Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Prediction: Backing Khan’s men to do the job

After a surprise defeat to Bangladesh, Afghanistan need a win to progress to the Super Four stage, while Sri Lanka are looking to continue their 100% record.  

Dan Thomas discusses the best betting angles for Thursday's clash, live on TNT Sport from 15:30, as he brings us his Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan predictions… 

*You can check out all of the Cricket Odds available on offer from us at betfred.com

A close shave for Sri Lanka 

Sri Lanka made it two wins from two with a win over Hong Kong in Dubai on Monday, but it was far from comfortable and the 20/1 shots could have pulled off an almighty shock had they held their catches.  

Hong Kong posted a competitive total of 149, thanks to an unbeaten 52 from Nizakat Khan unbeaten 52 and Anshy Rath's 48, and then had Sri Lanka teetering at 127 for 6 in the chase, needing 23 off the last 17 balls.  

But missing three chances to remove Pathum Nissanka proved costly for HK and his excellent 68 off 44 balls and late cameo from Wanindu Hasaranga eventually got Sri Lanka over the line. 

A win is a win but Sri Lanka will need to tighten up if they want to beat the better sides, starting with Thursday's match.  

No room for error for Afghanistan 

Afghanistan failed to build on their comfortable opening win over Hong Kong, as they were bowled out for 146 by Bangladesh when chasing 155 in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday in what was the closest match of the Asia Cup so far.  

Bangladesh got off to a flyer, scoring 59 in the powerplay, and Afghanistan will probably have been happy enough restricting them to 154/5 in the end, with Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed both excellent in the middle overs. 

But while Rahmanullah Gurbaz tried to inject some energy into the chase, making 35 at the top of the order, Afghanistan kept losing wickets and, despite some late hitting from Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai, they couldn't get the job done.  

Khan was critical of his side after the match. He said:  "The way we came back with the ball to restrict them under 160 was special, but with the batting we played some irresponsible shots."

Key Odds 

We have the closest match-up of the tournament so far, with Sri Lanka slight favourites at 4/5, and Afghanistan an even money chance. With SL already qualified and the Afghans needing a win to progress, there may be mileage in backing Khan's men here.  

Nissanka continued his good form with the bat against Hong Kong and he's been cut to 13/5 to top score for Sri Lanka, with Kusal Mendis at 3/1 and Kusal Perera and Kamil Mishara both 9/2 shots.  

Opening bat Gurbaz tops the market for Afghanistan at 13/5 after winning with 35 last time out, with Ibrahim Zadran at 14/5 and Sediq Atal a 7/2 chance.  

*For all the latest and live Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Odds then head over to betfred.com 

Best Bets:

We've not had much to go with in the match odds thus far in the Asia Cup but teams who have a greater need do tend to put that little extra effort in, so there is a touch of value in Afghanistan at evens and we'll back them to win on Thursday.  

We can't desert the in-form Nissanka after his match-winning 68 last time out, so we'll add the SL man to beat his runs line of 22.5 as the second bet.  

Dan Thomas 2025 Cricket P/L:

• Staked: 41pts 
• Returned: 32.49pts 
• P/L: -8.51pts 

Find more Cricket Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights