Abu Dhabi, September 18 —
Kusal Mendis steered Sri Lanka into the Super Four of the Asia Cup 2025 with a composed unbeaten 74 as his side chased down Afghanistan’s 169 for 8 to win by six wickets at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Set 170 to win, Sri Lanka required 101 runs at one stage to secure progression. The defending champions reached the target with plenty to spare, completing the chase on the fourth delivery of the 13th over with four wickets down and eight balls remaining. The result also ensured Bangladesh advanced to the Super Four as Group B’s second-placed team.
Mendis anchors the chase
Mendis, opening the innings, carried his bat through the chase and paced the reply with 74 not out from 52 balls, striking 10 fours. He received valuable support from Kusal Perera, who scored 28, and Kamindu Mendis, who finished unbeaten on 26. Afghanistan’s bowling attack shared the wickets during the chase, with Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mujeeb ur Rahman each claiming one.
Afghanistan fightback and late fireworks from Nabi
Afghanistan elected to bat first and managed 169 for 8 in their 20 overs. Nuwan Thushara was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, producing a brilliant four-wicket spell for 18 runs. Afghanistan suffered a middle-order collapse after a brisk start, but captain Rashid Khan and veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi combined for a late surge. Nabi top-scored with a blistering 60 off just 22 balls, including six sixes, five of which came in the final over bowled by Dunith Wellalage. Rashid contributed 24 from 23 deliveries as the pair added a useful 35 for the seventh wicket.
Bowling and key moments
Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara set the tone early with quick strikes that reduced Afghanistan to 40 for 3 inside five overs. Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera and Dunith Wellalage chipped in with a wicket apiece to keep the visitors to a sub-170 total. During the chase, tight lines and disciplined fielding helped Sri Lanka control the scoring and knock over the remaining Afghan threats.
What comes next
Sri Lanka will now prepare for the Super Four stage with confidence, buoyed by a balanced display of batting patience and incisive bowling. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will reflect on missed opportunities with the bat and look to regroup for upcoming fixtures in the tournament.
