Sri Lanka Knock Out Afghanistan, Thushara & Mendis Shine in Asia Cup.

  • September 18, 2025

Sri Lanka secured a crucial six-wicket triumph against Afghanistan in the 11th contest of Asia Cup 2025 Group B held in Abu Dhabi on September 18, thereby eliminating Afghanistan from contention and guaranteeing their advancement to the Super Four stage. Afghanistan posted a total of 169 for eight wickets, recovering from a precarious 79 for six, thanks to Mohammad Nabi’s explosive innings of 60 runs off just 22 deliveries. In response, Sri Lanka successfully chased down the target of 170 with eight balls remaining, propelled by Kusal Mendis’s unbeaten 74 off 52 balls, guiding his team to victory.

Nuwan Thushara’s exceptional bowling performance and Mohammad Nabi’s dynamic recovery effort in the initial innings

Afghanistan’s batting lineup faltered against Sri Lanka’s proficient swing and spin bowling attack, plummeting to 79 for six wickets in 12.1 overs. Nuwan Thushara spearheaded the bowling attack, claiming four wickets while conceding 18 runs. Subsequently, seasoned all-rounder Nabi unleashed a remarkable innings, scoring 60 runs from 22 balls at an impressive strike rate of 272.72, including three boundaries and six towering sixes.

Five successive sixes off Dunith Wellalage in the final over yielded 32 runs, marking the most expensive over in Sri Lankan T20I history. Nabi achieved the distinction of being the third-oldest player to record a T20I half-century after surpassing 40 years of age and equaled Afghanistan’s record for the fastest fifty in T20Is. His resilient partnership with Noor Ahmad in the latter stages enabled Afghanistan to establish a competitive total of 169 for eight wickets.

Kusal Mendis’s calculated pursuit steers Sri Lanka to victory against Afghanistan

In pursuit of 170 runs, Sri Lanka encountered an early setback with the loss of Pathum Nissanka, but stabilized their innings with Kusal assuming the role of anchor. He showcased his prowess with an unbeaten 74 off 52 balls, comprising 10 boundaries. After reaching his half-century off 40 balls, Kusal skillfully rotated the strike and capitalized on loose deliveries. Kusal Perera contributed with 28 runs off 20 balls before his dismissal in the 12th over, while captain Charith Asalanka added 17 runs off 12 balls. Kamindu Mendis remained unbeaten with 26 runs off 13 balls, sealing the victory in 18.4 overs. Despite the efforts of Afghanistan’s bowlers, including Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, they were unable to impede Sri Lanka’s progress.

This triumph solidified Sri Lanka’s position in the Super Four as Group B leaders, accumulating six points. Conversely, Afghanistan’s journey concluded with a mere two points from three matches, despite commencing with a dominant victory over Hong Kong. As a result, Sri Lanka advances to a crucial Super Four campaign, while Afghanistan exits the tournament, falling short of expectations after a promising start.

Also WATCH: Nuwan Thushara dismantles Karim Janat’s defenses with a remarkable delivery in the SL vs AFG Asia Cup 2025 encounter

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Also WATCH: Kusal Perera makes a spectacular catch to dismiss Darwish Rasooli in the SL vs AFG match

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