Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Prediction: Who Will Win 11th T20 Match on 18th September 2025?
The Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka prediction for the 11th T20 of Asia Cup 2025 brings us to a must-win clash for Afghanistan as they take on Sri Lanka at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday, 18th September 2025. Sri Lanka is currently at the top of the group, having won back-to-back matches, while Afghanistan suffered a close defeat against Bangladesh. This game will decide Afghanistan’s qualification chances for the Super Fours. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will look to maintain its winning streak and carry momentum forward. Let’s break down today’s AFG vs SL prediction in detail.
Match Details
| Match | Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, 11th T20 Asia Cup 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, 18th September 2025 |
| Time | 2:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
Team Previews
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka enters this game full of confidence after dominating both their group matches. Under Charith Asalanka’s leadership, the team has shown a perfect blend of batting depth and bowling discipline. Pathum Nissanka has been in tremendous form, already amassing 118 runs in just two games. His partnership with Kusal Mendis at the top ensures explosive starts, while the middle order with Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, and Kamindu Mendis provides stability.
Charith Asalanka himself has chipped in with handy runs and leadership qualities, while Dasun Shanaka adds all-round depth. The finishing duties fall on Wanindu Hasaranga, who is equally dangerous with the bat and ball.
The bowling attack has clicked collectively. Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara spearhead the pace unit, extracting early breakthroughs. Meanwhile, Maheesh Theekshana and Hasaranga have controlled the middle overs with their spin, making it tough for batters to accelerate. Sri Lanka’s strength lies in their balance across departments, which makes them dangerous in crunch games like this one.
Afghanistan Preview
Afghanistan faces a do-or-die situation after falling short against Bangladesh in their last match. Rashid Khan, the captain, will be under pressure to inspire his team. The Afghan batting lineup has depth but needs consistency. Sediqullah Atal is in fine touch at the top, supported by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s explosiveness. Ibrahim Zadran and Mohammad Nabi hold the middle order together, while Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai add all-round abilities.
In the lower order, Rashid Khan and Karim Janat can provide quick runs, but Afghanistan’s batting has been guilty of poor shot selection under pressure.
Bowling remains their main strength. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi’s spin duo can choke opposition lineups, while Fazalhaq Farooqi’s pace upfront will be crucial. However, the inconsistency of Omarzai and Noor Ahmad in recent games raises concerns. For Afghanistan to qualify, their bowlers must restrict Sri Lanka’s inform top order, and batters need to take responsibility in partnerships.
Squads
Sri Lanka Squad:
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 Squad:
Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
Afghanistan XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Wicketkeeper |
| Pathum Nissanka | Batter |
| Sediqullah Atal | Batter |
| Kusal Mendis | Batter |
| Ibrahim Zadran | Batter |
| Charith Asalanka | Batter |
| Mohammad Nabi | All-rounder |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | All-rounder |
| Rashid Khan | Bowler |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Bowler |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Bowler |
Captain Choices: Rashid Khan, Pathum Nissanka
Vice-Captain Choices: Wanindu Hasaranga, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Players to Avoid: Kamil Mishara (inconsistent), Karim Janat (out of form)
This fantasy XI balances strong batters with impactful all-rounders and wicket-taking bowlers, making it suitable for Dream11 prediction.
Favorite Team for Today’s Match
Afghanistan is slightly ahead as the favorite in this clash despite Sri Lanka’s recent dominance. The reason lies in their spin department, which is well suited to Abu Dhabi’s conditions. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi can trouble Sri Lanka’s middle order, while Sediqullah Atal and Rahmanullah Gurbaz can provide a blazing start. If Afghanistan avoids a batting collapse, their all-round unit looks strong enough to overcome Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has momentum but historically struggles against quality spin in slow conditions. Thus, Afghanistan is backed as the favorite to win today.
Afghanistan T20 History
Afghanistan has played 148 T20Is so far, winning 90 matches and losing 57. Over the years, they’ve developed into a competitive T20 side with their spin strength and fearless batting. Their rise in world cricket is credited to stars like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Gurbaz, who have made them a dangerous unit against stronger teams.
Sri Lanka T20 History
Sri Lanka has played 211 T20Is, winning 97 and losing 112. Once the World T20 champions in 2014, Sri Lanka has experienced ups and downs in the shortest format. In recent years, they have rebuilt with emerging players like Nissanka, Hasaranga, and Theekshana, forming a balanced squad that is again making waves in international cricket.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | Afghanistan Won | Sri Lanka Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 |
Sri Lanka holds a slight edge in head-to-head encounters, winning 5 out of 8 matches. However, Afghanistan has claimed 3 victories and remains a tough opponent, especially on spin-friendly tracks.
Also Check: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Head to Head in T20 – Records, Team & Players Stats
Pitch Report
The Zayed Cricket Stadium offers a balanced surface. Batters can score freely once settled, but spinners will get grip and bounce as the game progresses. A first-innings score of 160+ will be competitive.
Weather Report
The weather in Abu Dhabi will be hot and dry with temperatures around 34°C. No rain is expected, ensuring a full 40-over contest.
Broadcast Details
- Live Streaming: Fancode (India)
- Television: Not officially confirmed for Indian TV
Toss Prediction
Afghanistan is likely to win the toss and opt to bat first, aiming to put scoreboard pressure on Sri Lanka.
Score Prediction
- If Afghanistan Bat First: 178+
- If Sri Lanka Bat First: 154+
Match Prediction
Rephrased Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka prediction: Afghanistan is expected to edge past Sri Lanka in this crucial encounter. With a must-win situation, their spinners are likely to dictate terms in Abu Dhabi.
Winner: Afghanistan to Win
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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