Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by six wickets, using on Kusal Mendis’ sensible half-century within the eleventh match of the Asia Cup 2025 on the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, September 18. Afghanistan had gained the toss and opted to bat first, a choice that backfired.
Their openers acquired off to a fast begin however faltered quickly after, as Nuwan Thushara struck twice in an over to carry Sri Lanka proper into the sport. The Afghan center order struggled to transform begins, earlier than veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi turned the tide with a blistering knock. Nabi scored a surprising 60 off simply 22 deliveries. Thushara was the decide of the bowlers, ending with 4/18 in his four-over spell.
Chasing the goal, Sri Lanka misplaced openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara cheaply. Nevertheless, Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with an excellent unbeaten 74 off 52 balls. He was well-supported by Kusal Perera (28 off 20), Charith Asalanka (17 off 12), and Kamindu Mendis, who chipped in with a quick-fire 26* from 13 balls, as Sri Lanka comfortably crossed the road.
With this victory, Sri Lanka superior to the Tremendous 4 stage alongside Bangladesh from Group B. From Group A, India and Pakistan additionally secured their spots within the subsequent spherical, because the 4 groups have been locked and the opponents have been finalized.
Speaking Factors
1. Mohammad Nabi’s blitz
Afghanistan had been struggling at one stage, shedding wickets at common intervals. Nevertheless, skilled veteran Mohammad Nabi showcased his class, scoring a blistering 60 off 22 balls. He smashed 5 sixes within the twentieth over bowled by Dunith Wellalage and added three fours in a spectacular cameo.
2. Thushara dismantles Afghanistan
Nuwan Thushara was the star with the ball for Sri Lanka, claiming 4 wickets for simply 18 runs in his four-over spell. He uprooted the stumps of Sediqullah Atal, Karim Janat, and Rashid Khan, and likewise dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz, enjoying an important position in proscribing the opposition to a smaller complete.
3. Kusal Mendis anchors the chase
Whereas wickets tumbled on the different finish, Kusal Mendis held his floor and led Sri Lanka to victory. He scored an unbeaten 74 off 52 balls, together with 10 boundaries, steering his staff to a six-wicket win. The opening batter was additionally given the Participant of the Match for remaining unbeaten in a must-win encounter for the Charith Asalanka-led facet.
Who mentioned what?
Kusal Mendis, Participant of the Match
I’m very joyful. I acquired good assist. I loved it. The spinners had been bowling slightly quicker in comparison with the opposite groups. Kamindu batted nicely. Made it simpler for me. We can have three good video games within the Tremendous 4. I hope we’ll do nicely.
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan (Shedding Captain)
The best way we completed it was so particular. To hit 5 sixes was unbelievable. We bowled not so good as we must always have. It was fairly exhausting on that observe. It wasn’t the standard Abu Dhabi wicket. It was attainable to chase 170-180. We had a terrific likelihood to chase 150 odd within the final recreation. However that is the character of T20 cricket. We had nice preparation for this. We had labored exhausting and educated exhausting. We made it to the semis of the T20 WC. We at the very least considered making it to the following spherical right here.
Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka (Profitable Captain)
I’m actually happy with the efficiency. Nearly an ideal recreation for us. Pacers did the job. Solely the final over went unsuitable for us. Thushara is an outstanding man. He bowls two or three overs within the powerplay and does the position for the nation. Perera was excellent with the catches. We need to be the perfect fielding facet in T20s. It’s essential to catch every little thing within the shorter format. Our supporters assist us extra in overseas nations.
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