ABU DHABI: Kusal Mendis’ gutsy half-century propelled Sri Lanka, alongside Bangladesh, into the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours as Afghanistan crashed out.
Set 170, Sri Lanka cruised to a victory in 18.4 overs, losing just four wickets in the process.
Mendis anchored the innings with 74* off 52 balls, striking 10 fours, while Kamindu Mendis chipped in with 26 off 13 with the aid of two sixes.
The chase started on a shaky note as Sri Lanka lost their inform opener Pathum Nissanka (6) in the second over. Despite the wicket, the Islanders continued on to score briskly.
Afghanistan got their second breakthrough in the last over of the powerplay in the form of Kamil Mishara, who departed after scoring four from 10 balls.
At this stage, Sri Lanka were 47-2 in 5.2 overs. Meanwhile, Mendis held one end firm and forged two crucial stands. First, he partnered with Kusal Perera for a 45-run partnership and then with skipper Charith Asalanka for a brief 27-run partnership.
Perera and Charith made 28 and 17 runs respectively, which powered them into a strong position.
For Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad picked up one wicket each.
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Earlier, Mohammad Nabi’s counterattacking half-century lifted his side to a respectable total.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan racked up 169-8 in the 11th fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Afghanistan’s openers were off to a flyer, posting 26 runs on the board in 2.1 overs. However, Thushara had other plans, who ripped through the top order with excellent bowling.
He first removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who made 14 from eight, and then Karim Janat (1) in a span of five balls to rock Afghanistan.
As a result, Afghanistan were reduced to 32-2 in three overs.
Thushara continued on, and in the fourth over, he removed Sediqullah Atal to put Sri Lanka in the driving seat. Atal was castled after making 18 from 14 with the aid of two fours and a six.
Sri Lanka continued to mount pressure with excellent bowling and regular wickets, which left Afghanistan reeling at one stage for 114-7 in 17.1 overs.
However, it was Nabi’s blinder – 60 from just 22 balls, which powered them to an above-par score. First, Sri Lanka pacer Dushmanta Chameera came in Nabi’s way, whom he belted for three consecutive fours, an over yielding 17 runs.
32-run last over was cheery on top for Afghanistan as the veteran batter belted five gigantic sixes off Dunith Wellalage’s bowling, making it a 32-run over.
For Sri Lanka, Nuwan Thushara remained the pick of the bowlers, picking up a four-wicket haul for 19 in his four overs.
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