Asia Cup 2025, the 11th match, Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Group B. Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by 6 wickets and qualified for the Super 4s. This secured a place in the Super Four for Bangladesh, while Afghanistan was eliminated from the tournament. Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, match started with Afghanistan batting first, and scored 169/8 in 20 overs. In reply, Sri Lanka surpassed the target and scored 171/4 in 18.4 overs. The outstanding performer of the game, Kusal Mendis, earned the Player of the Match award.
Afghanistan Batting: Nabi’s Late Heroics
Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Afghanistan faltered in the first overs but played well in the last overs. They lost three wickets inside the power play. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal struggled in the first six overs, putting the middle order under pressure. However, Mohammad Nabi changed the flow of the game by hitting consecutive sixes in the final over. He played a blazing innings and scored 60 off 22 balls. Ibrahim Zadran (24) and Rashid Khan (24) also contributed to Afghanistan, which led them to a sturdy total of 169/8 in 20 overs.
Sri Lanka's Bowling Attack Strikes Early
Sri Lanka bowlers have made a perfect start by taking the wickets of Afghanistan’s top batters. Nuwan Thushar dismissed Afghanistan's openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal in the early overs. He put Afghanistan under pressure and took 4 wickets. The leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga performed well in the middle overs, and Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, and Dasun Shanaka claimed 1 wicket each. After the 18th over, Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to resist Afghanistan’s batters, and they managed to post 169/8.
Sri Lanka's Chase Powered by Mendis
Sri Lanka struggled initially, but in the final overs, they came back in perfect form, which led them to chase the target of 170 runs. Sri Lanka, which came out to bat in reply, finished the innings in 18.4 overs. They lost early wickets of Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara. The lions were 47/2 in the 6th over. Kusal Mendis (74* off 52) and Kusal Perera (28 off 20) partnership was admirable. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to perform under pressure, and ultimately, Mendis’ six in the last over guided Sri Lanka to victory.
Afghanistan Bowling Struggles
Compared to previous matches. Afghanistan's bowling lineup couldn’t perform well against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai dismissed Pathum Nissanka and contributed to a breakthrough for Afghanistan. Rashid Khan bowled effectively, but, couldn't take a wicket. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad grabbed 1 wicket each. During the death overs, Afghanistan’s bowlers failed to resist the batters, which gave Sri Lanka an advantage.
What does this Mean?
The clash between giants ended up in a last-minute, thrilling contest. Sri Lanka struggled at first, but later showed a marvellous performance and secured the victory, and qualified for the Super 4s. Afghanistan has been eliminated from the tournament. Based on their performance, they should consider improving their bowling lineup for the next season, especially the death bowling. Sometimes they failed to build a partnership. For Sri Lanka, they have a big match in front of them, so they need to continue their form in both batting and bowling.