Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2025: Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bat first against Sri Lanka in a crucial Asia Cup 2025 Group B clash on September 18 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket stadium in Abu Dhabi, which will decided their Super Four fate.
What did the captains say after the toss?
After winning the toss Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan said:
"We would like to bat first. Runs on the board is important on this wicket. It is a must-win game, we have to keep it simple and do the basics right. It is a new surface, we have played a lot in Abu Dhabi, 165+ is a good score. We have a couple of changes."
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka, after losing the toss, said:
"I would have done the same thing. We have spoken about our middle order batting, we have two in-form openers and that is an advantage for us. We have to improve our middle order batting, we want to execute than talking. We have one change - Wellalage for Theekshana."
Afghanistan's Playing XI:
Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan(c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Sri Lanka's Playing XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka(c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
Pitch report
"The tracks here are a different color. Lot more grass than the adjacent pitch. It might be two-paced and there will be some help for the pacers. You have to give yourself some time as a batter. Thank God for the breeze, it will help the players. The ball comes on here better than Dubai. The ball might not turn much but the Afghanistan spinners can spin a web around anyone. Get a good start and keep rotating the strike instead of looking for big hits," Mike Haysman and Ravi Shastri analysed the pitch.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Head-to-head in T20Is:
Total matches: 8
Sri Lanka won: 5
Afghanistan won: 3
No result: 0