The 11th match of the Asia Cup 2025 between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan is going to be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The pitch here looks fairly balanced, offering assistance to both batters and bowlers.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium Pitch Report
- In the initial overs, fast bowlers are expected to get some extra bounce and slight swing, which could trouble batters if they aren’t careful.
- As the match progresses, the surface is likely to get slower, bringing spinners into play, especially in the middle overs.
- The outfield is quick, but with relatively larger boundaries, batters will need timing and skill to clear the ropes.
- The average first-innings score here ranges between 165–175 runs, but dew in the evening might influence strategies for both batting and bowling sides.
- Teams winning the toss generally prefer to bowl first, as chasing becomes easier under lights due to the dew factor.
Related: List of Commentators and Umpires for SL vs AFG, Asia Cup 2025
Weather Conditions
- The temperature in Abu Dhabi is expected to hover between 33–35°C, with high humidity, which could test the players’ fitness and stamina.
- Chances of rain are minimal, so a full match is expected without interruptions.
Conclusion
This pitch demands a strong start from the top-order batters, while spinners are likely to dominate in the middle phase of the game. Captains winning the toss may lean towards bowling first, as conditions are expected to favour batting under lights.