Sri Lanka outclassed Afghanistan by six wickets in the last Group B clash of the Asia Cup 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan posted 169/8 in 20 overs, thanks to a blazing knock by Mohammad Nabi. Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan also made useful contributions.

Nuwan Thushara bowled brilliantly and gave Afghanistan early setbacks. However, it was Mohammad Nabi’s innings that lifted Afghanistan to a respectable total.

In reply, Sri Lanka lost a few wickets early, but Kusal Mendis provided a solid start and built crucial partnerships with Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis.

Sri Lanka chased down the target with eight balls to spare to seal victory. With this win, Sri Lanka advanced to the Super 4 stage, and Bangladesh also qualified from Group B.

Tactical Bowling Moves

Sri Lanka made a strategic call by selecting Wellalage over Maheesh Theekshana, considering Afghanistan’s lineup of ten right-handers. The move also strengthened Sri Lanka’s batting depth and fielding.

Captain Charith Asalanka used his strike bowlers aggressively upfront, aiming to take early wickets. Thushara bowled three overs in the powerplay and delivered superbly, picking up three wickets during that period. He later returned to dismiss another batter at the death.

Dasun Shanaka handled the middle overs well, conceding just 29 runs in four overs, while Wanindu Hasaranga was economical with figures of 0 for 18 in four overs. Chameera, despite bowling well, was expensive, giving away 50 runs in his four overs — his most costly spell ever.

Wellalage’s Tough End

Wellalage had been tidy for most of his spell, conceding just 17 runs before his final over. However, Nabi targeted him ruthlessly, hitting five massive sixes straight down the ground and scoring 32 runs off that over alone.

Although Wellalage will be remembered for that expensive over, Sri Lanka’s overall bowling plan worked. Thushara’s early breakthroughs and disciplined spells from others ensured Afghanistan never fully recovered.

Nabi’s Explosive Finish

Mohammad Nabi almost turned the match around for Afghanistan with a sensational innings. He smashed 60 runs off just 22 balls, including five sixes in the final over bowled by Dunith Wellalage.

Before Nabi’s assault, Afghanistan were struggling. However, they scored 49 runs in the last two overs to dramatically boost their total. Dushmantha Chameera went for 17 runs in the penultimate over, followed by Nabi’s carnage in the last over.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers had dominated most of the innings before this late onslaught. Nuwan Thushara was the standout, taking four wickets for just 18 runs. His early strikes put Afghanistan under severe pressure.

Kusal Guides Sri Lanka Home

Kusal Mendis played a match-winning unbeaten innings of 74 off 52 balls, guiding Sri Lanka to chase down a challenging target with eight balls to spare. His innings was marked by smart sweeps and pulls, which helped him handle Afghanistan’s spinners effectively.

He built steady partnerships throughout the chase, putting together stands of 22, 25, 45, 27, and an unbeaten 52. Despite losing Pathum Nissanka early and Kamil Mishara during the powerplay, Kusal anchored the innings and ensured Sri Lanka stayed on track.

With 48 runs needed from the last five overs, Kamindu Mendis joined Kusal and played a quickfire cameo. Kamindu smashed two crucial sixes — one each off Noor Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooqi — scoring 26 not out off 13 balls. His aggressive hitting eased the pressure, allowing Kusal to finish the game calmly.