By News18

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After a narrow defeat to Bangladesh, Afghanistan’s opportunities now hinge on their upcoming clash against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka currently leads the table with four points from two matches, while Bangladesh also sit on four points but has completed all their fixtures. Afghanistan, with two points, still have one game remaining, against the top-ranked Sri Lanka.
This encounter has effectively become a virtual knockout. A Sri Lanka win would see them advance alongside Bangladesh. However, if Afghanistan pull off a victory, all three teams would be tied on four points, leaving net run rate to determine which two sides progress.
Afghanistan, led by Rashid Khan, will be looking to rejuvenate their hopes, banking on their spinners once again. While Charith Asalanka’s boys will look to end their group stage campaign in style with a 100 per cent win record, it will be interesting to see if Afghanistan can pull off the tough task.
Sri Lanka currently top the table with four points from two matches, while Bangladesh also have four points but have completed all their games. Afghanistan, on two points, still have one match remaining, against Sri Lanka.
That game has become a virtual knockout. A Sri Lanka victory over Afghanistan would see them advance alongside Bangladesh. However, if Afghanistan pull off a win against Sri Lanka, all three sides would finish on four points, leaving NRR to decide the two qualifiers.
This scenario puts Bangladesh in danger. Their net run rate stands at -0.270, far behind Afghanistan’s +2.150 and Sri Lanka’s +1.546. A win for Afghanistan would almost certainly eliminate Bangladesh, despite their four points.
Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup Schedule, Date and Time:
The Asia Cup match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka will be played on Thursday, September 18, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The match will start at 8 PM IST.
Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup broadcast in India:
The Asia Cup match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka will be televised in India on the Sony Sports Network.
Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup Live Streaming OTT:
The live streaming of Afghanistan and Sri Lanka will be available on the SonyLiv and Fancode app and website.
Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup Toss Time:
The toss for Afghanistan and Sri Lanka will take place at 7:30 PM IST.

Sri Lanka – Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Janith Liyanage.
Afghanistan – Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi