The much-awaited Asia Cup 2022 is here as Sri Lanka is set to face Afghanistan in the opening encounter on August 27, Saturday from 7:30 PM onwards in Dubai.

This is a group B clash while India will face Pakistan in the first encounter of group A on Sunday.

Also Read: Most Titles Won in Asia Cup

Make your dream11 team prediction and every Fantasy League prediction with our fantasy cricket tips and suggestions. Get early updates, game previews, team news, suggestion, and prediction for your fantasy team in our entire section Fantasy Sports.

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: Match 1 Preview

Match Details:-

Match: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan - Match 1 (Group A)
Venue: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai.
Date & Time: August 27, 2022 at 7:30 PM (IST)
Where to Watch Live: Star Sports Network and JIO TV.

Pitch Report: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: Match 1 Preview

The match will be played in Dubai. The pitch out here is pretty even with a good amount of assistance for batters and bowlers. Spinners get good purchases due to their slow nature. 140 is the average score.

Read Also: Most Wickets in Asia Cup by Indians

Head to Head Stats: (T20I)

Matches Played: 01
Won by Sri Lanka: 01
Won by Afghanistan: 00

Team News:

Sri Lanka:

Sri Lanka will be looking to give a good start to their Asia Cup campaign. They have already won the title five times in its history. However, previously Sri Lanka was set to host the tournament but the economic crisis pushed the tournament to UAE. Dinesh Chandimal is back again in the T20 squad and captain Dasun Shanaka will lead the team in the tournament.

Although, the current form of the side is not good as they lost all the T20I series they have played this year. Meanwhile, pacer Dushmantha Chameera is out of the Asia Cup with a calf injury. However, the Lankans have a good spin department with Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Dhananjay De Silva.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2022 Full Schedule, Date, Timings, And Venues

Afghanistan:

Meanwhile, for the Afghan side, it's Rashid Khan who is the trump card for them to do better in the tournament. The Afghanistan squad is looking good and may give some good challenges to the other teams. Although, like the Lankans, the Afghan side is also coming off a loss against Ireland in a five-match T20I series. So, the recent form is not good for both teams.

The spin department of Afghanistan is also known as very challenging with Rashid Khan, Mujeeb, and Nabi on the side. The pace department is a little below average with Karim Janat, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Gurbaz on the side. It will be a tough battle between these two Asian giants.

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: Match 1: Possible Playing XI

Sri Lanka:

Pathum Nissanka
Danushka Gunathilaka
Bhanuka Rajapaksa (wk)
Charith Asalanka
Dhananjaya de Silva
Dasun Shanaka (C)
Wanindu Hasaranga
Maheesh Theekshana
Chamika Karunaratne
Asitha Fernando
Jeffrey Vandersay

Afghanistan:

Najibullah Zadran
Hazratullah Zazai
Ibrahim Zadran
Usman Ghani
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
Mohammad Nabi (C)
Rashid Khan
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Naveen-ul-Haq
Noor Ahmad
Karim Janat

Read Also: Every result from India vs Pakistan T20I clash

Match 1: Fantasy Cricket Dream11 Team Prediction: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan:

You must change your team if these players aren't announced in the starting lineup.

Scoring a century in any form of cricket is a moment of glory, but in the fast-paced format of T20s, it gets more exciting to watch. Numerous cricketers have consistently proved themselves in this format by delivering spectacular tons.

The list goes deep as we have such power-hitters from around the globe!

Join us as we explore the list of players with most centuries in WT20Is and celebrate their glorious innings.

1. Esha Oza (4 centuries) | UAE

The current captain of UAE, Esha Oza, holds the record for most centuries in WT20Is with 4 centuries in her T20 career so far. This Indian-born cricketer made her debut in T20Is in 2018 and reached this milestone extremely fast.

She is also the fastest player from UAE to reach 1000 runs in T20Is. Her fourth century in T20Is came against Qatar in the Asia Cup qualifier, where she led her team to a brilliant victory.

Read Also: Top 10 fastest centuries in Women's T20Is

Esha Oza stats in WT20Is

2. Chamari Athapaththu (3 centuries) | Sri Lanka

Chamari Athapaththu, the current captain of Sri Lanka national team, holds the 2nd position in this list with her 3 centuries in WT20Is. She is one of the finest cricketers from Sri Lanka and led them to win the 2024 Asia Cup.

Chamari scored her first hundred in T20Is in 2019 against Australia. She scored the other following centuries in 2024 against Scotland and Malaysia.

Read Also: England or Australia? Which team has won more Women's Ashes?

Chamari Athapaththu stats in WT20Is

3. Fatuma Kibasu (3 centuries) | Tanzania 

The former captain of Tanzania, Fatuma Kibasu, holds the 3rd position with her 3 centuries in WT20Is. She is the only Tanzanian woman to score a century at international level so far, and holds the highest individual score for her country in WT20Is.

Fatuma made her T20 debut in 2019 and played magnificently ever since!

Fatuma Kibasu stats in WT20Is

Read Also: Most WT20I runs in a calendar year

Other players with 2 centuries in WT20Is 

Here's a list of players who scored 2 centuries in WT20Is and comes in the list following the TOP 3.

The Indian Premier League (IPL), has become one of the biggest cricketing events in the world since its inception in 2008. Over the years, the IPL has provided cricket fans with some of the most thrilling and exciting moments in the sport. From stunning performances to nail-biting finishes, the IPL has never failed to entertain its fans. As the IPL 2025 has progressed, we have seen many memorable celebrations that have gone down in IPL history. 

From wild team huddles to iconic player moves, here are the Top 5 best celebrations of IPL 2025 so far. Relive the most unforgettable moments as players let their emotions fly on the biggest stage of cricket.

Also Read: IPL Records: Youngest Half-centurions in IPL History

Best Celebrations of IPL 2025

5. Ashutosh Sharma - Miracle Chase Master's Celebration

Ashutosh Sharma did the unthinkable for Delhi Capitals against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. At a time when even the most passionate of DC fans would have thought that it was not possible for their team to chase down a 210-run target, Ashutosh Sharma thought otherwise. Impact sub Ashutosh played the most defining knock of his IPL career to guide Delhi Capitals to a thrilling one wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants.

Ashutosh smashed 66 not out off 31 balls and finished it with a huge six off Shahbaz Ahmed as DC chased down a target of 210 with three balls to spare. The right-hander hit five fours and five sixes in all. Ashutsh Sharma's celebration after the win went viral.

4. Digvesh Rathi Signature Celebration

Lucknow Super Giants' rising spinner Digvesh Rathi made headlines, not just for his bowling but for his unique way of celebrating after dismissing none other than his cricketing idol, Sunil Narine. During a high-octane clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Rathi picked up the prized wicket of Narine and followed it up with a brand-new celebration.

In the 7th over of KKR's innings, Rathi bowled a deceptive googly that lured Narine into a mistimed big shot. Narine couldn’t get the power he needed, and Aiden Markram ran in from long-off to complete a clean sliding catch. After taking the wicket, Rathi bent down and theatrically signed the grass, perhaps symbolising a respectful autograph or signature moment rather than a taunt.

3. Wanindu Hasaranga Pushpa Celebration

Rajasthan Royals' Wanindu Hasaranga pulled off the iconic Pushpa celebration during the IPL 2025 match against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Guwahati. After dismissing KKR Skipper Ajinkya Rahane, Hasaranga came up with the move popularised by Telugu star Allu Arjun in the blockbuster movie Pushpa by wiping his chin with the back of his hand with a confident strut, inviting huge cheers from fans.

The accomplished leg-spinner has been impressive ever since he started representing Sri Lanka on the international stage. He has mentioned that Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr is his favourite player. Hasaranga has been celebrating his wickets like Neymar does when he scores a goal. When the leggie played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2022, he picked up four wickets against KKR which made him celebrate ala Neymar.

2. KL Rahul Kantara Celebration

When Delhi Capitals’ wicket keeper-batsman KL Rahul thumped his chest, pointed to the ground and then drew a circle with his bat, during the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, not many realized the significance of what he was doing, until he mentioned it in a post-match.

Speaking after the match, Rahul had said, “This is a special place from me. This celebration was from one of my favourite movies, Kantara. So, a tiny reminder that this ground, this turf, this place where I grew up, is mine."

Initially, it was thought that Rahul’s gestures were a reference to the fact that he’s a Bengaluru boy, a former RCB player, and, most importantly, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, being home ground. But once he mentioned Kantara, netizens were quick to put together short videos of Rahul’s celebratory moves and Divine Star Rishab Shetty’s movements in the climax of Kantara, when his character Shiva is possessed by the spirit of the Guliga Daiva and exacts vengeance on those who wronged his people.

Also Read: IPL records - Batters with most 500+ runs seasons: Kohli breaks Warner's records

1. Abhishek Sharma Parchi Celebration

Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma celebrated his maiden Indian Premier League century in a unique way, which is one of the best celebrations of IPL 2025 so far. The 24-year-old smashed a 40-ball century for SRH in a 246-run chase against the Punjab Kings in Hyderabad.

After scoring the ton, Abhishek took out a paper from his pocket and displayed the message “This one’s for the Orange Army”. The quickfire century helped him book a spot in the record books as he became the third-fastest Indian to score reach triple digits in the IPL.

Gujarat Titans entered IPL 2025 with one of the best bowling line-ups. They had Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Ishant Sharma among fast bowlers. And Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore and Washington Sundar leading the spinners. But while you would have expected Rashid Khan to be the main stars, reality has been different. Rashid endured the worst-ever phase of bowling he’s had in any IPL, and he has been playing in the tournament since 2017. He has gone wicketless in 7 innings out of 18 since IPL 2024. 

So, let's take a look at the stats of 'Rashid Khan in IPL since 2024'.

Also Read: Most Wickets Among Spinner in IPL Since 2023

What has gone wrong with Rashid?

The Rashid Khan in IPL of 2017 to 2023 was a master at landing the ball where he wanted to. He would find that sweet spot where batters were neither confident coming forward because the ball was not full enough, nor rocking back because it wasn’t short enough. And with Rashid’s speeds, you couldn’t safely just read him off the pitch either.

Moreover, it was extremely difficult to pick his variations. The googly caught many a batter plumb or bowled, because when he delivered it the difference in action was miniscule compared to his leg-break. His changes of pace, sliders and top-spinners were equally subtle. There was a fizz to his bowling.

But of late, that control has been lacking. The master of length has been bowling too short, too full, and straying in line too. What could be the reason?

Rashid had back surgery in late 2023, and that could well be a contributing factor. Since his comeback from that surgery, he has been a diminished version of what he was at his peak. The numbers show that clearly.

Rashid Khan in IPL since 2024

There is a clear contrast between the 2025 numbers and those of previous years. IPL 2024 was the first time Rashid was a bit below average, although in the most batting-dominated season of all time, his numbers were still quite okay. But in 2025 that decline was steeper.

Rashid Khan in IPL over the years

From his first year in 2017, Rashid was a phenomenon. He was extremely difficult to score off, and despite opponents playing him defensively and trying to just get through his overs without damage, he was picking up regular wickets too.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Best Economy in IPL Since 2024

We expect Rashid to be back soon

Rashid still remains a key part of the Gujarat Titans. His experience and nous can’t be discounted, and he adds value with his batting too. As he showed against Royals, he can be handy with his bowling still. What has helped Titans is how Kishore has seamlessly stepped up, while Siraj and Prasidh are on track to have their best IPL seasons. That has allowed the team to not be too hindered by Rashid’s drop off. And they expect him to be back to his best soon too.

Whether this game marks the start of better fortunes for Rashid or not remains to be seen. But it did show that he can’t be discounted yet.

India’s most-watched sports tournament, the Indian Premier League (IPL), has returned with its latest edition, IPL 2025. The new season is following the footsteps of its previous editions with almost every match turning out to be a nail biting one. However, despite the tournament's history of being batting-dominant, many players over the years have proved why people say that batters win you matches, but bowlers win you tournaments.

Also Read: IPL facts: Most IPL centuries by IPL teams

It is a common sight in the IPL that teams with better bowlers often end up securing a podium finish. So, let's take a look at most wickets among spinner in IPL since 2023.

Most Wickets Among Spinner | Since 2023

5. Piyush Chawla | 35 Wickets

Piyush Chawla has been playing in the IPL since the inaugural edition. He has represented four teams in the IPL. Chawla took 35 wickets since 2023 season. 

Overall in 192 matches, Chawla owns a total of 192 wickets at 26.60. His economy rate is 7.96. The right-arm spinner has two four-wicket hauls. Chawla had a remarkable IPL 2023 season for MI.

4. Noor Ahmad | 35 Wickets

Noor Ahmad started his IPL career with Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2022. He did not feature in a single game during the season. Later on, he played 13 and 10 games respectively in the IPL 2023 and 2024 season. In the IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings signed him for INR 10 crores.

Noor Ahmad has taken 35 wickets since 2023 with an average of 23.11 and a strike rate of 17.14. His economy in the IPL is 8.09 with the best figures of 4/18. His best figures came against Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 in Chennai.

Noor also took 16 wickets in the IPL 2023, contributing his team; Gujarat Titans to reach the final of the season. He was also a part of the GT squad that played in the final of the IPL 2022.

3. Yuzvendra Chahal | 40 Wickets

Yuzvendra Chahal comes third in the list of most wickets among spinner in IPL since 2023 with 40 wickets. He has represented multiple franchises in the IPL. His journey in the IPL has seen him don the jerseys of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Mumbai Indians (MI).

Chahal is also the leading wicket-taker in IPL history. He has been a match-winner with his exceptional leg-spin. Since his debut in 2013, he has consistently troubled batters with his variations and accuracy. Chahal has taken 206 wickets in 164 matches at an economy of 7.88, with a best bowling performance of 5/40.

2. Rashid Khan | 40 Wickets

Rashid Khan has been the standout bowler for Gujarat Titans since their inception. The Afghan leg-spinner, known for his pinpoint accuracy and ability to bowl economical spells, has consistently delivered for the team. Rashid also took 40 IPL wickets since 2023 season.

Overall Rashid has taken 152 wickets in 126 matches. Known for his variations, Rashid has been a consistent performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans. He’s one of the most economical bowlers in IPL history boasting an economy of 6.94.

Also Read: IPL Facts: RCB's record at Chinnaswamy since IPL 2023

1. Varun Chakravarthy | 47 Wickets

Varun Chakravarthy has taken the most wickets among spinner in IPL since 2023. He was initially picked by Kings XI Punjab in 2019 for a whopping INR 8.40 crore. KKR bought Chakravarthy for Rs. 4 crore at the 2020 IPL auction. He has since been a vital part of the team's bowling attack. 

The mystery spinner has raced to 47 wickets since 2023. Chakravarthy has been a key spinner for KKR throughout his career, taking 89 wickets in 76 matches. His best bowling figures are 5/20. With an average of 23.90, and an economy of 7.50, he remains a reliable bowler. Notably, he has one four-wicket haul and one five-wicket haul.