Asia Cup 2025: Top 3 player battles to watch out for in match 11

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will clash in Match 11 of the Asia Cup 2025 on September 18, 2025 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

Sri Lanka defeated Hong Kong and Bangladesh in matches in Group B of the competition. Although Sri Lanka has four points and a respectable net run rate of 1.546, they have not yet advanced to the Super Four stage and must defeat Afghanistan or even lose by a smaller margin so as not to go below Bangladesh in terms of net run rate.

Afghanistan had a good net run rate after defeating Hong Kong by 94 runs in their Asia Cup 2025 tournament opener. Afghanistan has two points from two games after losing to Bangladesh by eight runs in a close match in their second game. For Afghanistan to advance to the Super Four stage, they must win.

Here are the top 3 player battles to watch out for in match 11 in the Asia Cup 2025:

1. Pathum Nissanka vs Fazalhaq Farooqi

Pathum Nissanka has 2068 runs with a strike rate of 124.42 in 70 T20I games, with 17 half-centuries and a best score of 90. He has been in brilliant form in the Asia Cup, being the highest scorer with 118 runs with a strike rate of 151.28 in two games with two fifties, including the highest score of 68. He has taken on the best of the opposition bowlers and ensured that Sri Lanka had the best start possible.

Fazalhaq Farooqi might have taken only two wickets in two games for Afghanistan in this Asia Cup, but his economy of 7.57 means he has done well with the new ball before spinners took over. Farooqi has taken 61 wickets in 49 T20Is at an economy of 6.82, with best bowling figures of 5/9. He swings the new ball in the air and might trouble Nissanka at the start with the movement and his slower deliveries.

2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Wanindu Hasaranga

Rahmanullah Gurbaz has scored 1824 runs at a strike rate of 132.36 in 73 T20Is, including 10 fifties and one century. He opens the batting for Afghanistan and has not gotten the starts he usually gives, with only 43 runs in two games with the best score of 35. Despite this form, Gurbaz still remains the most dangerous batter in the Afghanistan lineup, who takes bowlers apart in powerplay overs.

While Wanindu Hasaranga does not usually bowl in powerplays for Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka might be enticed to give him the ball to counter Gurbaz, who is under pressure to score. If he can dismiss Gurbaz early for cheap, it will be a big positive for Sri Lanka. Hasaranga has taken the most wickets, 134, for Sri Lanka with an economy of 6.97 in 81 T20Is, with a best bowling figure of 4/9.

3. Rashid Khan vs Kusal Mendis

Rashid Khan is Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker, with 171 wickets in 100 T20Is at an economy of 6.07 and best figures of 5/3. He has taken three wickets in two games in this Asia Cup 2025 and has not had the kind of impact he would want to. Rashid thrives by rushing the batters and making them play false shots, especially after powerplay overs.

Kusal Mendis is one of the most skillful batters in Sri Lanka and has scored 2090 runs with a strike rate of 131.19 in 86 T20I games, with 16 half-centuries and a best score of 86. Mendis bats in the top order but is yet to fire in this Asia Cup, with only 14 runs in two games. Despite this, he is the best batter to counter Rashid Khan at his best and might give Mendis the chance to regain his form.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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