All attention now turns to Dubai, where Afghanistan will clash with Sri Lanka on Thursday, September 18, in one of the most anticipated group-stage encounters. The prize at stake is a coveted berth in the Super Four.
Asia Cup 2025: Defending T20I Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka have begun their campaign with composed precision. Two back-to-back victories have put them on top of Group B with four points and a healthy net run rate of +1.546. Their versatile bowling unit has stepped up at crucial junctures, while their batting has thrived on a stable top order and calm execution through the middle overs.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, have shown glimpses of growing strength. They opened their campaign with a commanding 94-run win over Hong Kong before narrowly falling short by eight runs against Litton Das’s Bangladesh. With two points and the best net run rate in the group at +2.150, they remain in third position but very much in contention.
Asia Cup 2025: Explained: Who Can Qualify for the Super Four From Group B if Afghanistan Defeats Sri Lanka?
For example, if Sri Lanka bat first and post 150 runs, Afghanistan would need to chase it down in just 11.4 overs to knock Sri Lanka out and send Bangladesh through alongside them. On the other hand, if Afghanistan bat first and score 150, Sri Lanka must score at least 85 to prevent Bangladesh from advancing.
Asia Cup 2025: In short, Afghanistan need a win at all costs. Bangladesh, meanwhile, would prefer Sri Lanka to win — but if Sri Lanka lose, Bangladesh will still hope it’s not by a big margin.
The group stage concludes on September 19 with India facing Oman in a dead rubber. The Super Four will run from September 20 to 26, followed by the Asia Cup 2025 final on September 28.
