Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, 11th Match Asia Cup 2025

Afghanistan (AFG)

✅ Strengths:

• Explosive opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran capable of quick powerplay runs.
• World-class spin attack led by Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi, ideally suited for Abu Dhabi conditions.
• Multiple all-rounders (Nabi, Omarzai, Karim Janat) add balance and flexibility.

⚠️ Weaknesses:

• Middle-order instability if top-order collapses early.
• Heavy reliance on spinners; pacers like Farooqi may struggle at the death.
• Lack of finishing power in close chases compared to Sri Lanka’s hitters.

⭐ Key Players to Watch: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi

Sri Lanka (SL)

✅ Strengths:

• Strong top-order anchored by Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka.
• Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round brilliance provides both wicket-taking threat and lower-order hitting.
• Balanced attack with Chameera’s pace and Theekshana’s spin variations.

⚠️ Weaknesses:

• Overdependence on Kusal Mendis for stability in batting.
• Death bowling inconsistency from pacers under pressure.
• Middle-order vulnerable against quality spin.

⭐ Key Players to Watch: Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana

📌 Overall Insight:
This clash is expected to be a spin-dominated contest. Afghanistan’s familiarity with UAE conditions and superior spin trio gives them a narrow edge. However, Sri Lanka’s experienced top order and Hasaranga’s all-round impact keep them very much in the game. The battle between Gurbaz vs Chameera in the powerplay and Mendis vs Rashid Khan in the middle overs will be decisive.

The Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, is known for its slow surface that favors spinners as the game progresses. Batters will need to settle in before accelerating, as stroke-making can be tricky early on. Pacers like Fazalhaq Farooqi and Dushmantha Chameera may find swing under lights, but spinners such as Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Wanindu Hasaranga are expected to dominate the middle overs. Dew in the second innings could ease batting conditions, giving chasing sides a slight edge.

Average 1st Innings Score (T20s): 155–165 runs
Pitch Nature: Slow and spin-friendly, challenging for stroke play early
Pace vs Spin: Pacers useful in powerplay & death overs; spinners control the middle overs
Weather: Clear skies 🌤, around 28–30°C, with low humidity. No rain threat. Dew factor likely.
📌 Toss Impact: Teams usually prefer bowling first at Abu Dhabi to take advantage of dew and easier chasing conditions.

🔑 Key Player Matchups

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Dushmantha Chameera – Powerplay battle where Chameera’s pace and bounce will test Gurbaz’s attacking intent.
• Ibrahim Zadran vs Maheesh Theekshana – Early middle-over contest; Zadran’s aggressive style against spin could shift momentum.
• Kusal Mendis vs Rashid Khan – Crucial middle-over duel; Mendis’ batting stability versus Rashid’s wicket-taking spin.
• Wanindu Hasaranga vs Mohammad Nabi – All-rounders’ battle; Hasaranga’s leg-spin and finishing ability could counter Nabi’s contributions.

🌟 Impact Players

Afghanistan (AFG):

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Explosive opener; can take control of powerplay and anchor innings if he gets going.
• Rashid Khan – Strike bowler; expected to take key wickets in middle overs and control scoring.
• Mohammad Nabi – Experienced all-rounder; adds balance and can change the game with bat or ball.

Sri Lanka (SL):

• Kusal Mendis – Top-order anchor; consistency and stroke play crucial for team stability.
• Wanindu Hasaranga – All-rounder; wicket-taking ability and lower-order hitting make him a game-changer.
• Maheesh Theekshana – Spin specialist; expected to control middle overs and apply pressure on Afghan batters.

📌 Must-Have Picks:

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) – Explosive opener; high-impact in powerplay and reliable for fantasy points.
• Rashid Khan (AFG) – Strike bowler; picks key wickets in middle overs, high fantasy value.
• Kusal Mendis (SL) – Top-order batter; anchors innings and can deliver big scores.
• Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) – All-rounder; provides points with both bat and ball.
• Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG) – Paceman; can deliver early breakthroughs and economical overs.

👑 Captaincy Choices:

• Captain: Rashid Khan / Rahmanullah Gurbaz
• Vice-Captain: Wanindu Hasaranga / Kusal Mendis

📌 Tips Based on Abu Dhabi Conditions:

• Prioritize spinners like Rashid Khan and Hasaranga in fantasy squads; they are likely to dominate middle overs.
• Chasing teams may benefit from dew, so top-order batters like Gurbaz and Mendis are high-value picks.
• All-rounders contributing in both departments (Hasaranga, Nabi) provide extra points and balance for fantasy teams.