Asia Cup 2025: Jonathan Trott’s Afghanistan have ‘plenty to play for’ in must-win clash

Afghanistan find themselves in a desperate situation to win the upcoming against Sri Lanka to secure their Super Fours spot for the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. This do-or-die fixture, the 11th match of this year’s continental tournament, will be played at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Thursday, September 18. Ahead of the encounter, their head coach Jonathan Trott that the Rashid Khan-led side will be having their task cut out on Thursday.

Trott is quite positive, and more importantly, confident in his approach in the lead up to the tie against the Lankan Lions. He also knows the hurt it caused after the narrow loss in the dramatic last-over encounter against Bangladesh on Tuesday. However, the side has moved on with learnings from that game and have their goals right in front of their eyes for the next match, which will decide their fate in the 2025 edition of the marquee event.

“We are very optimistic (against Sri Lanka). We have played two games here and if we win on Thursday, we go on top of the group. There’s plenty to play for. There is disappointment but we have to dust ourselves off. There are ups and downs. You have to make sure you have to ride those waves, Trott was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

We have to bounce back on Thursday. If we can win well, it gives us a lot of confidence. There’s plenty to play for. We should have played better, but we have to pull our socks up for Thursday,” he added.

For the Afgans, the side has shown a great degree of promise, but only a win in tomorrow’s clash can help them extend their stay in the United Arab Emirates. They will be heavily reliant on their opening pair, especially the in-form Sediqullah Atal, who started with an unbeaten 73 in the opener against Hong Kong. However, the knock was followed by a duck in the next, which is something he would not want to repeat in Abu Dhabi.

Disclaimer: This latest 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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