Sri Lanka clinched their spot in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four with a vital six-wicket win over Afghanistan in the SL vs AFG encounter courtesy of a calm, 74 not out from Kusal Mendis and a scintillating spell of Nuwan Thushara. The victory also sealed Bangladesh’s passage from Group B, eliminating Afghanistan in spite of a late burst by Mohammad Nabi.
Match Summary: SL vs AFG, Asia Cup 2025
Ground: [Insert Stadium], Asia Cup 2025
Result: Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets
Points Table Implication: Sri Lanka and Bangladesh qualify from Group B
Kusal Mendis Anchors Sri Lanka’s Chase
Kusal Mendis was the pillar of Sri Lanka’s pursuit of a demanding target, remaining with 74 runs unbeaten off 52 deliveries. He played maturely and effectively against Afghanistan’s diverse spin attack with clever pulls, sweeps, and rotation of strike.
Mendis was a part of decisive partnerships during the course of the innings: 22, 25, 45, 27, and an unbeaten 52 with Kamindu Mendis, who also played a vital finishing hand.
Although the early wickets fell to Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara in the Powerplay, Kusal steadied the ship. With 48 required off the last 5 overs, Kamindu took charge, hitting two vital sixes and scoring 26 of 13 balls*, and enabling Kusal to finish the game calmly.
Mohammad Nabi’s Explosive Finish Goes in Vain
Afghanistan’s innings looked to be heading for mediocrity until Mohammad Nabi turned up the heat. He smashed 60 off just 22 balls, including five sixes in the final over bowled by Dunith Wellalage.
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Nabi’s late assault saw Afghanistan blast 49 runs in the last two overs, giving their total a massive boost. However, it wasn’t enough to hold off a well-structured chase from Sri Lanka.
Nuwan Thushara’s Lethal Powerplay Spell
Sri Lanka’s bowling ace Nuwan Thushara gave a match-winning bowling performance with 4 for 18. His spell was most damaging in the Powerplay, where he took three wickets, including a deadly inswinger to get rid of Sediqullah Atal. His last over also claimed a wicket so that Afghanistan were unable to build momentum earlier in their innings.
Dunith Wellalage’s Final Over Nightmare
Given Afghanistan’s lineup of right-handed batsmen, Sri Lanka’s decision to select Wellalage instead of Maheesh Theekshana made good sense. For most of his spell it worked, for all but the last over.
Wellalage had bowled sensibly, giving away only 17 runs in his first three overs, but was torn apart by Nabi in the 20th, giving away 32 runs. He had also dropped Nabi on 5, which proved expensive.
Even though, the remainder of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack had done enough in the first go to hold up the Afghan batting. Wanindu Hasaranga was stingy, conceding only 18 runs from 4 overs, and Dasun Shanaka, the fifth bowler, contributed with 4 overs for 29.
Tactical Breakdown: SL’s Bowling Plan Delivers
Skipper Charith Asalanka made a brave decision to use his star bowlers at the start in a bid to capture early wickets. The decision to have Thushara bowl three overs in the Powerplay was a ploy as the Sri Lankan team wanted to put Afghanistan on the back foot from the start of the match.
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The danger was that Wellalage would be bowling the last over to one of the great spin-hitters of all time but thankfully for Sri Lanka, it had not done enough damage to stop the chase.
SL vs AFG, Asia Cup 2025 – Important Stats
Kusal Mendis: 74* from 52 (Match-winning innings)
Nuwan Thushara: 4/18 (Powerplay match-changer)
Mohammad Nabi: 60 from 22 (5 sixes in last over)
Sri Lanka: Overran the target with 8 balls left
Afghanistan: 49 runs in the last 2 overs
Group B standings
Sri Lanka – Group leaders (100% win ratio)
Bangladesh – Runners-up
Afghanistan – Out of Asia Cup 2025
What’s Next in Asia Cup 2025
Sri Lanka will advance into the Super Four phase now, taking excellent form with bat and ball. With Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, and Nuwan Thushara in good condition, they seem like serious challengers for the Asia Cup 2025 title.
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