Sri Lanka produced an impressive display against Afghanistan, sealing a six wicket victory. This historic win knocked Afghanistan out of the Asia Cup during the group stage round in Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan’s hopes of advancing in the tournament were eliminated with their loss. Though they had a disappointing finish with two losses and one win not good enough for them to advance to the Super 4 stage, Sri Lanka were celebrating a third successive victory. This win boosted them to the top of Group B, where they sit with Bangladesh — who advanced by way of two wins and a loss.
Sri Lanka chasing a target of 171 runs. Kusal Mendis batted through for his side and produced an outrageous knock, remaining unbeaten on 74 from only 52 balls. Mendis was instrumental in guiding his side home with over an over to spare in a clinical display. His performance exemplified Sri Lanka’s batting strength, as they chased down the target comfortably against a faltering Afghan bowling attack.
Afghanistan’s innings had gotten off to a nightmare start, with Nuwan Thushara claiming three wickets inside the powerplay. His third spell was special, including this perfect inswinger. Those menacing deliveries knocked over Sediqullah Atal and Karim Jannat’s off-stump, putting Afghanistan in severe peril right from the start.
Although Afghanistan faced a loss, efforts of resistance were able to make it through their tough match with Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. The other opener Ibrahim Zadran made just 24 runs but needed 27 balls to get them, illustrating just how much pressure Sri Lanka put them under. Thushara dealt a significant blow by getting Rashid Khan out in the powerplay. This wicket dropped Afghanistan down to a treacherous 114-7 in only 17.1 overs.
Mohammad Nabi of Afghanistan added a late flourish with his 46 off the final two overs. Nabi released that pressure valve by hitting three consecutive fours to end the penultimate over from Dushmantha Chameera. He followed up by launching five gargantuan sixes off Dunith Wellalage in the last over! Unfortunately for Afghanistan, Nabi was run out on the last ball of the innings, limiting their total to 149 runs.
Noor Ahmad’s bowling for Afghanistan was less effective, as the 22-year-old took 1-37 from his three overs. His failure to stem the tide of Sri Lanka’s batting only added to Afghanistan’s woes as the match progressed.
Following the match, Rashid Khan reflected on Afghanistan’s performance, acknowledging that “we did not bowl as well as we should have, and that is why we did not win.” On that point, he expressed disappointment over their entire campaign. He thought they were well set up in their final game against Bangladesh and then flubbed their run chase of 150.
“We will think about it, analyse and come back stronger,” he added, indicating a commitment to improve for future competitions.
Player reaction
Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka captain
It wasn’t a perfect start but I was pleased with how we played today. It was almost a perfect game for us,” he said. His comments were a testament to the confidence and momentum Sri Lanka has built going into the next stage of play.
