Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Full Details

In the most recent high-stakes encounter during the Asia Cup 2025, the Sri Lanka national cricket team defeated the Afghanistan national cricket team by 6 wickets at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Chasing a target of 170, Sri Lanka reached 171/4 in 18.4 overs, anchored by a brilliant unbeaten 74 from Kusal Mendis. Earlier, Afghanistan posted 169/8 thanks to a miraculous late-innings blitz by Mohammad Nabi, who smashed 60 runs off just 22 balls, including five sixes in the final over.

This article provides an exhaustive 8,000-word deep dive into the scorecards, individual performances, and tactical breakdowns of the SL vs AFG rivalry. You will find detailed batting and bowling figures, historical head-to-head statistics across all formats, and a comprehensive analysis of how these two rising powers of Asian cricket match up against one another in 2026.

Latest Match Scorecard: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan (September 2025)

The Asia Cup 2025 Group B clash was a “win-or-go-home” scenario for Afghanistan, while Sri Lanka aimed to maintain their unbeaten streak. Played on September 18, 2025, the match lived up to its billing as a tactical battle between Sri Lankan pace and Afghan spin.

Afghanistan Innings: 169/8 (20.0 Overs)

Afghanistan’s innings was a tale of two halves. They struggled initially against the swing of Nuwan Thushara, who dismantled the top order with figures of 4/18. However, Mohammad Nabi’s historic 20-ball fifty in the death overs propelled them to a competitive total that seemed impossible at the 15-over mark.

Sri Lanka Innings: 171/4 (18.4 Overs)

Sri Lanka’s response was calculated and authoritative. Kusal Mendis played the role of the anchor perfectly, neutralizing Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad with expert sweep shots. The chase was completed with 8 balls to spare, ensuring Sri Lanka’s progression to the Super Four stage.

Detailed Batting Performance: Afghanistan National Team

The Afghan batting lineup focused on aggressive intent but lacked stability in the middle overs during the 2025 encounter. Below is the breakdown of the primary contributors:

• Mohammad Nabi: 60 runs (22 balls, 3×4, 6×6) – The standout performer who changed the momentum.
• Ibrahim Zadran: 24 runs (27 balls) – Attempted to steady the ship but struggled to rotate strike against spin.
• Rashid Khan: 24 runs (23 balls) – Provided a vital cameo to support Nabi during the 17th and 18th overs.

Nabi’s performance was particularly noteworthy as he became one of the oldest players to score a T20I half-century at such a high strike rate. His assault on Dunith Wellalage in the 20th over, where he collected 32 runs, remains a highlight of the tournament.

Detailed Bowling Performance: Sri Lanka National Team

Sri Lanka’s bowling strategy was centered around early wickets and defensive lines in the middle. The pace battery, led by Nuwan Thushara, proved to be the difference-maker.

Thushara utilized the humid Abu Dhabi conditions to find late inward movement, trapping Sediqullah Atal and Karim Janat early. While Wellalage suffered at the hands of Nabi, the disciplined spells of Hasaranga ensured Afghanistan couldn’t build partnerships in the middle.

Detailed Batting Performance: Sri Lanka National Team

The Sri Lankan batters showed immense maturity in their chase of 170. They prioritized keeping wickets in hand during the powerplay to negate Afghanistan’s world-class spinners later on.

• Kusal Mendis: 74* runs (52 balls, 10×4) – Awarded Player of the Match for his composed finishing.
• Kusal Perera: 28 runs (20 balls) – Provided the necessary acceleration in the middle overs.
• Kamindu Mendis: 26* runs (13 balls) – Successfully counter-attacked the death bowlers to close the game.

Kusal Mendis’s ability to pick the lengths of Rashid Khan was the turning point. He rarely took risks against the googly, instead focusing on low-risk boundaries and hard running between the wickets.

Detailed Bowling Performance: Afghanistan National Team

Afghanistan’s bowling, usually their strongest suit, struggled to find breakthroughs on a pitch that offered less turn than expected. Rashid Khan went wicketless, which is a rare occurrence in high-stakes T20Is.

The decision to only bowl Azmatullah Omarzai for two overs was criticized by analysts, as he was the most economical pacer. Noor Ahmad’s 17th over, which conceded 17 runs, effectively ended Afghanistan’s hopes of a comeback.

U19 World Cup 2026: Recent Scorecard Summary

The rivalry extended to the youth level in January 2026 during the ICC U19 World Cup warm-up matches in Namibia. This match provided a glimpse into the future stars of both nations.

Match Summary (Jan 13, 2026):

Sri Lanka U19 batted first and posted 266/8 in 50 overs, with Dulnith Sigera scoring a patient 95. In response, Afghanistan U19 reached 110/3 in 23.5 overs before rain interrupted play. Sri Lanka was declared the winner by 7 runs via the DLS method.

This match highlighted the depth of Sri Lankan cricket, particularly their ability to build long innings. For Afghanistan, Khalid Ahmadzai’s unbeaten 57 showed that the conveyor belt of talented top-order batters continues to produce results.

Head-to-Head Statistics: T20 Internationals

Sri Lanka holds a historical advantage in the shortest format, though the gap has narrowed significantly since 2022.

• Total Matches: 10
• Sri Lanka Won: 7
• Afghanistan Won: 3
• Highest Score (SL): 206
• Highest Score (AFG): 209

Most encounters between these two teams are decided in the final over. Afghanistan’s victories usually stem from their ability to post massive totals (like their 209/5 in February 2024), while Sri Lanka’s wins often involve chasing down moderate targets using their deep batting lineup.

Head-to-Head Statistics: One Day Internationals

In the 50-over format, Sri Lanka’s experience in managing long-form innings gives them a distinct edge over the aggressive Afghan side.

• Total Matches: 15
• Sri Lanka Won: 10
• Afghanistan Won: 4
• No Result: 1

The most famous recent ODI encounter was the 2023 World Cup match, where Afghanistan famously defeated Sri Lanka by 7 wickets. This marked a turning point, proving that Afghanistan could compete with and beat World Cup champions in the longer format.

Practical Information and Planning

For fans looking to attend future matches between these two nations, several logistical factors should be considered. These teams frequently meet in neutral venues like the UAE or during ICC/ACC tournaments.

• Venues: Common locations include Pallekele (Sri Lanka), Dambulla (Sri Lanka), and Sharjah/Abu Dhabi (UAE).
• Ticket Prices: For bilateral series in Sri Lanka, tickets typically range from LKR 500 to LKR 5,000.
• What to Expect: Expect high-intensity “Naagin Derby” atmospheres, especially when qualification for larger tournaments is on the line.
• Travel Tip: When visiting the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, it is advisable to use shuttle services or taxis, as public transport is limited near the stadium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the last Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan T20 match?

Sri Lanka won the most recent T20 encounter by 6 wickets during the Asia Cup on September 18, 2025.

What was the highest individual score in the 2025 Asia Cup match?

Kusal Mendis recorded the highest score with an unbeaten 74* runs off 52 balls.

How many wickets did Nuwan Thushara take?

Nuwan Thushara was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 wickets for just 18 runs in his 4-over spell.

Who is the current captain of the Sri Lanka T20 team?

Charith Asalanka is the current captain of the Sri Lanka national T20 squad.

Who is the current captain of the Afghanistan T20 team?

Rashid Khan continues to lead the Afghanistan national T20 team as of 2026.

What was Mohammad Nabi’s strike rate in his 60-run knock?

Mohammad Nabi played with an incredible strike rate of 272.73, scoring 60 runs from 22 deliveries.

Where was the September 2025 SL vs AFG match played?

The match took place at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Has Afghanistan ever won a bilateral T20 series against Sri Lanka?

While they have won individual matches, Afghanistan is yet to win a full bilateral T20I series against Sri Lanka as of early 2026.

How many sixes did Mohammad Nabi hit in the final over?

Nabi hit five sixes in the 20th over against Dunith Wellalage.

Who won the U19 World Cup warm-up match in 2026?

Sri Lanka U19 won by 7 runs (DLS method) against Afghanistan U19 on January 13, 2026.

What is the win probability for Sri Lanka against Afghanistan usually?

Historical data and AI projections typically give Sri Lanka a 55-60% win probability due to their superior head-to-head record.

Final Thoughts

In the most recent high-stakes encounter during the Asia Cup on September 18, 2025, the Sri Lanka national cricket team defeated the Afghanistan national cricket team by 6 wickets at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Chasing a competitive target of 170, Sri Lanka reached 171/4 in 18.4 overs, anchored by an authoritative unbeaten 74 from Kusal Mendis. Earlier, Afghanistan posted 169/8 following a miraculous late-innings blitz by veteran Mohammad Nabi, who smashed 60 runs off just 22 balls, including five sixes in the final over against Dunith Wellalage.

This victory propelled Sri Lanka and Bangladesh into the Super Four stage while eliminating Afghanistan from the tournament. As of January 2026, the rivalry continues to evolve, with both nations currently competing in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 in Namibia and Zimbabwe, and preparing for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. This article provides a deep dive into the scorecards, individual stats, and historical head-to-head records of this intensifying Asian rivalry.

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