Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan qualify for Super Four

By Abhishek Kumar

Sri Lanka registered a crucial six-wicket win over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi and sealed their place in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025. With this result Afghanistan’s campaign came to an end while Bangladesh joined Sri Lanka in qualifying from Group B.

Batting first Afghanistan had a nightmare start after choosing to bat. Sri Lanka’s pacers dominated early as Nuwan Thushara ripped through the top order. Afghanistan slipped to 79 for 6 and looked completely out of the contest. But senior all-rounder Mohammad Nabi changed the momentum with a sensational counter-attack. He hammered 60 runs off just 22 balls including five sixes in the final over lifting Afghanistan to 169 for 8. Thushara was the star bowler with figures of 4 for 18.

Chasing 170 Sri Lanka needed a composed effort. Opener Kusal Mendis stepped up with a brilliant unbeaten 74 off 52 balls. He kept the innings steady finding support from Kusal Perera and Charith Asalanka in the middle. Despite Afghanistan’s bowlers trying to pull things back Mendis held his nerve and guided his team home. Sri Lanka reached the target in 18.4 overs finishing the group stage with three wins in three matches.

The win not only gave Sri Lanka momentum but also underlined their growing confidence ahead of the Super Four. For Afghanistan Nabi’s innings was the lone highlight in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Rashid Khan and his men fought hard but inconsistency with both bat and ball cost them a chance to progress.

Sri Lanka will now join India Pakistan and Bangladesh in the Super Four stage. With their batting clicking and bowling looking sharp the defending champions have once again shown why they remain one of the strongest teams in Asian conditions.