Match 4 of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 is set to take place between Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha on Saturday, November 15. This encounter marks the beginning of the tournament for both teams.
Sri Lanka A will be led by 22-year-old Dunith Wellalage, who will be supported by a strong lineup including Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, and Ramesh Mendis. Last year, Sri Lanka A finished as the runners-up in the competition and will be eager to claim victory this time around.
Defending champions Afghanistan A, under the captaincy of Darwish Rasooli, will look to build on their successful campaign from the previous edition. The squad features a blend of experience and youth, with ten players returning from the 2024 tournament. Sediqullah Atal, AM Ghazanfar, and Qais Ahmad are standout players expected to make significant contributions.
The match details are as follows:
– **Match:** Sri Lanka A vs Afghanistan A, Match 4, Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025
– **Venue:** West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha
– **Date & Time:** Saturday, November 15, 5 PM (IST)
– **Broadcast and Live Streaming:** Available on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV (app & website)
Analyzing the pitch conditions, scoring is anticipated to become easier as the match progresses. Teams winning the toss are likely to choose to field first, giving the top-order batters a chance to maximize their runs during the powerplay. The playing surface is expected to provide true bounce, which should facilitate aggressive batting.
In terms of head-to-head record, Sri Lanka A has an undefeated run against Afghanistan A in T20 matches, having won both encounters to date. With the first match played on October 18, 2024, and the most recent clash on October 27, 2024, both teams will be keen on establishing their dominance in this new chapter.
The predicted playing XI for Sri Lanka A includes Lasith Croospulle, Nuwanidu Fernando, and Ahan Wickramasinghe, while Afghanistan A is expected to field Sediqullah Atal, Mohammad Ishaq, and Zubaid Akbari among others.
Top performers to watch include Nuwanidu Fernando, who despite a recent lack of scoring in T20Is against Zimbabwe, is expected to contribute heavily if he finds form. Qais Ahmad’s leg-spin bowling has improved and could prove crucial for Afghanistan as he aims to bamboozle the Sri Lankan batters.
In a match prediction, it’s anticipated that the team batting second may have the upper hand in winning the contest. As the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament unfolds, cricket enthusiasts are looking forward to an exciting clash between these emerging talents. The spirit of competition remains high as both teams eye a successful start to their campaign.