Hey cricket fans, welcome back to IPL Star, your go-to spot for all things cricket – from IPL drama to international thrillers. If you’re anything like us, last night’s action in Abu Dhabi had you glued to the screen. Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 delivered pure T20 fireworks, and we’re breaking it all down here.
Picture this: A packed Sheikh Zayed Stadium buzzing under the lights, Mohammad Nabi unleashing a storm of sixes at 40-plus, only for Kusal Mendis to play the cool-headed hero with an unbeaten 74*. Sri Lanka chased down 170 with eight balls to spare, clinching a 6-wicket win that not only topped Group B but also punched Bangladesh’s ticket to the Super 4s while waving goodbye to a gutted Afghanistan.
What made this clash unforgettable? Was it Nabi’s record-smashing blitz or Mendis’ rock-solid anchor? Stick around as we unpack every boundary, wicket, and heart-tug moment. From the PowerPlay swing to the emotional post-match scenes, we’ve got the full story. And hey, if you’re loving this, drop a comment: Who’s your Player of the Match – Mendis for the calm or Nabi for the chaos? Let’s dive in!
The Build-Up: High Stakes in Abu Dhabi for Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025
Cricket lovers, imagine stepping into the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on September 18, 2025 – the air thick with tension, the UAE sun dipping low, casting long shadows over a pitch known for its spin-friendly bite. This wasn’t just another group game; it was the Group B decider in the Asia Cup 2025. Sri Lanka, riding high on two straight wins, needed a victory to lock in that top spot. Afghanistan, the plucky underdogs who’d stunned everyone with their T20 World Cup semis run last year, had to win big to sneak into the Super 4s.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and opted to bat first – a call that looked smart early on but turned into a rollercoaster. Team changes added spice: Sri Lanka brought in Dunith Wellalage for Maheesh Theekshana, beefing up their spin options and batting depth. Afghanistan handed a debut cap to Darwish Rasooli, hoping for fresh energy up top. Fans on X were buzzing – one post from @ThePapareSports called it “Big match temperament time!” while predictions flew thick and fast.
Before the first ball, let’s glance at the Group B standings heading in. Sri Lanka sat pretty with four points and a +1.278 NRR, Bangladesh on four points but a shaky -0.270, and Afghanistan clinging to two points with a +1.241 NRR. A win for the Lankans would seal it all.
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +1.278 |
| Bangladesh | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -0.270 |
| Afghanistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | +1.241 |
| Hong Kong | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | -2.151 |
(Source: ESPNcricinfo pre-match table) With Super 4s glory on the line, the question hung heavy: Could Afghanistan’s flair outshine Sri Lanka’s experience? As the anthems faded, all eyes turned to opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Little did we know, Nuwan Thushara had other plans.
What would you have done at the toss? Bat or bowl? Share your thoughts in the comments – and check out our Asia Cup 2025 full schedule for what’s next!
Afghanistan’s Innings: PowerPlay Peril – Thushara’s Swing Spells Doom
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025Right from the get-go, Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 felt like a chess match with a cricket ball. Afghanistan’s openers, Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal, charged out like they owned the place. Gurbaz smashed a boundary over extra cover off Thushara’s first ball – a statement of intent that had the crowd roaring. Atal joined the party in over two, clouting a six and a four for 18 runs. At 26/0 after two overs, Rashid’s gamble looked golden.
But enter Nuwan Thushara, the Lankan pacer with a bag of tricks. In the third over, he foxed Gurbaz with a sharp outswinger – caught brilliantly by Kusal Perera at short third man for 14 off 8. Balls later, promoted Karim Janat (1 off 3) was cleaned up by another beauty curving past the bat. The fifth over? Thushara’s inswinger hooped back to castle Atal (18 off 14). Just like that, Afghanistan slumped to 45/3 in the PowerPlay (RR 7.50). Thushara’s figures: 3/9 in two overs. Fans on X exploded – @CricketTimesHQ later highlighted his “sorcery.”
This early collapse echoed Afghanistan’s past vulnerabilities against quality pace. Compare the PowerPlays side-by-side:
| Parameter | Afghanistan | Sri Lanka (Chase) |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 45/3 | 53/2 |
| Run Rate | 7.50 | 8.83 |
| Boundaries (4s/6s) | 4/1 | 7/0 |
| Wickets Lost | 3 | 2 |
Thushara’s variety – outswingers to righties, inswingers to lefties – was chef’s kiss. As @Sportskeeda noted post-match, it was “PowerPlay gold.” But could the middle order steady the ship? Or was this the beginning of the end for Afghanistan’s hopes?
Ever seen a PowerPlay swing a game this hard? Tell us your wildest T20 collapse stories below!
Afghanistan’s Middle Overs: Gritty Rebuild Meets Lankan Fielding Fireworks
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 With the scoreboard reading 45/3, Afghanistan needed anchors, not anchors away. Ibrahim Zadran and debutant Darwish Rasooli knuckled down for a 24-run stand off 34 balls – slow, sure, but vital. Zadran rotated strike like a pro, nudging singles while Rasooli played for time. At drinks (10 overs), it was 63/3, a glimmer of hope.
Sri Lanka, though, turned up the heat with their fielding. Kusal Perera, ever the livewire, leaped like a salmon on the third-man fence to pouch Rasooli (9 off 16) off Dushmantha Chameera. Next ball, Azmatullah Omarzai (6 off 4) dragged one onto his stumps off Dasun Shanaka. Then, Zadran (24 off 27) holed out to a stunning diving catch by Chameera at long-on off Wellalage. At 79/6, Afghanistan were on the ropes. Rashid Khan, their talismanic skipper, injected life with two boundaries and a signature googly-flipped six off Hasaranga – 24 off 23, keeping the dream alive.
The middle overs (7-15: 56/3, RR 6.22) were a grind, but Sri Lanka’s energy was electric. Perera’s catches? Pure gold. As Charith Asalanka later said, “We want to be the best fielding side in T20s.” Key wickets timeline:
- 10.3 ov: Rasooli c Perera b Chameera (9) – Fence-jumping stunner.
- 11.3 ov: Omarzai b Shanaka (6) – Drag-on drama.
- 12.1 ov: Zadran c Chameera b Wellalage (24) – Diving delight.
X users raved: @stumpnbails shared highlights, calling it “melee mode.” Afghanistan’s rebuild? Brave, but brittle. Heading into the death, at 101/6, the question was: Could Nabi play savior?
Fielding wins games – agree? Who’s the best fielder in Asia Cup 2025 so far? Vote in our poll.
Death Overs Drama: Mohammad Nabi’s Explosive 60 – Five Sixes That Shook the Stadium
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Oh boy, if the middle overs were a slow burn, the death (16-20: 68/2, RR 13.60) was a bonfire. Afghanistan, teetering at 120/7, needed a miracle. Enter Mohammad Nabi, the 40-year-old veteran with ice in his veins and thunder in his bat. Dropped on 5 by Wellalage – a chance that haunted Sri Lanka – Nabi turned beast mode.
First, 17 off Chameera’s 19th (three boundaries). Then, the 20th over off Wellalage: Five consecutive sixes! Straight, over midwicket, cow corner – 32 runs, the most expensive over by a spinner in Asia Cup T20 history. Nabi’s 60 off 22 (3×4, 5×6, SR 272.73) was the joint-fastest T20I fifty for Afghanistan (20 balls), equaling Gulbadin Naib’s mark. He fell run-out off the last ball, but not before lifting AFG from doom to 169/8.
Rashid chipped in 24, including a six, but Thushara returned for his fourth (Rashid bowled). Last two overs breakdown:
| Over | Bowler | Runs | Wickets | Key Hits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | Chameera | 17 | 0 | 3×4 |
| 20 | Wellalage | 32 | 0 | 5×6 (Nabi) |
X went wild: @Sportskeeda’s video of the sixes racked up views, with @LatestLY calling it “merciless assault.” Nabi’s knock? A reminder that age is just a number. But was 169 enough on this track? Sri Lanka thought so – and acted like it.
Nabi’s blitz: Inspiration or heartbreak for AFG? What’s your take – comment.
Afghanistan’s Full Innings Recap: 169/8 – A Tale of Two Halves
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Afghanistan’s 169/8 in 20 overs was a classic T20 split personality. Early fireworks fizzled into a collapse, then Nabi’s magic papered over cracks. Thushara’s 4/18 stole the show, with Chameera’s 1/50 pricey but wicket-taking. Hasaranga’s 0/18 in four was tidy, Shanaka 1/29, Wellalage 1/49 (ouch, that last over).
Full scorecard table:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gurbaz (wk) | 14 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 175.00 | c Perera b Thushara |
| Sediqullah Atal | 18 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 128.57 | b Thushara |
| Karim Janat | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 | b Thushara |
| Ibrahim Zadran | 24 | 27 | 0 | 1 | 88.89 | c Chameera b Wellalage |
| Darwish Rasooli | 9 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 56.25 | c Perera b Chameera |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 150.00 | b Shanaka |
| Mohammad Nabi | 60 | 22 | 3 | 5 | 272.73 | run out (Perera/Mendis) |
| Rashid Khan (c) | 24 | 23 | 2 | 1 | 104.35 | b Thushara |
| Noor Ahmad | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 150.00 | not out |
| Extras | 7 | – | – | – | – | (lb 5, w 1, nb 1) |
| Total | 169/8 | 120 | 10 | 8 | 8.45 RR | – |
Fall of wickets:
| Score | Over | Wicket |
|---|---|---|
| 26/1 | 2.1 | Gurbaz |
| 32/2 | 2.6 | Janat |
| 40/3 | 4.5 | Atal |
| 64/4 | 10.3 | Rasooli |
| 71/5 | 11.3 | Omarzai |
| 79/6 | 12.1 | Zadran |
| 114/7 | 17.1 | Rashid |
| 169/8 | 20.0 | Nabi |
Bowling figures:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuwan Thushara | 4 | 0 | 18 | 4 | 4.50 |
| Dushmantha Chameera | 4 | 0 | 50 | 1 | 12.50 |
| Dunith Wellalage | 4 | 0 | 49 | 1 | 12.25 |
| Dasun Shanaka | 4 | 0 | 29 | 1 | 7.25 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 4 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 4.50 |
SL’s pacers strangled early, but spin conceded 113 off 82 (highest by SL vs spin in T20Is). A fighting total? Absolutely. Defendable? That’s for the chase to decide.
Relive the innings with our [internal link: AFG batting highlights playlist]. What’s your bold prediction for the target?
Sri Lanka’s Chase: PowerPlay Punch – Steady Start Amid Early Jolts
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Chasing 170 in T20? It’s a batsman’s dream on paper, but Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 turned it into a tactical tango. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis opened with flair – 22 off the first two overs, all boundaries. Nissanka’s crisp cover drive off Fazalhaq Farooqi set the tone. But Azmatullah Omarzai struck back in over three, inducing a nick from Nissanka (6 off 5) to Mujeeb at slip.
Kamil Mishara, promoted, struggled against the spin web. An unsuccessful review for caught behind off Omarzai added nerves, but Mendis kept cool, punishing Farooqi’s wides and loose balls. Mishara chipped tamely to Ibrahim off Nabi (4 off 10) in the sixth. PowerPlay end: 53/2 (RR 8.83) – better than AFG’s, thanks to seven fours.
Mendis, unfazed, eyed the spinners early. His sweeps? A weapon – 40 runs from 20 attempts (5×4, 1×6) vs spin. Partnerships kicked off strong:
| Partnership | Runs | Balls | Key Contributor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissanka-Mendis | 22 | 14 | Nissanka (6) |
| Mendis-Mishara | 25 | 18 | Mendis (21*) |
X lit up with @ThePapareSports praising Mendis’ “brilliant half-century temperament.” Early wobbles? Sure. But Mendis’ poise screamed “we’ve got this.”
How do you rate that PowerPlay? Drop a 1-10 below – and [external link: Cricbuzz PowerPlay stats].
Sri Lanka’s Middle Overs: Kusal Mendis Anchors the Ship
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Post-PowerPlay, Sri Lanka needed stability, and who better than Kusal Mendis? Partnered with the explosive Kusal Perera, they stitched a 45-run stand off 36 balls. Perera dominated with 28 off 20 (3×4), pulling and cutting Rashid with glee. Mendis played second fiddle, rotating and picking gaps – his fifty came off 40 balls, a mix of pushes and sweeps.
Afghanistan clawed back: A misjudged catch at deep mid-wicket off Atal dropped Mendis on 30-ish, but they broke through soon. Perera holed out to Gurbaz off Mujeeb (28). Charith Asalanka joined, brisk 17 off 12 (2×4), pushing SL past 100 – qualification confirmed! But Noor Ahmad’s slider caught Asalanka lbw? Wait, no – sliding catch by Rashid at deep mid-wicket.
At drinks (10 ov): 82/2, Mendis 40*. Middle overs (7-15: 69/2, RR 7.66) kept the required rate under check. Key moments:
- 11.2 ov: Perera c Gurbaz b Mujeeb (28) – Partnership breaker.
- 12.4 ov: SL reach 100 – Super 4s locked.
- 14.5 ov: Asalanka c Rashid b Noor (17) – 119/4 now.
Mendis vs spin: 51 leg-side runs, 23 off. As @IMManu_18 posted, “Well done, Kusal – carried the bat!” Nerves? A bit. Momentum? All SL’s.
Mendis the anchor or aggressor? Debate in comments.
Finishing Flourish: Kamindu & Mendis’ 52-Run Blitz Seals the Deal
With 48 needed off 30 (RR ~9.6), the death (16-20: 49/0, RR 13.36) was where experience shone. Rashid’s 16th was maiden-tight – nearly running Mendis out, even tweaking his back. But Noor Ahmad’s 17th leaked 17: Three wides, a Kamindu six over long-on. Farooqi’s next? 15 runs, including Kamindu’s second six.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Ten needed, Mendis faced Mujeeb in 18.4: Two boundaries – flick through midwicket, then a glide past point. Unbeaten 74 off 52 (10×4, SR 142.31), highest in a successful T20 Asia Cup chase (beats Rizwan’s 71*). Kamindu’s 26* off 13 (2×6) eased pressure – unbroken 52 off 23.
Wides hurt AFG (15 total, Noor 9 – most in Asia Cup T20 innings). Final stand table:
| Batsmen | Runs | Balls | 4s/6s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kusal Mendis | 22 | 10 | 2/0 |
| Kamindu Mendis | 26 | 13 | 0/2 |
| Total | 52* | 23 | 2/2 |
@H_RaufAcademy summed it: “SL won by 6 wickets.” Chase done – hearts racing, but hands steady.
That finish – edge-of-seat stuff? What’s your favorite boundary?
Sri Lanka’s Full Chase Recap: 171/4 – The Winning Formula
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Sri Lanka’s 171/4 in 18.4 overs was a masterclass in rotation and ruthlessness. Mendis’ 74* anchored five partnerships totaling 171 runs. Extras (16 wides) helped, but it was smarts vs spin – 113 off 82, Asia Cup record for SL.
Batting scorecard:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 120.00 | c Mujeeb b Omarzai |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | 74* | 52 | 10 | 0 | 142.31 | not out |
| Kamil Mishara | 4 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 40.00 | c Zadran b Nabi |
| Kusal Perera | 28 | 20 | 3 | 0 | 140.00 | c Gurbaz b Mujeeb |
| Charith Asalanka (c) | 17 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 141.67 | c Rashid b Noor |
| Kamindu Mendis | 26* | 13 | 0 | 2 | 200.00 | not out |
| Extras | 16 | – | – | – | – | (w 15, lb 1) |
| Total | 171/4 | 112 | 16 | 2 | 9.16 RR | – |
Fall of wickets:
| Score | Over | Wicket |
|---|---|---|
| 22/1 | 2.2 | Nissanka |
| 47/2 | 5.2 | Mishara |
| 92/3 | 11.2 | Perera |
| 119/4 | 14.5 | Asalanka |
Bowling:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | 3 | 0 | 38 | 0 | 12.67 |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | 3.4 | 0 | 42 | 1 | 11.50 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 2 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 5.00 |
| Mohammad Nabi | 3 | 0 | 20 | 1 | 6.67 |
| Rashid Khan | 4 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 5.75 |
| Noor Ahmad | 3 | 0 | 37 | 1 | 12.33 |
Second-highest successful chase at Abu Dhabi (after SA’s 172 vs IRE). Clinical? You bet.
What’s next for these stars?
Star Performers: Kusal Mendis’ Poise, Nabi’s Fury, Thushara’s Edge
In Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025, heroes emerged from both sides. Kusal Mendis (74*, POTM) was the glue – navigating Rashid and Noor’s varieties with sweeps and pulls. Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 His leg-side dominance (51 runs) and record chase score? Legendary. As he said post-match, “I got good support… Kamindu made it easier.”
Nabi’s 60? A 40-year-old’s roar – five sixes equaled AFG’s fastest 50 record. @mskuraisi0909 captured the vibe: “My brother has woken up!”
Thushara’s 4/18? PowerPlay wizardry. Perera’s two screamers added flair.
Head-to-head stats:
| Player | Team | Key Stat | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kusal Mendis | SL | 74* (52b, 10×4) | Anchored 5 partnerships; vs spin: 113 runs |
| Mohammad Nabi | AFG | 60 (22b, 5×6) | Rescued from 120/7; SR 272 |
| Nuwan Thushara | SL | 4/18 (4o) | 3 PowerPlay wkts; swing king |
| Kusal Perera | SL | 28 (20b) + 2 catches | Cameo + elite fielding |
| Rashid Khan | AFG | 24 (23b) + 0/23 | Momentum spark; tight spell |
Tactics? SL burned Thushara early (3/4 overs in PowerPlay), using Shanaka as fifth bowler. AFG’s wides (15)? Costly discipline slip. MOTM debate: Mendis’ calm or Nabi’s storm?
ESPN player profiles– who’s your star?
Post-Match Echoes: Quotes, Heartbreak, and Super 4s Shake-Up
The final whistle brought cheers for SL, tears for AFG. Kusal Mendis beamed: “Very happy… Spinners bowled faster. Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 We have three good Super 4s games ahead.” Rashid, gracious in defeat: “Special finish… Hard track, but T20 nature. We trained hard.” Asalanka: “Almost perfect… Thushara phenomenal, Perera outstanding.”
Heartbreaker: Wellalage, after his tough over, learned of his father’s passing. Sanath Jayasuriya consoled him – a viral moment of humanity. X tributes poured in.
Final Group B:
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | Points | NRR | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | +1.278 | Q |
| Bangladesh | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -0.270 | Q |
| Afghanistan | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | +1.241 | E |
| Hong Kong | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | -2.151 | E |
SL faces BAN on Sep 20. AFG heads home gutted but proud.
Emotional stuff – thoughts on Wellalage?
Key Takeaways: Legacy of Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 What a ride! Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 boiled down to PowerPlay mastery (SL’s edge), death composure, and that unbreakable spirit. Mendis’ 74* trumps Nabi’s 60 in impact, but both etched memories. SL’s fielding? Next-level. AFG’s fight? Inspiring, despite the exit.
Records: Mendis’ chase tops charts; Nabi’s over, most by AFG spinner victim. Tease: SL vs BAN next – revenge or repeat?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025
1. What was the final score in Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025?
Afghanistan posted a competitive 169/8 in 20 overs, powered by Mohammad Nabi’s blistering 60 off 22 balls. Sri Lanka chased it down with ease, finishing at 171/4 in just 18.4 overs for a 6-wicket win. Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 This clinical victory sealed Sri Lanka’s top spot in Group B and confirmed their Super 4s progression, while eliminating Afghanistan.
2. How did Kusal Mendis score his unbeaten 74 in Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025?
Kusal Mendis anchored the chase with a masterful 74* off 52 balls, featuring 10 boundaries and a strike rate of 142.31. His sweeps and pulls against spinners like Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad fetched 40 runs from 20 attempts, including 51 leg-side shots. Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 This knock, the highest individual score in a successful T20 Asia Cup chase, trumped Mohammad Rizwan’s 71* from 2022.
3. Why was Mohammad Nabi’s 60 so special in the Asia Cup 2025 match against Sri Lanka?
At 40 years old, Nabi’s 60 off 22 balls (SR 272.73) was a rescue act, smashing five consecutive sixes off Dunith Wellalage’s final over for 32 runs. Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 It was Afghanistan’s joint-fastest T20I fifty (20 balls) and lifted them from 120/7 to 169/8. Though not enough for a win, it went viral on X for its sheer power.
4. Who took 4 wickets for Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025?
Nuwan Thushara was the wrecker-in-chief with stunning figures of 4/18 in four overs. He claimed three in the PowerPlay alone – dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Karim Janat, and Sediqullah Atal with lethal swing. Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 His variety (outswingers and inswingers) dismantled Afghanistan’s top order early, earning praise as “phenomenal” from captain Charith Asalanka.
5. How did the PowerPlay decide Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025?
The PowerPlay was pivotal: Afghanistan stumbled to 45/3 (RR 7.50) after Thushara’s trio of wickets, while Sri Lanka responded strongly with 53/2 (RR 8.83), led by seven boundaries. Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 This foundation allowed Kusal Mendis to build, highlighting Sri Lanka’s superior start and fielding edge in the high-stakes Group B clash.
6. What was the emotional highlight after Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025?
Post-match, Dunith Wellalage received heartbreaking news of his father’s passing, just after his tough final over. Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Consoled by mentor Sanath Jayasuriya, the moment went viral on X, drawing tributes for Wellalage’s resilience. It added a human touch to Sri Lanka’s victory, overshadowing even Nabi’s fireworks.
7. Who qualified for Super 4s from Group B in Asia Cup 2025 after Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan?
Sri Lanka topped Group B with 6 points (+1.278 NRR), advancing unbeaten. Bangladesh sneaked in second with 4 points (-0.270 NRR), thanks to this result. Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025Afghanistan’s loss (2 points, +1.241 NRR) ended their campaign, setting up an exciting Super 4s with India and Pakistan from Group A.
8. How many wides did Afghanistan bowl in Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025?
Afghanistan’s bowlers leaked 15 wides – a costly 9 from Noor Ahmad alone, the most by any bowler in a T20 Asia Cup innings. Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 These extras inflated Sri Lanka’s total to 171, easing the chase and underscoring Afghanistan’s discipline issues on a tricky Abu Dhabi pitch.
9. What records were broken in Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025?
Kusal Mendis’ 74* set the highest individual score in a winning T20 Asia Cup chase and Sri Lanka’s second-highest in the tournament (after Dilshan’s 75*). Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Sri Lanka’s 113 runs off spin was their T20I best, while Nabi’s five sixes made the most expensive spinner’s over in Asia Cup history.
10. What’s next for Sri Lanka after their win over Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2025?
Sri Lanka faces Bangladesh in their Super 4s opener on September 20, 2025, in Dubai – a rematch of Group A drama. Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 With momentum from Kusal Mendis’ heroics and Thushara’s bowling, they’re dark horses for the title. Afghanistan heads home, but Nabi’s knock boosts their T20 World Cup prep.