Sri Lanka delivered a clinical performance to knock Afghanistan out of the Asia Cup 2025, securing their place in the Super Four and sending shockwaves through Group B. The high-stakes clash in Abu Dhabi saw Kusal Mendis anchor the chase with a masterful unbeaten 74, while Afghanistan’s late fireworks from Mohammad Nabi weren’t enough to keep their tournament dreams alive.
A Nail-Biting Group B Finale
The stakes couldn’t have been higher for Afghanistan. Entering the match, they needed a win to leapfrog Bangladesh and clinch the final Super Four spot. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, only needed to score 101 runs in their chase to guarantee progression, thanks to their earlier group victories.
Afghanistan posted a competitive 169/8, largely thanks to a breathtaking late assault from Mohammad Nabi. Coming in with his team struggling at 137/7, Nabi smashed a blistering 60 off just 22 balls, including five sixes in the final over—a joint-fastest T20I fifty for Afghanistan. His heroics gave Afghanistan a fighting chance and electrified the Abu Dhabi crowd.
Sri Lanka’s Calm Chase and Mendis’ Heroics
Sri Lanka’s reply was measured and composed. Despite losing three wickets early, Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka steadied the ship. Mendis, in particular, was the backbone of the chase, crafting an unbeaten 74 that guided Sri Lanka home with 8 balls to spare. The Lankans finished at 170/4 in 18.4 overs, sealing a six-wicket win and dashing Afghanistan’s hopes.
Nuwan Thushara was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, claiming 4 wickets for just 18 runs and stifling Afghanistan’s top order before Nabi’s late onslaught.
What This Means for the Asia Cup
With this result, Sri Lanka joins Bangladesh in the Super Four stage from Group B, while Afghanistan’s campaign ends in heartbreak. The outcome also brought relief to Bangladesh fans, who were anxiously watching the qualification scenarios unfold.
Key Takeaways
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Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 74 was the match-winning knock that anchored Sri Lanka’s chase.
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Mohammad Nabi’s 60 off 22 balls was a standout individual performance, but ultimately in vain.
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Nuwan Thushara’s 4/18 proved decisive in restricting Afghanistan to a manageable total.
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Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advance to the Super Four, while Afghanistan is eliminated.
Expert Commentary: The Fine Margins of Tournament Cricket
This match was a classic example of how T20 cricket can turn on a few key moments. Afghanistan’s inability to build partnerships in the middle overs and Sri Lanka’s calm under pressure made all the difference. Nabi’s late blitz will be remembered, but it also highlights Afghanistan’s over-reliance on individual brilliance rather than consistent team performance.
For Sri Lanka, the win underscores their growing confidence and adaptability in crunch situations. With the Super Four stage looming, their blend of youth and experience could make them serious contenders for the title.
What’s Next?
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh now prepare for the Super Four, where they’ll face the heavyweights from Group A—India and Pakistan. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will need to regroup and reflect on what could have been, especially after showing flashes of brilliance throughout the tournament.
Asia Cup 2025 continues to deliver drama, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments—and this Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan clash was no exception.
Sources
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