Rashid To Drop MI 's IPL Star? AFG Probable XI For Must-Win Asia Cup Match Vs Sri Lanka

Afghanistan might make a few changes vs SL [Source: AFP]

On Tuesday, Afghanistan suffered their first loss in the Asia Cup 2025, as Bangladesh pipped them by eight runs to stay alive in the Super Four race. After conceding 154 runs with the ball, the Afghans managed only 146, incurring a narrow defeat despite Azmatullah Omarzai's heroics. 

Considering Bangladesh finished the group stage with two victories, Afghanistan must win their last game against Sri Lanka to avoid an early exit from the Asia Cup. In such a scenario, let's analyse and find out what their probable combination could be for this high-profile affair. But before that, here's a look at Afghanistan's playing XI for their previous match against Bangladesh. 

Afghanistan's XI vs Bangladesh

Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, Allah Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Probable Changes In AFG XI For Asia Cup Match vs SL

Why should Mujeeb replace Allah Ghazanfar?

Overall performance in T20Is and experience

(Mujeeb Ur Rahman has much better T20I numbers than Ghazanfar)

• As shown in the above table, Mujeeb Ur Rahman has excellent numbers in T20Is unlike Allah Ghazanfar, who has managed a solitary wicket in four matches. Mujeeb is more experienced than Ghazanfar, which could be an added advantage for Afghanistan in their must-win encounter against Sri Lanka. 

Ghazanfar's disappointing returns and role in powerplay

• Despite Afghanistan preferring him over Mujeeb, Allah Ghazanfar, who has purchased by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 auction, hasn't lived up to the expectations, going wicketless in two consecutive matches. 
• More importantly, Afghanistan used him in the powerplay against Bangladesh, but the spinner was hammered for 27 runs, with Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan capitalising on his erratic bowling. On the contrary, Mujeeb has been a proven performer in the powerplay, having scalped 33 wickets at a magnificent economy of 6.56. 

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Will Afghanistan back Karim Janat?

(Karim Janat's Asia Cup 2025 stats)

• All-rounder Karim Janat hasn't been at his best in the Asia Cup so far. Known for his hard-hitting prowess, Janat has disappointed Afghanistan as a finisher, scoring eight runs across two outings at a horrible strike rate of 72.72. He has also failed to take a wicket, conceding runs at an abysmal economy of 10.50. 
• So, he seems one of the frontrunners to be dropped from Afghanistan's playing XI for the Sri Lanka clash. However, it's important to note that the Afghans don't have another batting all-rounder in their Asia Cup squad. So, if they decide to move on from Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, who plays primarily as a bowler, will likely replace him. 
• The rest of Afghanistan's lineup will likely remain unchanged, with Atal, Gurbaz, Ibrahim, Gulbadin, Nabi, Omarzai and Rashid expected to play crucial roles. 

Afghanistan's Probable XI vs Sri Lanka

Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat/Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi

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