Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025: Afghanistan A vs Sri Lanka A – Group A Clash Preview and Live Streaming Guide

Match Preview Afghanistan A vs Sri Lanka A

Doha, 15 November 2025The Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 – the revamped Emerging Teams Asia Cup – continues its electric start on Saturday with a mouthwatering Group A showdown: Afghanistan A versus Sri Lanka A at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. Slated for 5:00 PM IST (1:30 PM local, 9:30 AM GMT), this T20 fixture pits the defending champions against a two-time winner hungry for resurgence. Fresh off yesterday’s Group B double-header—where Pakistan Shaheens edged Oman by 40 runs and India A stunned UAE by 148—today’s action opens with Bangladesh A vs Hong Kong at 12:00 PM IST. For Afghanistan A, led by Darwish Rasooli, a victory here would cement their title defense before facing Bangladesh A. Sri Lanka A, under the astute Dunith Wellalage, eye early points to top the group ahead of Hong Kong and Bangladesh A.This seventh edition of the tournament, hosted entirely in Doha from November 14-23, features eight teams in T20 format: top two from each group advance to semifinals on November 21, with the final on November 23. Yesterday’s high totals (220 and 297) highlight Doha’s flat tracks, but the evening dew could tilt chases.

Head-to-head? Afghanistan A vs Sri Lanka A

Afghanistan A hold a slight edge, having stunned Sri Lanka A by 7 wickets in the 2024 final. Sri Lanka, though, boast superior batting depth—expect a run-fest. Afghanistan A enter as narrow favorites (60% win probability) with their spin wizardry, but Wellalage’s all-round nous could flip the script.Key Stat: Afghanistan A’s spinners took 12 wickets in the 2024 final; Sri Lanka A’s batters averaged 45+ against spin in recent domestics.

The Venue: Afghanistan A vs Sri Lanka A

Doha’s Dew-Drenched DramaWest End Park offers true bounce and pace for early aggression, rewarding openers with 50+ powerplays. Evening dew (high at 5:00 PM IST) favors chasers—toss winners may bowl first. Spinners grip in the middle overs, suiting both sides’ attacks. Average 1st innings: 170. Weather: Clear skies, 28°C—perfect for boundaries.

Afghanistan A Squad :

Spin Kings on Title DefenseDarwish Rasooli (c) leads the 2024 champions, a spin-heavy unit blending youth and experience. Their middle-overs choke (under 6 rpo) dismantled Sri Lanka last year.

Full Squad:

Darwish Rasooli (c), Sediqullah Atal, Noor Rahman, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Zubaid Akbari, Imran Mir, Rahmanullah Zadran, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Nangyal Kharoti, Qais Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Farmanullah Safi.

Probable XI:

Sediqullah Atal, Zubaid Akbari, Darwish Rasooli (c), Rahmanullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Nangyal Kharoti, Farmanullah Safi, Qais Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Faridoon Dawoodzai.
Impact Subs: Imran Mir, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Abdullah Ahmadzai.

Strengths:

Mystery spin from AM Ghazanfar (17 wickets @ 9.8 in 2024) and Qais Ahmad (leg-spin maestro). Batting firepower with Sediqullah Atal (50+ SR in chases).

X-Factor: Nangyal Kharoti—left-arm orthodox + left-hand bat; 14 wickets in last Emerging Cup.

Tactical Playbook: Early pace from Faridoon (140 kph), spin strangle (12 overs @ <7 rpo), aggressive chase under dew.

Sri Lanka A Squad analysis:

Batting Depth Meets All-Round BalanceDunith Wellalage (c) captains a versatile side with LPL-tested talent, aiming to reclaim glory after the 2024 final heartbreak. Their batting resilience (top order SR 140+) is key.

Full Squad:

Dunith Wellalage (c), Vishen Halambage, Nisan Madushka (wk), Lasith Croospulle, Nuwanidu Fernando, Ramesh Mendis, Kavindu De Livera, Sahan Arachchige, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Pramod Madushan, Garuka Sanketh, Isitha Wijesundara, Milan Rathnayaka, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Traveen Mathew.

Probable XI:

Lasith Croospulle, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Dunith Wellalage (c), Nuwanidu Fernando, Sahan Arachchige, Nisan Madushka (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Pramod Madushan, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Garuka Sanketh, Isitha Wijesundara.
Impact Subs:

Kavindu De Livera, Vishen Halambage, Traveen Mathew.

Strengths:

All-round depth with Wellalage (300+ LPL runs + 15 wickets). Pace from Pramod Madushan (seam swing) and spin variety (Viyaskanth’s mystery leg-spin).

X-Factor:

Nuwanidu Fernando—elegant top-order batter; 200+ runs in recent T20s @ 150 SR.Tactical Playbook: Powerplay blitz (Croospulle-Fernando), all-round control (Wellalage-Mendís), death overs from Madushan.

Match Prediction: Afghanistan A vs Sri Lanka A

Spin Duel Tilts to AfghanistanAfghanistan’s wrist-spin could stifle Sri Lanka’s middle order on a gripping surface—expect a tight contest. Bold Call: Sri Lanka 172/6 batting first (Fernando 55); Afghanistan 175/4 (Atal 70*). Afghanistan win by 6 wickets. Toss: Bowl first for dew advantage.

Tournament Schedule Snapshot (Group A Focus | All Times IST | Venue: West End Park, Doha)Group stage: Nov 15-19. Semis: Nov 21 (12:00 PM & 5:00 PM). Final: Nov 23 (7:00 PM).

Group A Standings (Pre-Match): All at 0 points. A win vaults the victor to the top.

Live Streaming and Telecast Guide: Afghanistan A vs Sri Lanka A

How to Watch Every BallCatch the action live from Doha—full coverage across India and beyond.

• Live Scores: Ball-by-ball updates on ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and Sony LIV app (free scorecards with stats, replays).
• Live Telecast (India):
  • Sony Sports Ten 1 / Ten 1 HD (English commentary by Sanjay Manjrekar, Robin Uthappa).
  • Sony Sports Ten 3 / Ten 3 HD (Hindi).
  • Regional: Sony Sports 3/4 for select languages.
• Live Streaming (India & Global):
  • Sony LIV app/website (subscription: ₹299/month; HD, multi-angle, expert analysis).
  • FanCode (pay-per-match in select regions; highlights included).
  • Free post-match clips on ACC YouTube and Sony LIV.
• Radio: Live commentary on Radio Mirchi (India) or apps like TuneIn for global access.

For Afghanistan: Ariana TV. Sri Lanka: Dialog TV. Start times: 5:00 PM IST = 2:30 PM Doha / 9:30 AM GMT.

Defending champs vs past masters—dew, spin, and sixes await. Afghanistan A chase history; Sri Lanka A, redemption. Tune in—the Rising Stars shine brightest in rivalry