AFG vs SL (11th Match) – Highlights
The 11th match of the Asia Cup 2025 Group B at Abu Dhabi witnessed an enthralling contest between AFG and SL, where the visitors triumphed by six wickets with eight balls to spare. Afghanistan, after winning the toss, elected to bat first and posted a competitive total of 169 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite some early promise, Afghanistan’s innings was defined by flashes of brilliance rather than sustained partnerships, and Sri Lanka managed to chase the target in 18.4 overs, driven by an unbeaten 74 from Kusal Mendis.
AFG began their innings positively with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal looking to set a solid platform. Gurbaz fell for 14 in the second over, while Atal managed 18 before being dismissed by Nuwan Thushara. Karim Janat’s brief stay yielded just a single run, leaving Afghanistan in a spot of early trouble at 32 for two. Ibrahim Zadran tried to steady the ship, scoring 24 off 27 balls, while Darwish Rasooli and Azmatullah Omarzai offered minor contributions in the middle overs.
Mohammad Nabi emerged as the standout performer for Afghanistan, producing an explosive 60 off just 22 balls, hitting three fours and six towering sixes. Rashid Khan chipped in with 24 runs, providing the late impetus to push Afghanistan to a respectable 169. Bowling for Sri Lanka, Thushara was exceptional with figures of four wickets for 18 runs, while Chameera and Shanaka picked up one wicket each, keeping the required run rate under control.
SL chase started on a shaky note as Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for 6 by Omarzai in the second over. Kamil Mishara’s brief stay added only four runs before Nabi struck again, sending him back to the pavilion. However, Kusal Mendis anchored the innings, playing a captain’s knock of 74 not out from 52 balls, adorned with ten crisp fours. His innings was complemented by Kusal Perera’s quickfire 28 off 20 balls and Charith Asalanka’s 17, which kept Sri Lanka in control of the chase. Kamindu Mendis’s finishing touch of 26 not out off 13 balls ensured that Sri Lanka crossed the line with eight deliveries remaining. Noor Ahmad’s wicket of Asalanka was one of the few successes for Afghanistan’s bowlers in an otherwise disciplined Sri Lankan chase.
Mohammad Nabi’s all-round performance earned him the MVP accolade, reflecting his impact with both bat and ball. Kusal Mendis was named Player of the Match for his composed yet aggressive innings that steered Sri Lanka to victory. The game highlighted the competitive spirit of Afghanistan, whose explosive batting made the chase challenging, and also emphasized Sri Lanka’s ability to chase under pressure with smart partnerships and calculated aggression.
The match will be remembered for the dynamic performances of Nabi and Mendis, showcasing the high-quality T20 cricket that the Asia Cup continues to deliver. Afghanistan will look to regroup and build on their individual brilliance in the upcoming matches, while Sri Lanka will carry momentum into the next round of the tournament.
Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Scoreboard
Afghanistan – 169/8 (20)
Sri Lanka – 171/4 (18.4)
Result – Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets (with 8 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis
AFG vs SL Playing XIs
Afghanistan | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Karim Janat, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi. |
Sri Lanka | Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara. |
