The Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan T20 rivalry has grown into one of the most entertaining matchups in recent years. Once a one-sided affair, Afghanistan has emerged as a strong competitor, pushing Sri Lanka to the limit in several encounters. From thrilling last-over finishes to high-scoring run chases, this rivalry has everything a T20 fan could ask for. Here’s a detailed look at their head-to-head stats, records, and memorable matches leading up to Asia Cup 2025.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan T20 Head-to-Head Records
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have played 8 T20 internationals so far. Sri Lanka holds a narrow lead with 5 wins, while Afghanistan has won 3 matches. This shows how competitive the rivalry has become.
| Teams | Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | Afghanistan Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Home (Sri Lanka) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Away (Afghanistan) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Neutral Venues | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
AFG vs SL Recent Results & Forms – Last 5 T20I Clashes
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 21, 2024 | Dambulla | Afghanistan | Won by 3 runs |
| Feb 19, 2024 | Dambulla | Sri Lanka | Won by 72 runs |
| Feb 17, 2024 | Dambulla | Sri Lanka | Won by 4 runs |
| Oct 4, 2023 | Hangzhou | Afghanistan | Won by 8 runs |
| Nov 1, 2022 | Brisbane (T20 WC) | Sri Lanka | Won by 6 wickets |
These results clearly show that both teams are capable of winning on any given day, and the rivalry has been very close in recent years.
Highest Team Totals
| Team | Highest Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 209/5 | Dambulla | 2024 |
| Sri Lanka | 206/6 | Dambulla | 2024 |
This high-scoring clash in February 2024 showed that both teams have developed strong batting line-ups capable of crossing 200+ totals.
Lowest Team Totals
| Team | Lowest Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 105 all out | Dubai | 2022 |
| Afghanistan | 115 all out | Dambulla | 2024 |
Top Performers (Batting)
| Player | Team | Most Runs | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Afghanistan | 248 | 84 (Sharjah, 2022) |
| Pathum Nissanka | Sri Lanka | 139 | 67 (Dambulla, 2024) |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Sri Lanka | 120 | 67 (Sharjah, 2022) |
Gurbaz has been the standout performer with his explosive batting at the top, often giving Afghanistan flying starts.
Top Performers (Bowling)
| Player | Team | Most Wickets | Best Bowling Figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Sri Lanka | 8 | 3/13 (Sharjah, 2022) |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Sri Lanka | 8 | 4/24 (Dambulla, 2024) |
| Mohammad Nabi | Afghanistan | 8 | 3/25 (Sharjah, 2022) |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Afghanistan | 7 | 3/11 (Dubai, 2022) |
Sri Lanka’s spin wizard Hasaranga and Afghanistan’s Nabi have been match-winners with the ball.
Highlights of the Rivalry
- Close Contests: 2024 Dambulla series had two matches decided in the last over.
- High Scores: Both teams crossed 200 for the first time in February 2024, showcasing the evolution of their batting depth.
- World Cup Clashes: Sri Lanka has beaten Afghanistan in both T20 World Cup encounters (2016 & 2022).
- Asia Cup Battle: Afghanistan shocked Sri Lanka in 2022 with an 8-wicket win, but Sri Lanka bounced back in the Super Four.
Like to know? Asia Cup Winners List
Our view
This rivalry has transformed from a one-sided affair into one of the most balanced contests in Asian cricket. Sri Lanka has the historical edge, but Afghanistan’s fearless batting and world-class spin attack make them a serious threat. The upcoming matches, especially in Asia Cup 2025, could tilt the head-to-head record even further.
