Abu Dhabi, September 18 – Sri Lanka secured their place in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025 with a six-wicket victory over Afghanistan at Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Batting first, Afghanistan managed 169 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 overs. Despite a late surge powered by Mohammad Nabi, who smashed five sixes in the final over, Afghanistan’s total fell short of providing a real challenge. Nabi’s explosive cameo lifted his side from 120/7 in 18 overs to a competitive finish, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to make an impact.
In response, Sri Lanka chased down the target in 18.4 overs, thanks to a composed and fluent 74-run knock from Kusal Mendis. Supported by contributions from Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, and Kamindu Mendis, Sri Lanka kept the scoreboard ticking despite early pressure from Afghanistan’s new-ball bowlers. Unfortunately for Afghanistan, their bowlers could not capitalize on the momentum, with spin options failing to contain the run flow and some tactical missteps in bowling rotations.
While Afghanistan showed flashes of brilliance, especially through Nabi’s late heroics, it was not enough to prevent Sri Lanka from advancing. With this win, Sri Lanka join Bangladesh in the Super 4, leaving Afghanistan to rue missed opportunities in a crucial contest.