Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 11th Match, Group B – Asia Cup 2025 (18 September, Abu Dhabi)

Sri Lanka faced Afghanistan in a crucial final group fixture. For Sri Lanka, a win would confirm top spot in Group B and passage to the Super Four; for Afghanistan, it was a must-win to stay in contention. The stage was set at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, and both teams had everything to play for.

Match Summary

This section gives a concise overview of both teams’ innings, standout performances, and the result.

Afghanistan Innings: 169/8 in 20 overs

• Mohammad Nabi played a blazing cameo: 60 off 22 balls, including five sixes in an over.
• Other contributions were limited; the team was precariously placed at several points during the innings.

Sri Lanka Innings: 171/4 in 18.4 overs

• Kusal Mendis anchored the chase with an unbeaten 74 off 53 balls.
  
  Kamindu Mendis played a useful cameo down the order to finish the match.
• The bowling attack from Sri Lanka was effective, especially Nuwan Thushara, who picked 4 wickets for 18 runs.

Result: Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets with 8 balls to spare, thus topping Group B.

Key Match Stats

Below are the key stats that shaped the game: team scores, top batting, and best bowling.

Key Highlights

Here are the turning points and defining moments of the match.

• Afghanistan looked to build momentum via Nabi’s destructive power-hitting, particularly in the final over where he smashed five sixes. But earlier loss of wickets kept them under pressure.
• Sri Lanka’s chase was anchored by Mendis, especially after early hiccups, maintaining composure under pressure and pacing the chase well.
• Thushara’s early breakthroughs with the ball gave Sri Lanka control, removing key batsmen at critical junctures.
• Afghanistan’s bowlers had patches of resistance but couldn’t contain the runs in death overs; some loose deliveries proved costly.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka delivered in a pressure match to seal their top spot in Group B. The win was built on a gem of an innings by Kusal Mendis, backed by incisive bowling from Thushara. Afghanistan, despite flashes of brilliance — especially Nabi’s fireworks — fell short. The result sees Sri Lanka move forward confidently, while Afghanistan exit the tournament. Bangladesh, by virtue of this outcome, also progressed to the Super Four.

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