In theAsia Cup 2025 game between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on September 18, the latter emerged triumphant by six wickets. Batting first after winning the toss, the Afghan side posted a total of 169/8 in their 20 overs. Top-order batters Rahmanullah Gurbaz (14 off 8), Karim Janat (1 off 3), and Sediqullah Atal (18 off 14) became the victims of Nuwan Thushara. Ibrahim Zadran stood at the crease and strove to stabilise Afghan innings but at the other, wickets kept on falling. Darwish Rasooli and Azmatullah Omarzai got dismissed on single-digit scores.
Zadran also went back to the dugout after hitting 24 off 27. In the crunch situation, Mohammad Nabi stepped up and produced a rapid 60-run knock off just 22 balls. In the final
over of the innings, when leg-spinner Dunith Wellalage came to bowl, Nabi showcased his fierce side and clobbered him for five sixes. In the youngster’s over, the 40-year-old looted 32 runs which helped Afghanistan erect a fine total of 169/8. From Sri Lanka, Thushara emerged as the most effective bowler with 4/18 figures in his four-over spell.
Kusal Mendis' batting heroics help Sri Lanka seal a one-sided victory
Chaisng the target, Sri Lanka lost opener Pathum Nissanka lost early but Kusal Mendis stood at the crease and scored crucial runs for his side. Kaamil Mishra also departed after amssing only four runs from his bat. Kusal Perera and Charith Asalanka also chipped in with their 28 (24) and 17 (12) respectively.
Eventually, Mendis' 74* (52) and Kamindu Mendis swift 26* (13) helped Sri Lanka chase down the total with six wickets in hand and eight balls to spare. Mendis' exceptional batting got him the player of the match (POTM) award, to help his team reach the Super 4 round alongside Bangladesh from Group B, at the expense of Afghanistan.
