The 2025 UAE Tri-Nation Series continues to heat up as Afghanistan A takes on Sri Lanka A in a highly anticipated clash on Tuesday, April 15. Taking place at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, this 50-over match promises intense cricket action between two emerging cricketing nations aiming to dominate the development scene.
This tri-nation tournament is a part of the initiative to provide greater exposure to the A teams of full-member countries. Alongside Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A, the Ireland A team is also participating in the tournament. The format is a double round-robin — meaning each team will play against the others twice. The top two teams on the points table after these matches will face off in the grand final scheduled for April 25.
Match Preview: What to Expect
Both Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A are known for grooming future international stars. Matches between these sides are often full of drama, momentum shifts, and promising individual performances.
Afghanistan A — also known as the “AfghanAbdalyan” — have a well-balanced squad with a mix of experienced domestic performers and young talent looking to break into the national team. Their strength lies in their spin bowling and aggressive middle-order batting.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka A enters the match with a technically sound and experienced lineup. Their focus on solid top-order batting and disciplined pace attack makes them formidable opponents in any conditions.
Given the history of competitive cricket between the two countries, this match is expected to be tight, with individual brilliance likely to decide the outcome.
Match Details
- Fixture: Afghanistan A vs Sri Lanka A
- Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
- Time: 11:30 AM IST | 10:00 AM UAE Time
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Match Type: List A (50-over)
Where to Watch: Live Streaming & Coverage
Cricket fans around the world can enjoy the action through various platforms depending on their location.
- In India: Viewers can stream the match live through the FanCode app or website.
- In Sri Lanka: The game is available to watch through ThePapare.com, a local platform dedicated to sports coverage.
- In Afghanistan: Fans can tune in to Zhwandoon TV for live broadcast coverage.
- Globally: For audiences outside the participating nations, real-time updates and ball-by-ball coverage will be available on leading cricket news portals and apps.
The streaming is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, with a focus on high-quality video and minimal delay. With cricket’s popularity spreading rapidly across regions, this match will surely draw in fans from beyond just the home countries.
Team Squads: Who’s Playing?
Afghanistan A Squad
- Darwish Rasooli (Captain)
- Sediqullah Atal (Vice-Captain)
- Ikram Alikhil (Wicketkeeper)
- Mohammad Ishaq (Wicketkeeper)
- Abdul Malik
- Zubaid Akbari
- Ijaz Mehri
- Bilal Ahmad Tarin
- Sharafuddin Ashraf
- Farmanullah Safi
- Qais Ahmad
- Zia Ur Rahman Akbar
- Naveed Zadran
- Khalil Ahmad
- Abdul Rahman Rahmani
- Bilal Sami
This squad includes strong spin options and an aggressive batting order. Players like Qais Ahmad and Zia Ur Rahman bring much-needed variety and experience to the bowling attack.
Sri Lanka A Squad
- Sadeera Samarawickrama (Captain)
- Lahiru Udara
- Kamil Mishara
- Lasith Croospulle
- Nuwanidu Fernando
- Pasindu Sooriyabandara
- Pavan Rathnayake
- Sahan Arachchige
- Sonal Dinusha
- Dushan Hemantha
- Tharindu Rathnayake
- Wanuja Sahan
- Chamindu Wickramasinghe
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Mohamed Shiraz
- Milan Rathnayake
Led by the experienced Sadeera Samarawickrama, the team features players with international exposure as well as future stars in the making. Expect a blend of controlled aggression and tactical cricket from the Lankan side.
Tournament Schedule
Here’s a look at the complete match lineup in the UAE Tri-Nation Series 2025:
- April 13 – Ireland A vs Sri Lanka A
- April 15 – Afghanistan A vs Sri Lanka A
- April 17 – Afghanistan A vs Ireland A
- April 19 – Ireland A vs Sri Lanka A
- April 21 – Afghanistan A vs Ireland A
- April 23 – Afghanistan A vs Sri Lanka A (Reverse Fixture)
- April 25 – Final (Top two teams)
Every match counts as teams accumulate points in the table to secure their place in the final. The double round-robin format ensures that even one loss or one big win can dramatically shift the rankings.
Why This Match Matters
This match is more than just a stepping stone to the final — it’s an opportunity for emerging cricketers to prove themselves on an international platform. Performance in the A-team setup often leads directly to national team selection. Scouts, coaches, and selectors will be closely watching key players.
For Afghanistan, the focus will be on building depth in their squad and preparing talent that can support their main team in ODI formats. Sri Lanka, still rebuilding their senior team after several retirements, is also banking on this new generation to step up.
With the stakes high and ambitions even higher, fans can expect a thrilling encounter.UAE’s Alleged Support to Sudan’s RSF Sparks Global Concern
Final Thoughts
As the sun rises over Abu Dhabi on April 15, fans from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and beyond will be glued to their screens. This is not just another A-team match — it’s a gateway for young stars to shine, for teams to assert dominance, and for fans to witness tomorrow’s cricket legends in the making.
Grab your snacks, pick your side, and get ready for a fierce battle on the cricket field. Whether you’re watching from a phone screen or a stadium seat, this is a match you don’t want to miss.
