Crucial game for Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in group of death

Bangladesh's 8-run win against Afghanistan in their final match on Tuesday has certainly opened up Group B of the Asia Cup and turned it into a group of death.

- Sa'adi Thawfeeq Reporting from UAE

The possible scenarios ahead of today's Sri Lanka vs. Afghanistan clash at the Zayed Cricket Stadium here:

■ If Sri Lanka beats Afghanistan, both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will qualify.

■ If Afghanistan beats Sri Lanka by a small margin, both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will qualify.

■ If Afghanistan beats Sri Lanka by 70-odd runs, Afghanistan and Bangladesh will qualify.

Former Sri Lanka Captain Dasun Shanaka is of the belief that Sri Lanka have it in them not only to defeat Afghanistan, but to go and win another Asia Cup.

"Everyone is in a positive mindset. We have the players to win this contest, as well as the Asia Cup. They have that belief," said Shanaka at the pre-media briefing yesterday. "Afghanistan's got a quality attack, but we are prepared for that. We have faced them several times in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and we are ready for them."