Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka Beat Afghanistan by 6 Wickets – Full Match Report and Highlights
Introduction
The 11th Group B clash of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi witnessed an exciting battle between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Sri Lanka emerged victorious by 6 wickets, chasing down the target with confidence and composure. This result boosted Sri Lanka’s chances in the tournament while Afghanistan’s journey took a major setback.
Afghanistan’s Innings – A Struggle Before a Late Fireworks Show
- Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan won the toss and opted to bat first.
- The start was disappointing as they lost three wickets inside five overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (14), Karim Janat (13), and Sediqullah Atal (18) failed to provide stability.
- Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli also couldn’t stay long enough to build a partnership.
- However, Mohammad Nabi turned the game around with a sensational knock. Coming in under pressure, he smashed 60 runs off just 22 balls, including five sixes in the final over.
- Thanks to Nabi’s blitz, Afghanistan reached a respectable 169/8 in 20 overs – a score that looked impossible halfway through their innings.
Sri Lanka’s Chase – Calm, Controlled and Dominant
- Chasing 170, Sri Lanka had a shaky start as Pathum Nissanka departed early.
- Kamil Mishara and Kusal Perera added some runs but didn’t last long, leaving the responsibility on the middle order.
- Kusal Mendis stood tall with an unbeaten 74, playing anchor and attacker as required.
- Charith Asalanka (17) and Kamindu Mendis (26*) gave him support at crucial moments.
- Sri Lanka reached the target comfortably at 171/4 in 18.4 overs, sealing the victory with 8 balls to spare.
Key Performers and Statistics
| Player | Performance | Match Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Nabi (AFG) | 60 off 22 balls, 5 sixes in final over | Turned Afghanistan’s innings into a fighting total |
| Nuwan Thushara (SL) | 4/18 in 4 overs | Destroyed Afghanistan’s top order and controlled run flow |
| Kusal Mendis (SL) | 74* off 52 balls | Anchored Sri Lanka’s chase and ensured a smooth finish |
Turning Points of the Match
- Thushara’s early strikes reduced Afghanistan to 40/3 in just 5 overs.
- Mohammad Nabi’s explosive finish added over 60 runs in the last four overs, giving Afghanistan hope.
- Kusal Mendis’ calm approach in the chase kept Sri Lanka in control despite losing wickets at intervals.
Post-Match Situation and Importance
- This victory confirmed Sri Lanka’s Super 4 qualification from Group B.
- Afghanistan, on the other hand, faced elimination due to back-to-back defeats.
- For Sri Lanka, the win came as a huge confidence boost, showcasing their batting depth and bowling strength.
Scorecard Snapshot
Afghanistan – 169/8 (20 Overs)
- Mohammad Nabi – 60 (22)
- Ibrahim Zadran – 24 (27)
- Rashid Khan – 24 (23)
- Nuwan Thushara – 4/18
- Dushmantha Chameera – 1/50
Sri Lanka – 171/4 (18.4 Overs)
- Kusal Mendis – 74* (52)
- Pathum Nissanka – 6 (5)
- Kusal Perera – 28 (20)
- Kamindu Mendis – 26* (22)
- Noor Ahmad – 1/37
Highlights of the Contest
- Mohammad Nabi’s explosive knock was the standout moment of the match.
- Nuwan Thushara’s spell broke Afghanistan’s batting backbone.
- Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 74 guided Sri Lanka to victory with ease.
Analysis – Lessons for Both Teams
For Sri Lanka:
- The middle order looked solid, with Mendis and Asalanka showing form.
- Bowling depth, especially Thushara and Wellalage, provided breakthroughs at crucial moments.
- However, the top-order inconsistency remains a concern heading into the Super 4 stage.
For Afghanistan:
- Nabi proved why he’s still one of the best finishers in world cricket.
- The lack of partnerships in the top and middle order cost them dearly.
- Bowlers, including Rashid Khan and Mujeeb, couldn’t apply enough pressure while defending.
Impact on Asia Cup 2025
- Sri Lanka now looks like a strong contender for a semifinal berth.
- Afghanistan’s exit reflects their dependency on individual brilliance rather than collective effort.
- The result also makes the Group B qualification scenario clearer with Sri Lanka and another team moving forward.
Conclusion
This match highlighted the essence of T20 cricket – rapid swings of momentum, explosive cameos, and disciplined bowling. Afghanistan had their moments, especially with Mohammad Nabi’s fireworks, but Sri Lanka’s balanced approach outclassed them.
As Sri Lanka heads into the Super 4 with confidence, Afghanistan will return disappointed but with lessons to build on. For fans, this game was a reminder that in T20s, one spell or one over can change the course of the game.
Final Takeaways
- Mohammad Nabi’s six-hitting show electrified Abu Dhabi.
- Nuwan Thushara’s 4/18 was match-defining.
- Sri Lanka’s chase led by Kusal Mendis proved the difference.
- Afghanistan’s elimination shows the importance of collective performance in tournament cricket.
