Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka enters Super Four Stage, Afghanistan Crash Out – Full Match Report & Highlights
- Sri Lanka delivered a stellar all-round performance to defeat Afghanistan by six wickets in a high-stakes Group B encounter of the Asia Cup 2025, played at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
- With this victory, Sri Lanka qualified for the Super Four, knocking Afghanistan out of the tournament and paving the way for Bangladesh to proceed as well.
Match Details:
- Match: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2025, Group B
- Date: 18 September 2025
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets
Afghanistan Innings Highlights:
Afghanistan managed to post 169/8 in their 20 overs, thanks mainly to a sensational finish from Mohammad Nabi. Afghanistan looked down and out at 120/7 after 18 overs, but Nabi unleashed a power-hitting exhibition by smashing five sixes in the final over, rocketing from 114/7 at the end of the 17th over to a highly competitive score. Nabi’s 60 off just 22 balls, which included the fastest T20I fifty (20 balls) for Afghanistan, revived the innings.
- Key Performers:
- Mohammad Nabi: 60 (22), 5 sixes in the last over, record fastest T20I fifty for Afghanistan
- Nuwan Thushara (Sri Lanka): 3 wickets in the Powerplay, figures of 4/18
Sri Lanka Innings Highlights:
Sri Lanka began their chase confidently, with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis setting the tone. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a composed, unbeaten 74 runs from 53 balls, guiding Sri Lanka past the Afghan total in just 18.4 overs. Kamindu Mendis provided a late cameo, ensuring there were no last-minute hiccups. Sri Lanka achieved the required run-rate not only to win but also to maintain their unbeaten record in the tournament.
- Key Performers:
- Kusal Mendis: 74* (53), 10 boundaries, match-winning knock
- Kamindu Mendis: crucial late cameo
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): economical bowling, 1/28 in 4 overs
Full Scorecard:
- Afghanistan Batting: Nabi 60(22), Rashid 24(23)
- Sri Lanka Bowling: Thushara 4/18, Wellalage 2/31
- Sri Lanka Batting: Kusal Mendis 74*(53), Kusal Perera 28(26)
- Afghanistan Bowling: Rashid 1/28, Nabi 1/19
- According to cricbuzz.com, Live Cricket ScoreCard:
https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scorecard/130102/sl-vs-afg-11th-match-group-b-asia-cup-2025
Afghanistan Innings:
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | 14 | 8 | 3 | 0 | c Perera b Thushara |
| Sediqullah Atal | 18 | 14 | 2 | 1 | b Thushara |
| Ibrahim Zadran | 24 | 27 | 3 | 0 | c Chameera b Wellalage |
| Karim Janat | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | b Thushara |
| Darwish Rasooli | 9 | 16 | 1 | 0 | c Perera b Chameera |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | b Shanaka |
| Mohammad Nabi | 60 | 22 | 2 | 7 | run out (Wellalage) |
| Rashid Khan | 24 | 23 | 2 | 1 | b Thushara |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | not out |
| Noor Ahmad | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | not out |
| Extras | 7 | (w 6, lb 1) | |||
| Total | 169 | 20.0 | 8 wickets |
Sri Lanka Bowling:
- Nuwan Thushara: 4/18 (4)
- Dushmantha Chameera: 1/50 (4)
- Dunith Wellalage: 2/31 (4)
- Dasun Shanaka: 1/19 (3)
Sri Lanka Innings:
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | c Mujeeb Ur Rahman b Omarzai |
| Kusal Mendis | 74* | 53 | 10 | 0 | not out |
| Kusal Perera | 28 | 26 | 4 | 0 | c Gurbaz b Mujeeb Ur Rahman |
| Kamil Mishara | 4 | 10 | 0 | 0 | c Ibrahim Zadran b Mohammad Nabi |
| Charith Asalanka | 17 | 12 | 1 | 1 | c Rashid Khan b Noor Ahmad |
| Kamindu Mendis | 26* | 13 | 2 | 2 | not out |
| Extras | 16 | (w 14, b 2) | |||
| Total | 171 | 18.4 | 4 wickets |
Afghanistan Bowling:
- Azmatullah Omarzai: 1/10 (2)
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman: 1/35 (4)
- Mohammad Nabi: 1/19 (3)
- Noor Ahmad: 1/27 (3.4)
- Rashid Khan: 0/28 (4)
Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets with 8 balls remaining, sealing their Super Four qualification and knocking Afghanistan out of the tournament
Star Performers:
- Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka): Player of the Match for a calm, unbeaten 74* under pressure, leading the chase from the front.
- Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan): Sensational 60 off 22 balls, almost single-handedly kept Afghanistan in the contest.
- Nuwan Thushara (Sri Lanka): Early breakthroughs, pivotal 3-wicket Powerplay burst plus fightback late in the innings.
What’s Next?
- This result means Sri Lanka and Bangladesh move on to the Super Four stage, alongside India and Pakistan.
- Afghanistan, despite some thrilling moments, are eliminated from Asia Cup 2025.
- Sri Lanka’s momentum and unbeaten record will make them a team to watch as the tournament heads into the most competitive phase
According to cricbuzz.com, Current Points Table: https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/10587/asia-cup-2025/points-table
- Sri Lanka’s schedule in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage is as follows (all times IST, matches at Dubai or Abu Dhabi):
- Sep 20, 2025: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh at Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- Sep 23, 2025: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Sep 26, 2025: India vs Sri Lanka at Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- These matches are part of the round-robin Super Four stage where each team plays three games.
- The top two teams after these matches will advance to the final scheduled on September 28, 2025, in Dubai.
- Sri Lanka will face Bangladesh in the opening Super Four match followed by a clash against Pakistan and finally against India to decide who proceeds to the final.
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