In their must-win match against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025, Afghanistan lost by six wickets as Kusal Mendis led his team to a decisive win, hitting 76 runs and shattering Afghanistan’s hopes to make it into the Super Four.
Winng the toss, Afghanistan Captain Rashid Khan decided to bat first, keeping the Abu Dhabi Stadium’s conditions in mind.
Sri Lankan bowlers kept their grip tight over the Afghanistan batters; they took early wickets and restricted runs to keep their opponents under pressure.
Nuwan Thushara grabbed four wickets for Sri Lanka before Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi turned the tables for his team. He played a devastating knock of 60 runs on just 22 deliveries, smashing five consecutive sixes in the last over of the match.
Captain Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Khan added 24 runs each for their team as they managed to put a considerable target of 170 runs on the scoreboard.
Sri Lankan opener Kusal Mendis kept the hopes alive until the last over, scoring runs despite losing his partner Pathum Nissanka on just six runs.
Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis made 28 and 26 runs respectively as Sri Lanka chased the target of 170 runs in 18.4 overs.
With this loss, Afghanistan’s journey into the Asia Cup 2025 ended, before even qualifying for the Super Four round.
Pakistan and India have qualified from group A for the Super Four stage. After the defeat of Afghanistan, Bangladesh has qualified for the Super Four along with Sri Lanka from group B.
India will play their last group-stage match against Oman tomorrow.
