Asia Cup 2025: Bangladesh’s Super 4 Fate Hinges on Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Decider

The Asia Cup 2025 Group B stage is heading towards a nail-biting finish as Sri Lanka and Afghanistan clash in a decisive encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday, September 18. The result of this high-stakes match will not only determine the two teams’ qualification chances but also decide Bangladesh’s fate in the Super 4 stage.

Sri Lanka, unbeaten so far with two wins, sit comfortably on top of the group with four points and a healthy net run rate (NRR) of +1.546. A victory would guarantee them progression, while even a narrow defeat could still see them through. However, a heavy loss—by 70 or more runs, or if Afghanistan chase with over 50 balls remaining—could jeopardize their campaign.

Afghanistan, led by Rashid Khan, remain firmly in contention with two points and the best NRR of the group (+2.150). To qualify, they need nothing less than a commanding win. While Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provide power at the top, the spin duo of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad alongside pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi will be crucial against Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.

For Bangladesh, who ended their group stage with four points but a poor NRR of –0.270, the equation is simple: they can only qualify if Sri Lanka defeat Afghanistan. An Afghan win would trigger a three-way tie, almost certainly eliminating Bangladesh.

Qualification Scenarios in Group B:

• Bangladesh: Advance only if Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan.

• Afghanistan: Qualify with a win over Sri Lanka.

• Sri Lanka: Qualify with a win or avoid a massive defeat.

With three teams’ destinies hanging in the balance, Thursday’s match promises to be one of the most dramatic moments of Asia Cup 2025.

Match Details:

• Fixture: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan

• Date & Time: September 18, 8 PM IST

• Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

• Livestreaming: SonyLiv app; Sony Sports Network

Pitch Report: The Abu Dhabi pitch offers balance for both batters and bowlers, with spinners expected to play a key role. Teams are likely to prefer batting first in this crunch contest.

Probable Playing XIs:

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

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