadran
Budget Picks: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Matheesha Pathirana
💡 Strategy Tip: Pick at least 3 spinners from both sides—conditions in Dubai favor them.
📝 Probable Playing XIs
Sri Lanka
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Kusal Perera
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Kamindu Mendis
- Dasun Shanaka
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Dunith Wellalage
Afghanistan
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Najibullah Zadran
- Mohammad Nabi
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan (c)
- Karim Janat
- Mujeeb ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Noor Ahmad
🎯 What’s at Stake?
- Sri Lanka: A win keeps them in control of Group B and builds momentum for the Super 4s.
- Afghanistan: A win would boost their chances of progressing and prove their ability to beat top-tier sides consistently.
🔮 Match Prediction
- Sri Lanka’s balance and experience make them favorites.
- Afghanistan’s spinners can flip the game if they get quick breakthroughs.
👉 Prediction: Sri Lanka slight favorites, but Afghanistan’s spin attack could cause an upset.
❓ FAQs
Q1. Who is captaining Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2025?
👉 Charith Asalanka.
Q2. Who leads Afghanistan?
👉 Rashid Khan.
Q3. Who replaced Naveen-ul-Haq in Afghanistan’s squad?
👉 Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Q4. What’s the pitch report for Dubai?
👉 Balanced surface with assistance for pacers early and spinners later.
Q5. Who are the best Dream11 captaincy options?
👉 Rashid Khan and Wanindu Hasaranga.
Q6. Where can I watch SL vs AFG live?
👉 Sony Sports Network (TV) and Sony LIV (streaming).
🏁 Conclusion
The Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2025 Group B clash is set to be a thrilling battle of experience vs fearlessness. With Sri Lanka’s balanced unit and Afghanistan’s lethal spin trio, fans can expect a match full of drama, strategy, and moments of brilliance.
Don’t miss the action—follow live scores, Dream11 predictions, Sony Sports coverage, and fantasy tips for this blockbuster encounter.
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