**Can Afghanistan Progress into 2025 Asia Cup Super 4? – Match Preview**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 18, 2025, 02:55 AM*

—

**The Story**

Afghanistan’s cricket team faces a crucial must-win clash against Sri Lanka this Thursday at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium to secure a spot in the Super 4 stage of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. A loss will see Bangladesh advance alongside Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka need to avoid a heavy defeat to maintain their qualification hopes.

—

**Game Plan: What’s at Stake?**

According to ESPNcricinfo, the qualification scenario hinges on net run rate (NRR) and match results:

– If Sri Lanka bat first and post 150 runs, Afghanistan must chase it down within 11.4 overs to knock Sri Lanka out of the tournament.
– Conversely, if Afghanistan bat first and score 150, Sri Lanka need to be restricted to 84 runs or less for Bangladesh to qualify instead.

In summary, Afghanistan must win to stay alive, while Bangladesh benefit if Sri Lanka either wins or suffers a massive defeat, with NRR playing a key role.

—

**Pitch Report and Team News**

The Abu Dhabi pitch has been conducive to high-scoring encounters but has also favored slower bowlers in this tournament.

– Afghanistan are expected to field the same XI they did against Bangladesh despite their loss.
– Sri Lanka might retain their side as well. Though Maheesh Theekshana went wicketless against Hong Kong, his economical bowling could see him keep his place.
– However, Matheesha Pathirana and Binura Fernando could potentially miss out.

—

**Head-to-Head Record**

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have faced each other eight times in T20 internationals. Sri Lanka leads with five wins, while Afghanistan has triumphed three times.

—

**Likely Playing XIs**

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

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

—

**Player Focus: Stats to Watch**

– **Dushmantha Chameera:** Sri Lanka’s pacer has been outstanding in 2025, claiming 11 wickets in five innings at an average of 11.63 and maintaining an economy rate of 6.40.

– **Pathum Nissanka:** Coming into this match with two back-to-back fifties in Asia Cup 2025, Nissanka boasts 17 fifties from 70 matches and an aggregate of 2,068 runs.

– **Rashid Khan:** Afghanistan’s star spinner has 173 T20I wickets from 102 matches at an average of 13.79. Against Sri Lanka, he has picked up 4 wickets at an average of 27.25.

—

As Afghanistan prepares for this high-stakes showdown, all eyes will be on the Sheikh Zayed Stadium to see who advances to the Super 4 and who falls short in the 2025 Asia Cup.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/afg-vs-sl-super-4-preview-and-stats/story