Sri Lanka A vs Afghanistan A Match Preview – Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

Date: Saturday, 15th November 2025
Venue: West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha
Start Time: 11:30 AM GMT | 04:30 PM IST | 01:30 PM Local (Doha)

Match Overview

The fourth match of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 promises to be a thrilling encounter between Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A. Taking place at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha, this high-stakes clash will see two of the most promising developmental teams in Asia go head-to-head.

The venue, a relatively balanced pitch, has seen an average first innings score of 151.33 in 2025. The spinners have enjoyed a slightly better economy (6.77) compared to fast bowlers (7.84), indicating a potential advantage for spin-friendly batsmen.

Team Form and Strengths

Afghanistan A

Afghanistan A enters this match as the 2024 Emerging Asia Cup champions, and their form this season has been impressive. Key performers include Sediqullah Atal, who has been a consistent run-scorer with a high strike rate, and AM Ghazanfar, a promising young bowler with 56 T20 wickets under his belt. The Afghan squad also boasts of experienced campaigners like Rahmanullah Zadran and Faridoon Dawoodzai, who add depth and resilience to the team.

Afghanistan’s balanced squad and experience in high-pressure matches give them a clear advantage, especially in the middle overs.

Sri Lanka A

Sri Lanka A, who were runners-up in the 2024 Emerging Asia Cup, are no strangers to competitive cricket at this level. Their star performer, Sahan Arachchige, has already contributed 147 runs in the tournament, while Dushan Hemantha has been a wicket-taking machine with 15 wickets.

This match will test the Sri Lankan A side’s ability to perform under pressure, especially in a venue where they have not had a winning record in the last five encounters. However, their spin-friendly batting lineup may help them capitalize on the pitch conditions.

Key Players to Watch

Afghanistan A

• Sediqullah Atal: The left-handed opener has been in sensational form. His ability to accelerate and clear the ropes makes him a danger from the word go.
• AM Ghazanfar: A versatile all-rounder, Ghazanfar can swing the game with his medium-pacer's accuracy and lower-order batting.
• Faridoon Dawoodzai: The left-arm fast bowler is known for his ability to generate early breakthroughs and maintain pressure.

Sri Lanka A

• Vijayakanth Viyaskanth: The leg-spinner has been economical and effective in tight games. His control and variations could trouble the Afghan batters.
• Vishen Halambage: A dynamic all-rounder, Halambage is a threat with both bat and ball and could turn the match in a flash.
• Isitha Wijesundara: The off-spinner has a low average and has been a reliable option in the middle overs.

Head-to-Head Record

In the last five meetings between the two teams, Afghanistan A has dominated with 2 wins, while Sri Lanka A has not managed to secure a single victory. This psychological edge could play a significant role in the outcome of the match.

Venue Insights

The West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha has historically offered slightly easier conditions for spinners and batters. The average first-innings score at the venue in 2025 is 151.33, with spinners enjoying an economy rate of 6.77 and fast bowlers averaging 7.84.

This suggests that both teams would be advised to chase if they win the toss.

Squads

Afghanistan A:
Darwish Rasooli, Noor Rahman, Mohammad Ishaq, Sediqullah Atal, Zubaid Akbari, Imran Mir, Rahmanullah Zadran, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Nangeyalia Kharote, Farmanullah Safi, Qais Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Abdullah Ahmadzai.

Sri Lanka A:
Dunith Wellalage, Nishan Madushka, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Vishen Halambage, Lasith Croospulle, Nuwanidu Fernando, Sohan de Livera, Sahan Arachchige, Ramesh Mendis, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Traveen Mathew, Milan Rathnayake, Pramod Madushan, Isitha Wijesundara, Garuka Sanketh.

Predictions

• Toss: Sri Lanka A
• Match Winner: Afghanistan A
• Top Batter Runs: Sediqullah Atal (Afghanistan A), Nuwanidu Fernando (Sri Lanka A)
• Top Bowler Wickets: AM Ghazanfar (Afghanistan A), Isitha Wijesundara (Sri Lanka A)
• Most Sixes: Sediqullah Atal (Afghanistan A), Vishen Halambage (Sri Lanka A)
• Player of the Match: Sediqullah Atal (Afghanistan A)
• Team Scores Batting First: Afghanistan A 170+, Sri Lanka A 140+

Final Thoughts

This promises to be an exciting match where Afghanistan A’s experience and form may give them the edge. However, Sri Lanka A, with their spin-friendly batting lineup, will look to exploit the pitch and put up a tough total. With the toss possibly going Sri Lanka A’s way, the game could come down to how well the teams adapt to the conditions and execute their game plans.

Stay tuned for a match that could well define the remainder of the tournament for both teams.
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