Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Toss, Timing & Live
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is buzzing again. The Asia Cup 2025 moves into another heated evening as Sri Lanka lock horns with Afghanistan. Fans in India mark their calendars for prime-time cricket that could shape the group table, making it one of the most followed updates in latest sports news and trending cricket news today.
Match Overview
Sri Lanka bring history, Afghanistan bring energy. It’s a match that tests experience against fearlessness. One has titles in the cupboard, the other has momentum in hand. The winner tonight edges closer to a semi-final seat.
Toss and Match Timing
Toss is at 7:30 PM IST. The first ball hits the turf at 8:00 PM IST. With evening dew expected in Abu Dhabi, every captain’s call matters.
Probable Playing XI for Sri Lanka
The islanders rely on steady batsmen and clever spinners. Their XI still packs balance, though they’ve rotated in recent games.
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Charith Asalanka
- Angelo Mathews
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Dasun Shanaka (c)
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Kasun Rajitha
- Dilshan Madushanka
Probable Playing XI for Afghanistan
Afghanistan thrive on fast starts and suffocating spin. Rashid Khan leads a group that knows how to rattle bigger names.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Najibullah Zadran
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
- Mohammad Nabi
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Rashid Khan
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Naveen-ul-Haq
Head-to-Head Record
| Competition | Matches Played | Sri Lanka Wins | Afghanistan Wins | No Result |
| Asia Cup | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| ODIs Total | 14 | 11 | 3 | 0 |
Sri Lanka dominate the sheet, but Afghanistan’s 2018 shock still gets replayed by fans.
Where to Watch in India?
Indian fans won’t miss a ball. Sony Sports Network carries the match on televisio n. Sony LIV and FanCode stream it online, just as they will for the upcoming Pakistan vs UAE Match, ensuring cricket followers get full coverage across platforms.
Free access isn’t uniform. Some telecom packs toss in Sony LIV at no extra cost. For many, a subscription is still the straightforward way.
TV Broadcast
- Sony Sports Ten 1 (English)
- Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi)
- Sony Sports Ten 5 (HD feed)
Online Streaming
- Sony LIV (app and website)
- FanCode (paid live streaming)
Key Players to Watch Tonight
These names pull eyes and raise expectations.
| Team | Player | Role | Why to Watch |
| Sri Lanka | Wanindu Hasaranga | All-rounder | Can change games with spin and quick runs late |
| Sri Lanka | Kusal Mendis | Wicketkeeper-bat | Keeps the innings calm, then pushes hard |
| Afghanistan | Rashid Khan | Captain/Spinner | Reads batsmen quicker than most, bowls smart overs |
| Afghanistan | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Opener | Attacks from ball one, unsettles pace attacks |
Points Table Impact
The math looks tight. Sri Lanka need the win to stay alive. Afghanistan can leap closer to a semi-final spot if they bag two points tonight. Every run in Abu Dhabi feels heavier when the group stage narrows.
Next Fixtures in Asia Cup 2025
The road only gets tougher. Sri Lanka face Bangladesh next, a meeting that could push them out or keep them alive. Afghanistan line up against India — the loudest fixture of their campaign so far, carrying hype similar to an India vs Pakistan clash.
FAQs
Q1. What is the toss time for the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 match?
The toss is fixed for 7:30 PM IST at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Q2. Which TV channels will broadcast the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan match in India?
Sony Sports Network will air the match live across Sony Sports Ten 1, Ten 3, and Ten 5.
Q3. Can viewers in India watch the Asia Cup 2025 match free online?
Yes, some telecom recharge packs include Sony LIV at no cost, but otherwise a subscription is needed.
Q4. Who are the captains for Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2025?
Dasun Shanaka leads Sri Lanka, while Rashid Khan guides Afghanistan.
Q5. What is the Asia Cup head-to-head record between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan?
Sri Lanka have won four of six Asia Cup encounters, with Afghanistan victorious twice.
