Sri Lanka continued their unbeaten run in the Asia Cup 2025, knocking out Afghanistan with a six-wicket win in Abu Dhabi. The match turned into a thriller when Mohammad Nabi smashed five sixes in one over, giving Afghanistan late hope. But Sri Lanka showed calmness and strong planning to close the game. Kusal Mendis anchored the chase with an unbeaten 74 off 52 balls, while Nuwan Thushara’s fiery four-wicket spell ripped through Afghanistan early.
This result confirmed Sri Lanka’s place at the top of Group B, while Bangladesh also qualified in second place and will soon look to dominate India in the timeline. Afghanistan, despite Nabi’s heroic hitting, bowed out. The game highlighted Sri Lanka’s sharp bowling strategies, smart batting partnerships, and the ability to absorb pressure.
Kusal Mendis’ partnership with Kamindu Mendis in the death overs sealed the chase with ease. His controlled strokeplay against Afghanistan’s spinners showed maturity. Meanwhile, Thushara’s control with the new ball gave Sri Lanka the perfect start. Afghanistan’s late charge added drama but could not change the outcome.
For Sri Lanka, this win builds confidence ahead of tougher challenges in the Super Four. For Afghanistan, it showed glimpses of brilliance but also exposed their middle-order struggles. With India and Pakistan waiting, the focus now shifts to how Sri Lanka and Bangladesh adapt their plans in the next stage.
Sri Lanka to Victory and Enters Super 4
Kusal Mendis once again proved his value with the bat. Losing Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara early meant Sri Lanka were under pressure in the powerplay. Mendis stepped up and controlled the middle overs, rotating strike and picking gaps against Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad. His sweeps and pulls neutralized Afghanistan’s spin threat.
He stitched partnerships of 22, 25, 45, 27, and an unbeaten 52*. This ensured Sri Lanka never fell too far behind the asking rate. Even when the equation read 48 needed from 30 balls, Mendis’ composure was key. He found support in Kamindu Mendis, who smashed two timely sixes to release pressure.
What made Kusal’s innings special was his strike rotation and ability to attack only when needed. He avoided risks against good deliveries, showing maturity. By staying till the end, he denied Afghanistan any chance of a comeback. This innings underlined why he is Sri Lanka’s most reliable T20 batter right now.
Kamindu Mendis Provides the Finishing Touch
Kamindu Mendis played the perfect support role during the chase. His 26 off 13 balls included two sixes that came at crucial moments. He targeted Noor Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooqi, ensuring Sri Lanka stayed ahead of the required rate.
His ability to finish games is becoming a strength for Sri Lanka. By hitting cleanly under pressure, Kamindu allows senior players like Kusal to anchor the chase. This blend of stability and explosiveness will be important in the Super Four.
Nuwan Thushara’s Spell Rattles Afghanistan
While Kusal stole the batting spotlight, Nuwan Thushara set up the win with the ball. He dismissed three top-order batters inside the powerplay, swinging the ball both ways like Arshdeep does for the Punjab Kings in IPL. His spell of 4 for 18 was his best in the tournament.
Thushara’s outswingers troubled the right-handers, while one searing inswinger cleaned up left-hander Sediqullah Atal. His early strikes left Afghanistan at 52 for 5, a position from which recovery looked impossible.
Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga kept things tight in the middle overs, giving little room for acceleration. Chameera was unlucky, going for 50 runs despite bowling well. Dunith Wellalage also bowled well until his final over, where Nabi went berserk. Still, Sri Lanka’s bowlers showed discipline that will give them confidence moving forward.
Nabi’s Late Carnage Keeps Afghanistan Alive
Mohammad Nabi played a stunning cameo, scoring 60 off just 22 balls. He smashed five sixes in the final over bowled by Wellalage, giving Afghanistan 49 runs in the last two overs. His hitting gave the Afghan fans brief hope.
However, the rest of the batting failed to support him. Afghanistan’s over-reliance on Nabi and Rashid Khan continues to hurt them in crunch matches. This remains their biggest challenge in major tournaments.
Does Sri Lanka Hold the Metal to Choke India?
Sri Lanka’s win over Afghanistan showed their bowling depth and batting patience. But the real test will be against India. Facing India’s top order, Thushara’s swing and Hasaranga’s control will be tested like never before. India’s batters thrive against pace and spin, meaning Sri Lanka need precise plans.
Sri Lanka can challenge India if their bowlers strike early. Thushara’s powerplay overs could unsettle Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli. Hasaranga’s middle-over spells will be vital against players like Suryakumar Yadav. With the bat, Kusal Mendis’ ability to counter spinners will be crucial against Kuldeep Yadav.
The key lies in partnerships and calmness under pressure. India often dominates by building early momentum. If Sri Lanka can hold India in the first 10 overs, they stand a chance. The question remains whether Sri Lanka can sustain pressure for 40 overs against such a balanced unit.
How is Bangladesh Going to Take on India and Pakistan in the Super Four?
Bangladesh enter the Super Four with mixed form. Their batting often relies on Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto. Facing Pakistan’s pace attack and India’s spin options will be a huge challenge.
To succeed, Bangladesh must rotate strike better in the middle overs. Against Pakistan, they need to counter Shaheen Afridi’s swing early. Against India, they must avoid collapses against Kuldeep and Jadeja. Their batting struggles against quality spin remain a concern.
With the ball, Bangladesh’s spinners can trouble opposition if they bowl smart lines. Shakib’s absence leaves a void in experience, but Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed must step up. Their determination in the field will also be tested against stronger sides.
Bangladesh’s best chance lies in applying pressure consistently. They must avoid gifting easy boundaries and extend partnerships beyond 50 runs. Only then can they push India or Pakistan deep into games.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s win against Afghanistan was built on balance and execution. Kusal Mendis’ controlled innings, supported by Kamindu, showed a calm approach to run chases. Nuwan Thushara’s early strikes created the platform. Even Nabi’s late fireworks could not stop Sri Lanka’s progress.
The result means Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advance to the Super Four. For Sri Lanka, this win adds confidence ahead of clashes against India and Pakistan. For Bangladesh, qualification is an achievement, but the real challenge begins now.
Afghanistan leave the tournament with disappointment but also signs of growth. Nabi’s knock will be remembered, but lack of batting depth cost them dearly.
As the Asia Cup moves into the next phase, fans can expect more drama and close finishes. Sri Lanka’s unbeaten streak and Bangladesh’s underdog spirit will add flavor. The spotlight now turns to how these teams handle the pressure of facing giants like India and Pakistan.
