Key Points
- Kusal Mendis anchored the chase with a match-winning unbeaten 74 off 52 balls.
- Mohammad Nabi’s explosive 60 off 22 rescued Afghanistan from a middle-order collapse.
- Nuwan Thushara’s 4/18 dismantled Afghanistan’s top order and set the tone for Sri Lanka’s win.
ABU DHABI: Sri Lanka stormed into the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025 with a clinical six-wicket win over Afghanistan in their final Group B clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Chasing a challenging 170-run target, the Lankans crossed the line in 18.4 overs, thanks to a composed, match-winning knock by Kusal Mendis.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted 169/8 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a blistering knock from veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, who smashed 60 off just 22 balls, laced with 6 towering sixes and 3 boundaries, rescuing Afghanistan from a precarious 79/6. Rashid Khan also chipped in with 24 off 23, providing late impetus.
Sri Lanka’s pace ace Nuwan Thushara turned the game early with a fiery spell, grabbing 4 for 18 in 4 overs, including two key wickets in the Powerplay. Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, and Dushmantha Chameera each bagged a wicket to keep the Afghan batters in check during the middle overs.
In reply, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka early, but Kusal Mendis held the innings together with a composed unbeaten 74 off 52 balls, striking 10 boundaries. He received solid support from Kusal Perera (28 off 20) and a late flourish from Kamindu Mendis (26 off 13)*, ensuring there were no late stumbles.
Despite some resistance from Afghanistan’s bowlers, including wickets from Omarzai, Nabi, Mujeeb, and Noor Ahmad, the Lankan batters kept their chase on track. Afghanistan’s sloppy bowling, including 15 wides, further aided Sri Lanka’s smooth pursuit of the target.
Sri Lanka’s final score of 171/4 in 18.4 overs sealed the victory with six wickets to spare, lifting them to the top of Group B and securing their Super Four qualification.
Match Highlights:
Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets with 8 balls remaining.
Kusal Mendis starred with an unbeaten 74 off 52 balls.
Mohammad Nabi top-scored for Afghanistan with a blazing 60 off 22.
Nuwan Thushara bagged 4 wickets for 18 runs in a game-changing spell.
Sri Lanka qualified for the Super Four, topping Group B.
With this win, Sri Lanka join India, Pakistan and Bangladesh in the Super Four stage, while Afghanistan’s campaign comes to an early end, despite some individual brilliance.
