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The Asia Legends League 2025 playoffs are heating up as the Sri Lankan Lions take on the Afghanistan Pathans in the Eliminator at the Miraj International Cricket Stadium, Rajasthan. The Sri Lankan Lions finished third on the points table, while the Afghanistan Pathans, languishing at fourth, are yet to secure a win in the tournament. Both teams are desperate to keep their hopes alive, but the Lions enter the contest as favorites after defeating the Pathans earlier in the league stage. With stakes high and pressure mounting, this clash promises drama and excitement.
Match Details
| Match | Sri Lankan Lions vs. Afghanistan Pathans |
|---|---|
| Date | 15th March 2025 |
| Time | 3:00 PM |
| Venue | Miraj International Cricket Stadium, Rajasthan |
| Format | T20 |
| Series Status | Eliminator |
Team Previews
Sri Lankan Lions Preview
The Sri Lankan Lions have had a mixed campaign but managed to scrape through to the playoffs. Their batting lineup revolves around Tillakaratne Dilshan, who has been consistent at the top of the order. Leo Fransisco provides stability alongside him, while Lasith Lakshan, Raveen Sayer, and skipper Thisara Perera anchor the middle order. Mevan Fernando and Lahiru Gamage add firepower in the lower order.
The bowling department relies heavily on Malinda Pushpakumara and Vikum Sanjaya for early breakthroughs, while Thilan Thushara and Lahiru Gamage aim to deliver in the middle overs. Thisara Perera’s experience will be crucial in guiding his team through pressure situations.
Key Players: Tillakaratne Dilshan, Thisara Perera, Malinda Pushpakumara
Afghanistan Pathans Preview
The Afghanistan Pathans have struggled throughout the tournament, failing to win a single game so far. Their top-order batters, Mausib Khan and Asad Pathan, have been inconsistent, leaving the responsibility on Shoaib Khan and captain Asghar Afghan to stabilize the innings. Ayaan Khan and Farman Ahmed provide depth in the lower middle order.
Bowling remains their strength, with Munis Ansari and Sahejadkhan Pathan leading the attack. Ashraf Pathan and Shoaib Khan have shown promise in the middle overs, but they need to execute better plans to contain the opposition. The Pathans must play out of their skins to turn the tide in their favor.
Key Players: Asghar Afghan, Shoaib Khan, Munis Ansari
Favourite Team to Win
| Team | Reason |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | Stronger batting lineup, more balanced team, and head-to-head dominance over Afghanistan make them favourites. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role | Points Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Tillakaratne Dilshan | Batsman | High |
| Asghar Afghan (c) | Batsman | Medium-High |
| Shoaib Khan | All-Rounder | Medium-High |
| Thisara Perera | All-Rounder | Medium |
| Lasith Lakshan | Batsman | Medium |
| Malinda Pushpakumara | Bowler | Medium-High |
| Munis Ansari | Bowler | Medium-High |
| Thilan Thushara | Bowler | Medium |
| Ayaan Khan | All-Rounder | Medium |
| Leo Fransisco (WK) | Wicketkeeper | Medium |
| Ashraf Pathan | Bowler | Medium |
Explanation: This fantasy XI balances key performers from both teams. Tillakaratne Dilshan and Asghar Afghan are must-picks due to their leadership roles, while Shoaib Khan and Thisara Perera add all-round value.
Captain and Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain: Tillakaratne Dilshan (Batsman) – Consistent performer at the top of the order.
- Vice-Captain: Shoaib Khan (All-Rounder) – Versatile contributor with bat and ball.
Players to Avoid
- Mausib Khan (AFG): Struggled in recent games.
- Thilan Thushara (SL): Inconsistent performances in the middle overs.
Probable Playing XIs
| Sri Lankan Lions | Afghanistan Pathans |
|---|---|
| Thisara Perera (c) | Asghar Afghan (c) |
| Tillakaratne Dilshan | Mausib Khan |
| Leo Fransisco (wk) | Asad Pathan |
| Lasith Lakshan | Shoaib Khan |
| Mevan Fernando | Ayaan Khan |
| Malinda Pushpakumara | Mahaboob Alam |
| Upul Indrasiri | Farman Ahmed |
| Thilan Thushara | Vikram Rajawat (wk) |
| Vikum Sanjaya | Munis Ansari |
| Raveen Sayer | Ashraf Pathan |
| Lahiru Gamage | Sahejadkhan Pathan |
Pitch Report
The Miraj International Cricket Stadium offers excellent batting conditions, with fast outfield aiding big hits. Spinners find assistance as the pitch offers some turn, making it challenging for batters in the middle overs. Teams batting first typically aim for totals around 180 , while chasing sides have historically fared better at this venue.
Toss Prediction
The side winning the toss is likely to bowl first , taking advantage of early bowling-friendly conditions and the dew factor later in the game.
Winner Prediction
Sri Lankan Lions hold the edge due to their stronger batting lineup, balanced bowling attack, and psychological advantage from their previous win against the Pathans. Expect them to advance to the next round.
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