In an Asia Cup 2023 showdown in Lahore, Mohammad Nabi’s extraordinary 24-ball half-century was not enough to carry Afghanistan past Sri Lanka and into the Super 4 stage.
The situation was clear-cut for Afghanistan at the innings break: chase down Sri Lanka’s 292-run target in 37.1 overs or less to secure a place in the Super 4 stage. Their hopes were high as they approached the challenge.
At one point, Afghanistan appeared to be on track for a stunning victory, even poised to outshine Sri Lanka in the quest for Super 4 qualification.
After just 26 overs, they reached 200 with the loss of only four wickets, leaving them needing 92 runs in 11.1 overs to seal their Super 4 berth, a goal that seemed attainable with Nabi leading the charge.
However, the game took a turn for the worse once Nabi was dismissed. Rashid Khan and Najibullah Zadran put up a valiant fight, bringing the match down to the wire. With three runs needed off the final ball to secure qualification, Mujeeb was caught out by Dhananjaya de Silva.
Although Afghanistan could have still qualified with a six off the next three balls, the Sri Lankan off-spinner dismissed Fazalhaq Farooqi three balls later, securing a two-run victory for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis contributed 92 runs, and a late 64-run partnership between Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana put Sri Lanka in control after they chose to bat first in this crucial Asia Cup fixture.
Kasun Rajitha further solidified Sri Lanka’s position by dismissing the openers for single-digit scores within the first five overs. The unexpected decision to promote Gulbadin Naib to No.3 brought quick runs for Afghanistan, but he was soon out leg before wicket to Theekshana after scoring 22 off 16 balls.
It was the Rahmat Shah-Hashmatullah Shahidi partnership that rejuvenated Afghanistan’s run chase in spectacular fashion. The duo took on the Sri Lankan bowlers, maintaining the required run rate. Their 71-run stand came in just 63 balls, providing Afghanistan with a strong foundation.
Nabi entered the scene at No.6 after Shah’s dismissal in the 19th over, courtesy of Rajitha. Nabi wasted no time, aggressively attacking the Lankan bowling, reaching 18 off 13 balls before taking on Matheesha Pathirana for a six and two fours in the 23rd over.
Nabi achieved his fifty in just 24 balls, setting a new record for the fastest half-century by an Afghanistan player in ODIs. Previously, this record was held by Mujeeb ur Rahman for his 26-ball fifty against Pakistan last month in Colombo.
When Nabi departed with 65 runs to his name in the 27th over, Sri Lanka saw an opportunity to make a comeback. The balance had tilted Afghanistan’s way during the electrifying partnership between Nabi and Shahidi, who added 80 runs in just 47 balls.
