Upcoming Clash: Afghanistan Against Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2025 - Rashid Khan's Team Seeks Super 4 Qualification Against Undefeated Lankans
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are set to lock horns in a crucial Group B fixture of the Asia Cup 2025 on September 18 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Both teams are eager to secure a place in the Super 4s, with a win being crucial for their prospects.
Captain Charith Asalanka of Sri Lanka has stated that his team must be more professional in their approach, as they aim to improve their batting against spin, given Afghanistan's spin-heavy unit. Sri Lanka has won both of their previous games, including their last match against Hong Kong by seven wickets. The top-order batters, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Kamil Mishara, are in good form for the island nation.
On the other hand, Rashid Khan, the captain of Afghanistan, expressed disappointment with his team's performance against Bangladesh, stating that they did not play the "type of cricket they are famous for - attacking cricket." Khan also mentioned that his team played irresponsible shots, which led to their defeat. Afghanistan lost their previous match against Bangladesh by eight runs, putting them in a must-win situation to qualify for the Super 4s.
Afghanistan has yet to perform up to their potential in the Asia Cup 2025, especially with the bat, despite reaching the T20 World Cup semi-finals. Rashid Khan's team is under increased expectations to perform well in the Asia Cup 2025. Afghanistan currently have a higher net run rate than Bangladesh (2.150 vs -0.270), which could potentially help them qualify even if they lose their remaining matches.
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch may offer assistance to spinners, which could favour Afghanistan. Both teams are expected to field their strongest squads for this crucial encounter. Sri Lanka's squad includes Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana. Afghanistan's squad includes Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq.
Kusal Mendis is yet to set the stage alight and is eager to do so on Thursday night. The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams hungry for a win. The Asia Cup 2025 continues to deliver thrilling cricket, and this match is no exception.
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