Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan by six wickets in Asia Cup 2025 clash
Nuwan Thushara’s brilliant four-wicket haul, coupled with an unbeaten half-century from Kusal Mendis, powered Sri Lanka to a six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in a crucial Group B clash of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Chasing a target of 170, Sri Lanka needed 101 runs to secure their spot in the Super Four, which they achieved with ease, reaching the mark in the 13th over. The defending champions eventually sealed the win with four wickets down and eight balls to spare.
The result also confirmed Bangladesh’s qualification for the Super Four, as Afghanistan’s defeat left the Tigers second in the Group B standings.
Kusal Mendis anchored Sri Lanka’s chase with a flawless knock of 74 off 52 deliveries, hitting 10 boundaries and remaining unbeaten. He found support from Kusal Perera (28) and Kamindu Mendis (26 not out), ensuring a smooth finish to the innings.
Afghanistan fall short despite hype as Asia’s second-best, miss out on super-4 stage
Afghanistan, often hailed as the second-best team in Asia on current form, have failed to qualify for the Asia Cup Super 4 stage, a major setback for a side brimming with talent.
Despite boasting world-class spinners and aggressive batters, their campaign exposed deep inconsistencies in temperament and match execution.
This exit raises serious questions about their ability to convert potential into results when it matters most, showing that reputation alone is not enough on the big stage.
Afghanistan set target of 170 runs for Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan have set a target of 170 runs for Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025 match.
Mohammad Nabi smashed a blistering half-century to guide Afghanistan to a competitive 169/8 in their Asia Cup 2025 clash against Sri Lanka at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan got off to a flying start as Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal raced to 26/0 in just two overs.
However, Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara quickly turned the tide, dismissing Gurbaz (14) and Karim Janat (1) in the third over before removing Atal (18) soon after. His fiery spell reduced Afghanistan to 40/3 inside five overs.
Ibrahim Zadran (24 off 27) attempted to rebuild the innings, but with little support at the other end, wickets continued to tumble.
Darwish Rasooli (9) and Azmatullah Omarzai (6) departed cheaply, leaving Afghanistan struggling at 79/6 in the 13th over.
Afghanistan win toss, choose to bat first
Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first against Sri Lanka in a crucial Asia Cup clash in Abu Dhabi.
The outcome of this match will also be significant for Bangladesh. As their chances in the tournament depend on the result of today’s contest between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
Asia Cup 2025 AFG vs SL: match details
Sri Lanka will face Afghanistan in the 11th match of the Asia Cup 2025 today at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The Group B clash is set to begin at 8:00 PM IST and is expected to be a crucial contest in the tournament.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & time | September 18, 2025 – 8:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Match number | 11th match, group B |
Sri Lanka squad
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha
Afghanistan squad
Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi
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