Sri Lanka End Afghanistan’s Asia Cup 2025 Journey with Clinical 6-Wicket Win
The Asia Cup 2025 Group B clash between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, turned into a thrilling contest that ended Afghanistan’s campaign in the tournament. Sri Lanka chased down a tricky total with ease, winning by 6 wickets in 18.4 overs.
This result officially confirmed the Super Four stage teams: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Afghanistan, despite a late fightback from veteran Mohammad Nabi, fell short and bowed out of the competition.
Match Summary at a Glance
| Team | Score | Overs | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 169/8 | 20 overs | Mohammad Nabi – 60* (22) |
| Sri Lanka | 171/4 | 18.4 overs | Kusal Mendis – 74* (52) |
Result: Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets.
Player of the Match: Kusal Mendis for his match-winning knock.
Afghanistan’s Innings: Nabi Rescues a Collapse
Afghanistan opted to bat first after winning the toss but quickly found themselves in deep trouble. At one point, they were 74/6 in the 13th over, thanks to some fiery bowling from Nuwan Thushara (4/18) and disciplined spells from Wanindu Hasaranga.
Just when it seemed like the innings would fold under 130, veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi produced one of the most entertaining knocks of the tournament. His 60 off just 22 balls*, including five sixes in the final over, revived Afghanistan and gave them a respectable total of 169.
Unfortunately, the rest of the batting lineup failed to build partnerships. The top order, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, couldn’t capitalize on starts, exposing Afghanistan’s reliance on individual brilliance.
Sri Lanka’s Chase: Mendis Anchors with Composure
Chasing 170 in T20 cricket can always be tricky, especially against Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack led by Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad. Sri Lanka lost a couple of early wickets, but Kusal Mendis held firm.
- Mendis scored 74 off 52 balls*, anchoring the innings with maturity.
- Kusal Perera (28) supported well in the middle overs.
- Kamindu Mendis (26 off 13)* provided the finishing flourish.
Sri Lanka crossed the target in 18.4 overs, showing composure and calculated acceleration. The chase highlighted their ability to handle pressure — rotating strike when needed and attacking loose deliveries.
Key Moments & Insights
- Nabi’s Power-Hitting: His 60* nearly turned the game around and reminded fans of Yuvraj Singh’s famous six-hitting feats.
- Thushara’s Magic Spell: Early wickets (4/18) broke Afghanistan’s backbone and restricted them from setting a bigger total.
- Sri Lanka’s Calm Approach: Despite losing early wickets, they avoided panic and executed the chase clinically.
- Afghanistan’s Fragile Middle Order: Over-reliance on Nabi exposed their lack of batting depth.
- Bowling Discipline Wins Matches: Sri Lanka’s death bowling and spin control were instrumental in preventing Afghanistan from crossing 180+.
Importance and Consequences
- Sri Lanka: Finished Group B unbeaten (3/3 wins) and look strong contenders alongside India.
- Bangladesh: Qualified for Super Four after Afghanistan’s elimination.
- Afghanistan: Knocked out, raising questions about their team balance and lack of batting partnerships.
- Tournament Outlook: Experts see Sri Lanka and India as the “teams to beat,” while Pakistan and Bangladesh remain unpredictable.
Asia Cup 2025 – Super Four Stage Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 20 | India vs Pakistan | Dubai International Stadium |
| Sept 21 | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Dubai International Stadium |
| Sept 23 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Stadium |
| Sept 24 | India vs Bangladesh | Dubai International Stadium |
| Sept 26 | India vs Sri Lanka | Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Stadium |
| Sept 27 | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Dubai International Stadium |
Final: Scheduled for Sept 30, 2025, in Dubai.
What This Means for Both Teams
- Sri Lanka: Balanced side, performing well with both bat and ball. They now enter the Super Four with momentum and confidence.
- Afghanistan: Once again dependent on individual brilliance. Without consistent contributions from the top and middle order, they struggled to compete against stronger opposition.
FAQs- Sri Lanka Vs Afghanistan Match
Who was the Player of the Match in Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan?
Kusal Mendis for his unbeaten 74 runs off 52 balls
How many sixes did Mohammad Nabi hit in the final over?
He smashed five sixes in the 20th over.
Which teams qualified for the Super Four stage of Asia Cup 2025?
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
Why did Afghanistan get eliminated?
Despite Nabi’s heroics, Afghanistan’s top and middle order failed, and their bowling leaked runs in key moments.
Is Sri Lanka a favorite to win the Asia Cup 2025?
Yes, along with India, Sri Lanka are seen as strong favorites due to their all-round depth.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s emphatic win over Afghanistan was a reminder of why they are considered tournament favorites. While Afghanistan fought valiantly through Nabi’s brilliance, cricket is rarely won by individuals alone. Team balance, partnerships, and bowling discipline matter — and Sri Lanka delivered on all fronts.
Who’s your pick to lift the Asia Cup 2025 trophy — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Bangladesh? stay tuned on www.usmanoncricket.com. Comment below and share your views!
