Sri Lanka Beat Afghanistan, Enter Asia Cup Super 4s
Kusal Mendis' fifty seals thrilling six-wicket win.
Sri Lanka delivered a clinical performance to oust Afghanistan from the Asia Cup with a gripping six-wicket victory on Thursday, securing their spot in the Super 4s alongside Bangladesh. Kusal Mendis’ composed 74 not out anchored a tense chase, overshadowing Mohammad Nabi’s explosive five-six blitz in the final over that propelled Afghanistan to 169 for eight. The win capped Sri Lanka’s flawless Group B campaign, finishing atop with three victories, while Bangladesh advanced with two wins from three.
Afghanistan’s innings teetered on collapse at 79 for six by the 13th over, undone by Nuwan Thushara’s fiery 4/18, which included three early scalps with his slingy, late-swinging deliveries. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (caught at slip), Sediquallah Atal (18), and Karim Janat (1) fell swiftly, unable to counter Thushara’s movement. Spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage tightened the screws mid-innings, but Nabi’s 60 off 22—featuring 32 runs off Wellalage’s ill-fated final over—and a 35-run stand with Rashid Khan (24) salvaged a fighting total.
Chasing 170, Sri Lanka faced pressure as Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by a frugal Rashid Khan (4 overs, 23 runs), kept things tight. With 48 needed off the last 30 balls, the game hung in the balance until Noor Ahmad’s 17th over bled 17 runs, swinging momentum decisively. Kusal Mendis, unflappable, and Kamindu Mendis (26 not out off 13) sealed the chase in 18.4 overs, defying Afghanistan’s hopes and their captain’s mid-match back injury.
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Sri Lanka’s fielding shone, with Dushmantha Chameera and Kusal Perera snaring sharp catches to dismiss Ibrahim Zadran (24) and Darwish Rasooli. Chameera, however, proved costly, leaking 50 runs, including 17 in the 19th over to Nabi’s ferocious hitting. Afghanistan’s early intent fizzled against Sri Lanka’s disciplined attack, marking their second loss and elimination after a promising start with 26 runs in the first two overs.
The victory underscores Sri Lanka’s resurgence, blending sharp bowling, agile fielding, and cool-headed batting under captain Charith Asalanka. As they join Bangladesh in the Super 4s, the islanders signal their intent to reclaim Asia Cup glory, while Afghanistan’s campaign ends in heartbreak despite Nabi’s heroics.
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