Sri Lanka sealed its place at the top of Group B of the 2025 Asia Cup with a composed six-wicket win over Afghanistan at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. The win carried them into the Super Four stage alongside Bangladesh, while Afghanistan bowed out of the tournament after a spirited campaign.
Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper and opening batsman, was a main contributor in the team’s victory, producing an unbeaten 74 from just 52 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries and pacing the run chase with composure. The chase was ultimately built around the foundation of his innings, allowing the Sri Lankan team to push through initial setbacks and reach their 170 target with 8 balls remaining.
Sri Lanka, aware from the beginning of the match that a score of 101 would guarantee their progression, saw Charith Asalanka piercing the covers for four in the 13th over, securing their qualification. Thereon, Mendis partnered up with Kamindu Mendis, sharing a 52-run unbroken stand-off in just 23 balls.
Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara both fell out early, leaving Sri Lanka momentarily under pressure. However, Kusal Mendis, with the support of Kusal Perera, Asalanka, and Kamindu Mendis, maintained his composure.
Afghanistan’s bowlers showed promise. However, their struggle for consistency, with lapses in the field, proved to affect their game. The team previously posted 168-8, with their innings highlighted by a late surge. Veteran Mohammad Nabi displayed his prowess, demonstrating why he remains a significant figure in the sport at the age of 40.Dropped on five, Nabi punished the error ruthlessly, smashing five sixes en route to a half-century from just 20 balls. His knock equalled Azmatullah Omarzai’s record for the fastest fifty at this year’s tournament.
The Afghanistan team’s innings had been in disarray at 79-6 after Sri Lankan seamer Nuwan Thushara tore through the top order, taking 3 wickets in the powerplay. Eventually finishing with career-best figures of 4/18, he is now only the third Sri Lankan bowler to claim a four-fer in the T20 version of the Asia Cup after Lasith Malinga and Pramod Madushan.
However, despite Thushara’s brilliance, the final overs tilted the momentum. Dushmantha Chameera and debutant Dunith Wellalage struggled under pressure, conceding 49 runs across the last two overs. Wellalage’s 32-run over was the second-most expensive ever bowled by a Sri Lankan in T20 internationals. The lapses allowed Afghanistan to post a competitive total, although it ultimately proved insufficient.
The Asia Cup 2025 continues to place a spotlight on the strength of Commonwealth countries in international cricket. Alongside Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from Group B, India has already qualified for the Super Four from Group A, along with Pakistan, which also remains a major competitor in the tournament.
India, who comfortably beat Pakistan earlier in the week, is set to face Oman in their final group match on Friday. With qualification secured, India is expected to rest some senior players such as Jasprit Bumrah, potentially providing opportunities to younger bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.
Oman, although already eliminated after two losses, still has a chance to end their campaign on a positive note. Despite the odds against them, their participation alongside heavyweights like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh highlights their increasing standings in the tournament.
With the Super Four stage now confirmed, Sri Lanka joins India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan in what promises to be a highly competitive round.
For Afghanistan, there will be regret over missed chances—particularly the dropped catch of Nabi that could have transformed the game. Yet their spirited performances, led by Nabi’s late fireworks and Rashid Khan’s all-round contributions, ensure they depart with respect intact.
As the Super Four begins, attention shifts to heavyweight battles among South Asia’s cricket giants, with India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan all vying for a place in the final.
