ABU DHABI: In a high-stakes Group B showdown of Asia Cup 2025, Afghanistan posted a competitive 169 against Sri Lanka at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi thanks to a sensational late surge from veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, who smashed a fiery 60 off just 22 balls.
Afghanistan, who won the toss and elected to bat first, had a turbulent start, losing three wickets in the Powerplay. But Nabi’s whirlwind knock turned the tide, lifting the team to a total that could prove challenging under pressure.
Nabi Storm Rescues Stuttering Afghanistan Innings
Coming in at a precarious 71/5 in the 12th over, Nabi wasted no time shifting momentum. He took the attack to both pace and spin, bludgeoning 3 fours and 6 sixes in an electrifying 22-ball innings that lifted Afghanistan from 114/7 to 169/8 by the end of their innings.
His late blitz included a stunning 25-run over off Dunith Wellalage, who was taken apart despite picking up a wicket.
Skipper Rashid Khan played a steady hand with 24 (23), while Ibrahim Zadran (24 off 27) and Sediqullah Atal (18 off 14) offered brief resistance early on.
Thushara’s Triple Strike Rocks Top Order
Sri Lanka’s pace spearhead Nuwan Thushara was the pick of the bowlers, grabbing 4 wickets for just 18 runs in his four overs.
His early double strike, removing Gurbaz and Atal, put Afghanistan on the back foot, and his precision at the death kept the damage from spiralling further.
Dasun Shanaka and Dushmantha Chameera picked up a wicket each, while Wanindu Hasaranga delivered a tight spell (0/18 in 4) but went wicketless. Dunith Wellalage, though expensive, did pick up a key wicket.
Match Context: A Spot in the Super Four on the Line
With the group delicately poised, this match holds massive implications. A win for Afghanistan will see them leapfrog Sri Lanka to top Group B, potentially knocking Bangladesh out, but only if they win by a decent margin.
Sri Lanka, currently unbeaten with two wins, could still qualify even with a loss, provided their net run rate holds up. However, a big defeat could open the door for Bangladesh to sneak through.
Sri Lanka’s chase is set to be a thrilling one, with Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, and skipper Charith Asalanka carrying the batting hopes.
But with Afghanistan’s spinners, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad ready to operate on a turning Abu Dhabi track, the second innings promises high drama as the race to the Super Four reaches its boiling point.
