Triumphant Sri Lanka Ousts Afghanistan to Join Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s

Kusal Mendis’ composed half-century under pressure took the spotlight away from Mohammad Nabi’s six-hitting spectacle, as Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by six wickets on Thursday, eliminating them from the Asia Cup 2025 and securing a spot in the Super 4s for themselves and Bangladesh.

Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara delivered a lethal opening spell, taking 4/18, which initially put Afghanistan in a precarious position at 79 for six by the 13th over. However, Nabi revived Afghanistan’s innings by striking five sixes in the final over, boosting the total to 169 for eight.

Sri Lanka’s chase was a nail-biter, with Kusal Mendis (74*), anchoring their innings to victory. Alongside Kamindu Mendis, who scored a brisk 26 not out off 13 balls, they reached the target in 18.4 overs.

Sri Lanka’s consistent performance with three wins secured them the top spot in Group B, while Bangladesh also progressed with two victories, including a win over T20 World Cup semifinalist Afghanistan.

Even after qualifying for the finals mid-chase, Sri Lanka was determined to win. With 48 runs needed from the last 30 balls and six wickets in hand, they held the advantage.

Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan bowled economically, conceding only 23 runs in his four overs, but a back injury in his final over forced him off the field. Sri Lanka gained a decisive edge in the 17th over as Noor Ahmad conceded 17 runs.

Earlier, it appeared Afghanistan might struggle to surpass 120, but Nabi’s blistering 60 off 22 balls, including five sixes in the 20th over against spinner Dunith Wellalage, added 32 runs to their total.

Despite it being unusual for a spinner to bowl the last over, captain Charith Asalanka had no choice, having exhausted his pace options.

Afghanistan chose to bat first, but after losing three wickets in the powerplay, they lost momentum despite scoring 26 runs in the initial overs. The team couldn’t cope with Thushara’s swing, who dismissed both Karim Janat (1) and Sediquallah Atal (18 off 14).

Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed early, mis-hitting a shot caught at wide slip.

Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga tightened the grip in the middle overs, reducing Afghanistan to 79 for six by the 13th over.

Thanks to the skipper Rashid Khan (24 off 23) and Nabi’s 35-run partnership, Afghanistan managed to cross 140. Rashid included a signature no-look six, a regular feature in his arsenal.

Nabi hit Dushmantha Chameera for three consecutive boundaries in the penultimate over, which ended up costing 17 runs. Chameera’s night was expensive, with 50 runs conceded in four overs.

Beyond the bowling, Sri Lanka impressed with their fielding, emphasized by Chameera and Kusal Perera’s deep catches to remove Ibrahim Zadran (24) and Darwish Rasooli.