SL vs AFG Asia Cup 2025: In must-win game vs Lankans, Afghanistan must step up with the bat

There is a huge amount riding on this Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan contest in Asia Cup 2025,  especially after Rashid Khan and Co slipped up against Bangladesh. It has now become an  all-or-nothing situation — a must-win match for them. Afghanistan began their campaign  on a positive note with a fairly routine win in their first game against Hong Kong, and things  seemed to be looking good at that point. 

However, their match against Bangladesh brought some challenges. Rashid Khan picked  up wickets, Noor Ahmed also made contributions with the ball, showing that Afghanistan’s  spin department is very strong and well covered. Spin has been a key strength for them  throughout, but the team has been struggling in other areas, particularly with the batting. 

One potential area of improvement could be their batting order. There is a thought that they  might consider moving Azmatullah Omarzai up the order. He is a game-changing player,  and his talent can have a significant impact on the game. At times, he has been batting  behind Mohammad Nabi, even though he has been scoring runs in the competition. Giving  him a higher position in the batting line-up could allow him to influence the game more  effectively. With the ball, Omarzai is already a reliable option who can deliver some crucial  overs, but I feel that Afghanistan could get more out of him with the bat if they use him  differently. This might be something the team management considers ahead of this crucial  match. 

Despite the setback against Bangladesh, there is no need for Afghanistan to panic or make  wholesale changes to their playing XI. This situation is more about holding their nerve and  staying composed. Importantly, Afghanistan’s net run rate is very healthy, which gives  them a strong advantage. If they manage to win this game, there is a very good chance they  will progress to the next stage of the tournament. 

Their strength clearly lies in their spin department. With Rashid Khan bowling brilliantly and  Mohammad Nabi also playing his role effectively, Afghanistan’s spinners are capable of  troubling any opposition. The challenge, however, remains with their batting line-up, which  needs to perform, especially at the top. A small tweak in the batting order could make a big  difference. 

On the other hand, Sri Lanka are in a much stronger position going into this match. They  have already won both of their games so far, which gives them a decent net run rate. Even if 

Sri Lanka lose this match, there is still a very strong chance that they will qualify for the  next round. This situation is largely in line with expectations heading into the tournament. 

When previewing the Asia Cup earlier, there was already a belief that Pathum Nissanka  with the bat and Wanindu Hasaranga with the ball would be key for Sri Lanka. That has  indeed been the case so far. While Hasaranga hasn’t taken a huge number of wickets, he  has delivered some game-changing moments with the ball. 

Sri Lanka did have a tense moment in their match against Hong Kong. Toward the end of  the game, they found themselves in a sticky situation and nearly lost their way. However,  Hasaranga stepped up with some vital contributions, scoring around 20 runs off just 10  balls to get Sri Lanka over the line. This kind of experience, where a team has to navigate  through a difficult scenario, can actually be beneficial during a group stage. It helps the  players refocus and prepare for tougher challenges ahead. 

Looking ahead, Sri Lanka will need to improve their new-ball bowling. Their bowlers at the  start of the innings have not been as effective as expected. Against Hong Kong, for  instance, the opposition managed to get off to a decent start. While there is no disrespect  meant to Hong Kong, it is clear that Sri Lanka’s frontline bowlers must step up their  performance if the team is to remain competitive in the later stages of the tournament. This  will be a key area of focus, especially if they want to do well in the Super Fours. 

Even though it appears very likely that Sri Lanka will progress because of their net run rate  and their early wins, this bowling issue could be a significant concern moving forward. On  the positive side, the team has several in-form players, and with two victories under their  belt, they will be entering this match with a good degree of confidence. 

This match is shaping up to be a tense and nerve-wracking contest for both sides.  However, the stakes are far higher for Afghanistan. They are the team under the most  pressure at the moment. For them, this is essentially a must-win game to stay alive in the tournament. 

It would still be a surprise if Afghanistan fail to progress from this group. The group is  undeniably competitive, and no disrespect is meant to any of the other teams involved, but  based on their overall quality and recent performances, Afghanistan are expected to make  it through to the Super Fours. 

This match will also be a test of character for Afghanistan. In recent times, they have  experienced some wonderful moments and played brilliant cricket, particularly in 

tournament settings. This is not a team that performs only in bilateral series; they have  often saved their very best cricket for high-pressure tournament games. 

Now, they find themselves under genuine pressure, and this is the kind of situation where  their leadership will be tested. Under the guidance of Rashid Khan, and with several  experienced players in the squad, Afghanistan will need to rely on their composure and  skills to get through this challenge. 

While it is not expected to be straightforward, the belief remains that Afghanistan can win  this game and qualify for the next stage. Their performance with the ball, especially  through their spinners, is likely to play a major role. But equally, their batting must step up,  with the top order taking responsibility. 

For Sri Lanka, this game is less about survival and more about refining their strategies,  especially in terms of their bowling attack. For Afghanistan, though, it is about proving that  they can handle the pressure and deliver when it matters most. 

The stage is set for a thrilling contest, with high stakes and plenty of drama expected as the  two teams battle for a place in the Super Fours.