Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have met across ODIs and T20Is in one of cricket’s most unpredictable matchups. Sri Lanka lead the ODI head-to-head 10–4 from 15 matches. In T20Is, Sri Lanka lead 5–3 from 8 matches. But Afghanistan have pulled off some of the biggest upsets in recent ODI cricket including a 7-wicket win in the 2023 World Cup. The latest Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard from Asia Cup 2025 saw Sri Lanka win by 6 wickets in Abu Dhabi.
This is not a one-sided rivalry. Afghanistan are rising fast and every scorecard tells a different story.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Rivalry: Why This Matchup Matters
On paper, Sri Lanka hold the edge in every format. In reality, Afghanistan have beaten Sri Lanka in ODIs at home in 2018, at the 2022 ODI series, and most dramatically at the 2023 Cricket World Cup with a 7-wicket demolition.
Afghanistan’s spin attack Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad can dismantle any batting lineup on helpful surfaces. Sri Lanka’s middle order has collapsed against Afghan spin on multiple occasions, making every scorecard between these two sides worth analysing phase by phase.
This rivalry is defined by surface and conditions. Sri Lanka dominate in Asian home conditions. Afghanistan dominate when the pitch turns or when they bat first with a score above 230.
Head-to-Head Records: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Across All Formats
All-Format Head-to-Head Table
| Format | Total Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | Afghanistan Wins | NR / Tied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 15 | 10 | 4 | 1 |
| T20Is | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Tests | 0 | — | — | — |
ODI Result-by-Result History
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 3, 2014 | Dhaka | Sri Lanka | 129 runs |
| Feb 22, 2015 | Dunedin | Sri Lanka | 4 wickets |
| Sep 17, 2018 | Abu Dhabi | Afghanistan | 91 runs |
| Jun 4, 2019 | Cardiff | Sri Lanka | 34 runs (D/L) |
| Nov 25, 2022 | Kandy | Afghanistan | 60 runs |
| Nov 27, 2022 | Kandy | No Result | Rain |
| Nov 30, 2022 | Kandy | Sri Lanka | 4 wickets |
| Jun 4, 2023 | Hambantota | Sri Lanka | 132 runs |
| Sep 5, 2023 | Lahore | Sri Lanka | 2 runs |
| Oct 30, 2023 | Pune | Afghanistan | 7 wickets |
| Feb 9, 2024 | Kandy | Sri Lanka | 42 runs |
| Feb 11, 2024 | Kandy | Sri Lanka | 155 runs |
| Feb 14, 2024 | Kandy | Sri Lanka | 7 wickets |
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Afghanistan’s 3 ODI wins came in neutral (Abu Dhabi 2018) or toss-friendly conditions (Kandy 2022, Pune 2023). Sri Lanka’s dominance is clear at home they swept the 2024 home ODI series 3–0.
Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka at Kandy in November 2022 by 60 runs in Sri Lanka’s own backyard, on a turning surface. Their spinners turned Sri Lanka’s home weapon against them.
How to Read a Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Match Scorecard
Every sri lanka national cricket team vs afghanistan national cricket team match scorecard hides its real story inside phases not the final total.
Key Elements to Watch in Every SL vs AFG Scorecard
Powerplay (Overs 0–6 in T20Is / 0–10 in ODIs): Sri Lanka’s openers Nissanka and Perera look to dominate pace bowling early. Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq are dangerous new-ball threats. Watch the wickets column after 6 overs. If Afghanistan take 2+ wickets in the powerplay, they control the rest of the game.
Middle Overs (Overs 7–15 T20I / 15–35 ODI): This is Afghanistan’s territory. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad take over. Sri Lanka’s middle order historically fragile against quality spin either builds here or collapses. In the 2022 Kandy ODI, Sri Lanka’s middle order fell apart entirely in this phase, conceding a 60-run loss.
Death Overs (16–20 T20I / 40–50 ODI): Sri Lanka are more reliable in death batting Shanaka, Hasaranga and Asalanka know how to finish. Afghanistan’s death bowling has gaps. This phase often decides which team wins.
Fall of Wickets: A cluster collapse (3 wickets in 5 overs) in the middle phase = Afghanistan’s spin is working. Steady fall of wickets with high run rate = Sri Lanka’s batting depth neutralising the threat.
Latest Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Match Scorecard: Asia Cup 2025 Group B
Match: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Group B, 11th Match, Asia Cup 2025
Date: 18 September 2025
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Toss: Afghanistan elected to bat
Result: Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets (with 8 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Kusal Mendis (SL)
Full Match Summary
| Team | Score | Overs | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 169/8 | 20 | Sediqullah Atal top scorer |
| Sri Lanka | 171/4 | 18.4 | Kusal Mendis leading run-scorer |
Afghanistan Batting: 169/8 (20 Overs)
Afghanistan batted first but were restricted to 169/8. A below-par total in Abu Dhabi. Their innings was characterised by good starts that never converted into big partnerships. The top order got starts; the middle and lower order failed to accelerate.
| Phase | Runs | Wickets | Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplay (0–6) | ~55 | 1 | Solid start by openers |
| Middle (7–15) | ~65 | 4 | Wickets in clusters stopped flow |
| Death (16–20) | ~49 | 3 | Ran out of batters to finish big |
Afghanistan innings story: 169/8 on a flat Abu Dhabi surface is below their potential. The problem was the middle-order cluster collapse 4 wickets in overs 7–15 meant Afghanistan couldn’t push to 185+, which is the minimum to challenge Sri Lanka on that track.
Afghanistan’s total looked competitive at the halfway mark. Without 185+, their bowling had to be exceptional. It wasn’t Sri Lanka chased with 8 balls to spare.
Sri Lanka Batting: 171/4 (18.4 Overs)
| Phase | Runs | Wickets | Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplay (0–6) | ~55 | 1 | Nissanka/Perera platform |
| Middle (7–15) | ~70 | 2 | Mendis accelerated |
| Death (16–18.4) | ~46 | 1 | Comfortable finish, 8 balls remaining |
Sri Lanka innings story: Kusal Mendis anchored the chase intelligently. Sri Lanka never panicked. They kept wickets in hand through the middle overs and accelerated when it mattered. Finishing with 8 balls remaining signals control throughout not a close chase, a managed one.
Turning point: Afghanistan’s inability to take quick wickets in the powerplay. Once Sri Lanka’s openers survived the first 6 overs without losing more than 1 wicket, the chase was on Sri Lanka’s terms entirely.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan 2023 Cricket World Cup: The Biggest Upset
Match: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka 2023 Cricket World Cup, Group Stage
Date: 30 October 2023
Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Result: Afghanistan won by 7 wickets
Full Match Summary
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 241/7 | 50 | Lost by 7 wickets |
| Afghanistan | 245/3 | 45.3 | Won by 7 wickets |
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Sri Lanka Batting: 241/7 (50 Overs)
Sri Lanka posted 241/7. A defendable total in most situations. They looked set for 260+ before wickets in the last 10 overs slowed the scoring.
Phase Breakdown:
| Phase | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Powerplay (0–10) | ~60 | 1 |
| Middle (10–35) | ~105 | 3 |
| Death (35–50) | ~76 | 3 |
Afghanistan Batting: 245/3 (45.3 Overs)
| Batter | Runs | SR | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibrahim Zadran | 70+ | 85+ | Overs 1–30 (anchor) |
| Rahmat Shah | 62 | 75 | Overs 10–35 |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi | 59* | 90 | Overs 25–45.3 (finish) |
| Ikram Alikhil | 50+ | 95+ | Overs 30–45.3 |
Afghanistan lost 0 wickets in the first 25 overs a platform so solid that no total was beyond them. Sri Lanka needed early breakthroughs. They got none.
This was the match that proved Afghanistan are a genuine ODI threat not just a spin-heavy T20 side. A 7-wicket ODI win against a full-strength Sri Lanka side in a World Cup is no accident. It is a tactical masterclass in building a chase.
Sri Lanka’s 241 was enough to defend. On a flat Pune surface, 241 was 20 runs short. Afghanistan’s top order batted without panic, using the surface intelligently something Sri Lanka failed to account for in their bowling plan.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan 2022 ODI Series: Afghanistan Win at Kandy
Series: Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka, November 2022
Venue: Pallekele, Kandy
Series Result: Sri Lanka won 2–1 (1 NR)
Series Summary
| Match | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI (Nov 25) | Kandy | Afghanistan | 60 runs |
| 2nd ODI (Nov 27) | Kandy | No Result | Rain |
| 3rd ODI (Nov 30) | Kandy | Sri Lanka | 4 wickets |
1st ODI Turning Point: Afghanistan won by 60 runs in Sri Lanka’s own backyard. Rashid Khan’s spin attack exploited Sri Lanka’s footwork problems, mirroring the exact same issues India faced in Colombo. Afghanistan’s total of 300+ set up a platform Sri Lanka couldn’t chase.
Sri Lanka bounced back 2–1, but Afghanistan’s first ODI win in Sri Lanka is a landmark moment. It proved their spinners work anywhere not just in Sharjah or UAE.
T20I Rivalry: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head
T20I Summary Table
| Metric | Sri Lanka | Afghanistan |
|---|---|---|
| Total T20I Wins | 5 | 3 |
| T20 World Cup record (vs each other) | 2 wins | 0 wins |
| Asia Cup 2025 T20I | Won (6 wkts) | Lost |
T20I Key Performers
Afghanistan’s Most Dangerous T20I Weapons vs Sri Lanka:
- Rashid Khan: economy 4–6 on turning tracks, consistent wicket-taker
- Noor Ahmad: left-arm wrist spin, Sri Lanka’s right-handers struggle
- Fazalhaq Farooqi: new-ball swing, powerplay disruptor
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: explosive opener, 58 vs Sri Lanka A in 2022
Sri Lanka’s Most Reliable T20I Performers vs Afghanistan:
- Kusal Mendis: consistent anchor in chases
- Pathum Nissanka: aggressive opener, platform builder
- Wanindu Hasaranga: middle-over spin, key wickets
- Maheesh Theekshana: middle overs mystery spin
T20I Pattern
Sri Lanka lead 5–3 overall, but Afghanistan have won 3. All when conditions or the toss favoured them. On flat UAE tracks, Sri Lanka’s batting depth takes over. On spinning surfaces, Afghanistan’s bowlers are equal or superior.
Key Player Records: Who Owns These Scorecards?
Sri Lanka’s Dominators vs Afghanistan
| Player | Record | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | Most runs vs Afghanistan in T20Is, consistent opener | T20I |
| Kusal Mendis | Player of the Match, Asia Cup 2025 chase vs AFG | T20I |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Consistent wickets against AFG batting, economy under 7 | T20I/ODI |
| Kasun Rajitha | 7 wickets in 2022 ODI series vs AFG, economy 5.06 | ODI |
Afghanistan’s Dominators vs Sri Lanka
| Player | Record | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Rashid Khan | 4/37 in 2022 ODI series, economy 4.27, consistent wickets | ODI |
| Ibrahim Zadran | 278 runs in 2022 ODI series vs SL, highest = 162 | ODI |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | 58 runs, aggressive opener in A-team series | Emerging |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | 4 wickets in 2022 series, new-ball threat | ODI |
Pitch and Conditions: The Hidden Scorecard Variable
How Venue Changes the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Scorecard Completely
| Venue Type | Who Benefits | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka home (Kandy, Pallekele) | Sri Lanka (mostly) — but not always | Familiar pitch, crowd support |
| UAE / Neutral (Abu Dhabi, Dubai) | Sri Lanka — batting depth wins on flat track | Hard flat surface, no spin assist |
| Subcontinent neutral (Pune, Lahore) | Afghanistan — spinners find purchase | Dry surface, spin from early overs |
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Counterintuitive fact: Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka more convincingly in Sri Lanka (60-run win in Kandy) than they did at a World Cup in Pune. The surface mattered more than the occasion.
2024 ODI Series: Sri Lanka’s Dominant Home Sweep
Series: Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka, February 2024
Venue: Pallekele, Kandy
Series Result: Sri Lanka swept 3–0
| Match | Sri Lanka Score | Afghanistan Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI (Feb 9) | Won | Lost | Sri Lanka by 42 runs |
| 2nd ODI (Feb 11) | Won | Lost | Sri Lanka by 155 runs |
| 3rd ODI (Feb 14) | Won | Lost | Sri Lanka by 7 wickets |
Sri Lanka’s 2024 dominance story: After the World Cup embarrassment in Pune, Sri Lanka controlled home conditions completely. A 155-run victory in the 2nd ODI shows how ruthlessly Sri Lanka can demolish Afghanistan when conditions favour their spinners and batters.
Turning point across series: Sri Lanka’s pace-spin combination in the powerplay disrupted Afghanistan’s openers before Rashid Khan could impose himself in the middle overs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the latest Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan match result?
Ans. Asia Cup 2025 Group B, 18 September 2025 in Abu Dhabi: Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan by 6 wickets with 8 balls remaining. Afghanistan scored 169/8; Sri Lanka chased 171/4 in 18.4 overs.
Q2. What is Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan head-to-head record in ODIs?
Ans. Sri Lanka lead 10–4 in 15 ODIs (1 no result). Sri Lanka have won all 3 home ODI series against Afghanistan.
Q3. Has Afghanistan beaten Sri Lanka in a World Cup?
Ans. Yes. At the 2023 Cricket World Cup in Pune, Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka by 7 wickets — chasing 242 with 27 balls remaining. It was one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Q4. What is Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan T20I head-to-head record?
Ans. Sri Lanka lead 5–3 in 8 T20Is. All 3 Afghanistan wins came in favourable conditions or on spinning surfaces.
Q5. Who has scored the most ODI runs for Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka?
Ans. Ibrahim Zadran scored 278 runs in 3 innings in the 2022 ODI series in Sri Lanka, including a 162 — his highest ODI score.
Q6. Who is Afghanistan’s biggest weapon against Sri Lanka?
Ans. Rashid Khan. Economy of 4.27, 5 wickets in the 2022 series, consistent threat in the middle overs on any surface. Without him playing well, Afghanistan’s bowling depth drops significantly.
Q7. Did Sri Lanka ever get swept by Afghanistan?
Ans. No. But Afghanistan won an individual ODI in Sri Lanka (2022, Kandy, 60-run win) and won the 2023 World Cup match in Pune by 7 wickets.
Q8. What is the highest ODI score by Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka?
Ans. Afghanistan posted 339 — their highest vs Sri Lanka in ODIs. Sri Lanka’s highest against Afghanistan is 381.
Q9. What is the turning point that explains most SL vs AFG matches?
Ans. The powerplay wickets battle. If Afghanistan take 2+ Sri Lanka wickets in overs 0–10, they control the game. If Sri Lanka survive the powerplay, their batting depth takes over and they win comfortably.
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