Sri Lanka Seal Super Four Spot with Win Over Afghanistan; Bangladesh Also Advance
Kusal Mendis produced a composed, unbeaten 74 to guide Sri Lanka to a six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the final Group B clash of the 2025 Men's T20 Asia Cup. The result ensured Sri Lanka topped the group with a perfect record, while Bangladesh progressed to the Super Four in second place.
Chasing 170, Mendis anchored the innings with a classy 52-ball knock, steering Sri Lanka home with eight balls to spare. His innings, laced with expertly timed sweeps and pulls, held together a series of partnerships—22, 25, 45, 27, and an unbroken 52-run stand to close out the game—nullifying Afghanistan’s varied spin attack on a dry Abu Dhabi surface.
Mendis' poise was particularly vital in offsetting the late fireworks from Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi, whose explosive 60 off just 22 balls briefly threatened to flip the script.
Nabi’s Late Fireworks Lift Afghanistan
Afghanistan posted 169 for 8 after being put in to bat, largely thanks to a breathtaking late onslaught from veteran all-rounder Nabi. With the innings teetering, Nabi launched a sensational counterattack, hammering five sixes in the final over bowled by Dunith Wellalage — who had come into the XI in place of Maheesh Theekshana.
Earlier, Afghanistan were stifled by disciplined Sri Lankan bowling. Nuwan Thushara was outstanding, claiming 4 for 18 in his four overs and consistently troubling the top order with his skiddy pace and variations.
At 120 for 6 in the 18th over, Afghanistan looked unlikely to cross 150, but Nabi’s blitz—along with a 17-run penultimate over off Dushmantha Chameera—saw them smash 49 runs in the final two overs, catapulting them to a competitive total.
Sri Lanka Chase With Precision
Despite the late surge from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka approached the chase with calm assurance. Kusal Perera (28) and Mendis set the tone early before a mini wobble in the middle overs. But Mendis remained composed, expertly rotating the strike while dispatching loose deliveries to the boundary.
Afghanistan’s spinners, including Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, failed to break through decisively as Mendis manipulated the field with deft placement. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai tried to tighten the screws, but Mendis’ calculated approach blunted their efforts.
Mendis brought up his half-century in 42 balls and accelerated thereafter, ensuring Sri Lanka avoided any late drama. His innings was the backbone of Sri Lanka’s successful chase, reaffirming his status as a key player in the side’s top order.
Group B Final Standings and What’s Next
Sri Lanka’s win means they advance to the Super Four stage unbeaten, while Bangladesh qualify in second place based on their earlier win over Afghanistan. Afghanistan, despite Nabi’s heroics, exit the tournament.
The Super Four stage begins later this week, with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh joining India and Pakistan from Group A in what promises to be a high-octane finish to the Asia Cup.
Match Summary:
Afghanistan – 169/8 in 20 overs (Nabi 60, Ibrahim 24; Thushara 4-18)
Sri Lanka – 171/4 in 18.4 overs (Kusal Mendis 74*, Perera 28; Omarzai 1-10)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh qualify for Super Four from Group B