Afghanistan Vs Sri Lanka, match highlights: Sri Lanka produced a composed run chase defeat Afghanistan by 6 wickets in Abu Dhabi and March into the super Four stage of Asia Cup 2025. Despite Mohammad Nabi quick fire in Final over , Afghanistan have failed to depend 169 , and out of the Asia Cup 2025, Bangladesh through into super Four.
Afghanistan innings
Afghanistan winning the toss decided to bat first, their top order once again failed, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 14, Sediquallah Atal 18, and Karim janat 1.Nuwan Tushara swinging the ball both ways and troubling Afghan batter, he dismissed Gurbaz early and continued to dedent the batting lineup with his pace and accuracy.
By the halfway mark , Afghanistan were struggling to accelerate, Ibrahim Zadran failed to convert promising start 24 off 27 balls. After 79/6 Nabi and Rashid make small partnership.
At 137 /7 with just one over remaining Mohammad Nabi astonishing display of power hitting, against Dunith wellalge, Nabi unleashed his full range, sending 5 sixes in an over which helps Afghanistan to post competitive total 169/8 in 20 overs.
In bowling Nuwan Tushara 18/4 , Chameera, wellalage and Shanaka bags 1 wicket each.
Sri Lanka innings
Chasing 170 , Sri Lanka needed a solid starts but Afghanistan struck early , Pathum Nissanka was caught for just 6 . While Kamil Mishara failed to make an impression. However Kusal Mendis had other plans. Playing with maturity and composure , he anchored the innings, mixing singles and twos with timely boundaries, keeping the asking rate under control, his footwork against spin was impressive, nullifying threat of Rashid and Noor.
Alongside side Mendis, Parera, and Asalanka provided handy cameos,even though both were dismissed before finishing job their runs kept Sri Lanka ahead of chase . By the 15th overs Sri Lanka had whittled the target down to manageable proportion.
Afghanistan’s bowlers tried to fight back, with Mujeeb removing Perera and Noor Ahmad getting rid of Asalanka, but the lack of wickets in clusters cost them dearly. Without breakthroughs in the middle overs, Sri Lanka were always in control.
In the end, Mendis’ well-paced fifty and Kamindu Mendis 26 off just 13 Balls presence guided the team home. The winning runs came with balls to spare, ensuring Sri Lanka not only secured victory but also boosted their confidence heading into the Super Four .
In Afghanistan bowling Nabi , Noor, omarzai and mujeeb takes 1 wicket each.
Afghanistan Vs Sri Lanka turning points
1. Thushara’s brilliance with the ball – His figures of 4/18 dismantled Afghanistan’s top order and prevented them from crossing 180 despite Nabi’s heroics.
2. Nabi’s magical last over – Five sixes off Wellalage gave Afghanistan belief and lifted their morale, but ultimately it wasn’t enough.
3. Mendis’ maturity – His ability to absorb pressure and control the innings was the difference between the two sides.
4. Afghanistan’s missed chances – Despite a defendable score, they failed to create sustained pressure on Sri Lanka, especially in the middle overs.