Group B of the 2025 Asia Cup was hard to call, and it predictably comes down to the 11th match of the tournament to decide who goes through to the Super Four.
Sri Lanka, barring a very heavy loss, are through. Afghanistan must win after their tight loss against Bangladesh. The stage is set for what promises to be a fascinating encounter with plenty at stake.
For Sri Lanka, they will want an improved performance compared to their outing against Hong Kong. They didn’t take the wickets expected of them, before toiling with the bat and getting home thanks to Pathum Nissanka’s platform and Wanindu Hasaranga’s finishing.
Afghanistan would have been disappointed not to chase down 155 against the Tigers, although it was a tricky Abu Dhabi track. There were plenty of starts, but the fall of regular wickets hurt them dearly, with Azmatullah Omarzai’s wicket in the 16th over just about sealing Afghanistan’s fate.
So, who will hold their nerve in this encounter? In an Asia Cup filled with non-cricketing news, a thriller here is just what the fans are after.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather
The average first innings score at Abu Dhabi in this Asia Cup is 159.2. The team batting first has won three of the five matches. Batting first here could be an attractive proposition, especially for Afghanistan who usually win when batting first.
According to Spoda AI data, Afghanistan:
- Score an average of 45.17 runs in the powerplay when batting first in T20s since 2019. The corresponding figure when batting second is 44.75.
- Score an average of 67.13 runs in the middle overs when batting first in T20s since 2019. The corresponding figure when batting second is 57.78.
- Smash an average of 48.47 runs in the death overs when batting first compared to 36.98 when batting second, although second innings usually end earlier.
Abu Dhabi track was tricky for batting in the Afghanistan-Bangladesh game. Setting a score could be a winning approach here.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for AFG vs SL: Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top wicket-keeper picks:
Kusal Mendis is picked in72.23% of Dream11 teams as he bats up the order and has the wicket-keeping gloves. He averages just 18.66 in six T20Is against Afghanistan, but is capable of scoring well provided he gets through his poor matchup against Fazalhaq Farooqi (see below).
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is in need of runs. This could be the game he returns to form as he has a superb record against Sri Lanka: 6 inns, 248 runs, avg. 41.33, SR 172.22.
AFG vs SL Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Asia Cup 2025 11th Match
Group B of the 2025 Asia Cup was hard to call, and it predictably comes down to the 11th match of the tournament to decide who goes through to the Super Four.
Sri Lanka, barring a very heavy loss, are through. Afghanistan must win after their tight loss against Bangladesh. The stage is set for what promises to be a fascinating encounter with plenty at stake.
For Sri Lanka, they will want an improved performance compared to their outing against Hong Kong. They didn’t take the wickets expected of them, before toiling with the bat and getting home thanks to Pathum Nissanka’s platform and Wanindu Hasaranga’s finishing.
Afghanistan would have been disappointed not to chase down 155 against the Tigers, although it was a tricky Abu Dhabi track. There were plenty of starts, but the fall of regular wickets hurt them dearly, with Azmatullah Omarzai’s wicket in the 16th over just about sealing Afghanistan’s fate.
So, who will hold their nerve in this encounter?
Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather
The average first innings score at Abu Dhabi in this Asia Cup is 159.2. The team batting first has won three of the five matches. Batting first here could be an attractive proposition, especially for Afghanistan who usually win when batting first.
According to Spoda AI data, Afghanistan: