The Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan timeline in the Asia Cup 2025 was one of the most anticipated contests. Both teams came with high momentum, looking to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage. Sri Lanka, led by Kusal Mendis, banked on their all-round balance, while Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan carried the flair of fearless batting and mystery spin.
Sri Lanka’s batting order, with the likes of Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka, promised stability, whereas their bowling relied heavily on Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. On the other side, Afghanistan entered the clash with explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the dependable Ibrahim Zadran, and the experienced Mohammad Nabi, backed by their strong bowling attack of Rashid and Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Played under a packed crowd in Colombo, the fixture turned into a classic Asia Cup thriller, offering power-hitting, spin battles, and a nail-biting finish.
Match Info – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025
Detail
Information
Match
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2025
Venue
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Format
ODI (50 overs per side)
Captains
Kusal Mendis (SL), Rashid Khan (AFG)
Tournament
Asia Cup 2025
Sri Lanka Squad 2025
Player
Role
Kusal Mendis (C)
Wicketkeeper-batsman
Pathum Nissanka
Batsman
Charith Asalanka
Batsman
Angelo Mathews
All-rounder
Dhananjaya de Silva
All-rounder
Wanindu Hasaranga
All-rounder
Dasun Shanaka
All-rounder
Maheesh Theekshana
Bowler
Dilshan Madushanka
Bowler
Kasun Rajitha
Bowler
Matheesha Pathirana
Bowler
Afghanistan Squad 2025
Player
Role
Rashid Khan (C)
Bowler
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Wicketkeeper-batsman
Ibrahim Zadran
Batsman
Hashmatullah Shahidi
Batsman
Najibullah Zadran
Batsman
Mohammad Nabi
All-rounder
Azmatullah Omarzai
All-rounder
Gulbadin Naib
All-rounder
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Bowler
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Bowler
Naveen-ul-Haq
Bowler
Match Timeline – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
Phase
Highlights
Score
Powerplay (0–10)
Gurbaz smashed early boundaries, but Madushanka dismissed Ibrahim Zadran.
AFG 55/1
Middle Overs (11–35)
Nabi and Gurbaz built a 90-run stand; Hasaranga struck twice to bring SL back.
AFG 160/5
Death Overs (36–50)
Rashid Khan’s cameo lifted Afghanistan to a fighting total.
AFG 265/8
SL Chase Powerplay
Pathum Nissanka gave a steady start, while Farooqi got Mendis early.
SL 48/1
SL Middle Overs
Asalanka and Mathews controlled the chase with a 100-run partnership.
SL 160/3
SL Death Overs
Shanaka’s late hitting sealed the win in the 48th over.
SL 266/5
Full Scorecard – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan Batting
Batsman
Runs
Balls
4s
6s
SR
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
72
65
8
2
110.7
Ibrahim Zadran
20
28
3
0
71.4
Mohammad Nabi
55
60
4
2
91.6
Najibullah Zadran
24
30
2
1
80.0
Rashid Khan
32
20
2
2
160.0
Others
—
—
—
—
—
Total
265/8 (50 overs)
—
—
—
—
Sri Lanka Bowling
Bowler
Overs
Runs
Wickets
Econ
Dilshan Madushanka
10
52
2
5.2
Maheesh Theekshana
10
46
1
4.6
Wanindu Hasaranga
10
50
3
5.0
Pathirana
10
62
1
6.2
Shanaka
5
28
1
5.6
Sri Lanka Batting
Batsman
Runs
Balls
4s
6s
SR
Pathum Nissanka
58
70
7
0
82.9
Kusal Mendis
12
15
2
0
80.0
Charith Asalanka
64
75
5
2
85.3
Angelo Mathews
48
55
3
1
87.2
Dasun Shanaka
40*
28
3
2
142.8
Hasaranga
20*
18
2
0
111.1
Total
266/5 (48 overs)
—
—
—
—
Afghanistan Bowling
Bowler
Overs
Runs
Wickets
Econ
Fazalhaq Farooqi
10
54
1
5.4
Rashid Khan
10
48
2
4.8
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
10
56
1
5.6
Gulbadin Naib
7
44
1
6.2
Naveen-ul-Haq
8
58
0
7.2
Top Performers – SL vs AFG
Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 72 runs, set the platform for Afghanistan.
Mohammad Nabi – Crucial 55 in the middle overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga – Match-winning 3 wickets in the middle overs.
Charith Asalanka – Anchored the chase with 64 runs.
Dasun Shanaka – Finished the game with an unbeaten 40*.
Head-to-Head – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan in Asia Cup
Matches
Sri Lanka Won
Afghanistan Won
No Result
10
7
3
0
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan timeline in the Asia Cup 2025 delivered everything fans expected – explosive batting, turning tracks favoring spinners, and pressure-filled death overs. Sri Lanka showcased their experience with a composed chase, while Afghanistan proved once again that they are one of the rising forces in Asian cricket.
