Image Source: Social Media
In an exciting Asia Cup 2025 Group B match held at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on September 18, Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by six wickets to secure their place in the Super 4 stage. Sri Lanka's strong batting performance, led by Kusal Mendis, helped them chase down Afghanistan’s total with ease.
Afghanistan’s Innings Struggle and Strong Finish
Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bat first. Their start was rocky as key batters Rahmanullah Gurbaz (14 off 8), Karim Janat (1 off 3), and Sediqullah Atal (18 off 14) fell early to Sri Lanka’s bowler Nuwan Thushara. Ibrahim Zadran tried to stabilize the innings, scoring 24 off 27, but wickets continued to fall at the other end.
In a difficult situation, Mohammad Nabi played a remarkable knock, smashing 60 runs off just 22 balls. His explosive hitting in the final over, where leg-spinner Dunith Wellalage conceded 32 runs including five sixes, gave Afghanistan a competitive total of 169/8. Nuwan Thushara was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking 4 wickets for 18 runs in his four overs.
Mohammad Nabi lit up the Abu Dhabi skyline with some fireworks of his own ??
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 18, 2025
Watch the #DPWorldAsiaCup2025, from Sept 9-28, 7 PM onwards, LIVE on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/nseqjt4zJJ
Sri Lanka’s Chase Dominated by Kusal Mendis
Chasing 170, Sri Lanka lost opener Pathum Nissanka early in the innings. However, Kusal Mendis stood firm and played a brilliant knock of 74* runs off 52 balls, supported by Kamindu Mendis’ quickfire 26* off just 13 balls. Other contributors included Kusal Perera (28 runs) and Charith Asalanka (17 runs).
Mendis unbeaten innings, full of timely boundaries and calm shot selection, earned him the Player of the Match award. His partnership with Kamindu Mendis guided Sri Lanka to chase down the target comfortably in 18.4 overs with six wickets to spare.
Steady at the top ✨
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 18, 2025
A fine 50 from Kusal Mendis ?
Watch #SLvAFG LIVE NOW, on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/XqIQfLgX6D
Key Performances
- Afghanistan: 169/8 in 20 overs
- Mohammad Nabi 60 (22)
- Ibrahim Zadran 24 (27)
- Nuwan Thushara 4/18
- Dunith Wellalage 0/32 (final over)
- Sri Lanka: 171/4 in 18.4 overs
- Kusal Mendis 74* (52)
- Kamindu Mendis 26* (13)
- Kusal Perera 28 (24)
- Charith Asalanka 17 (12)
Sri Lanka storm into the Super 4s, unbeaten ?? ?
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 18, 2025
Watch the #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 Super 4s, starting Sept 20, 7 PM onwards, LIVE on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/Cst7W1AEVb
Result and Impact
Sri Lanka’s six-wicket win over Afghanistan ensured their qualification for the Super 4 round alongside Bangladesh from Group B. Afghanistan crashed out of the tournament despite Mohammad Nabi’s fiery innings. Sri Lanka remain unbeaten and will next face tough competition in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025.
Also Read: SL vs AFG Asia Cup 2025: Pitch Report, Head-to-Head, Playing 11, AI Prediction
Give Your Feedback