Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 – Kusal Mendis, Thushara Knock Afghanistan Out
The Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 match ended with Sri Lanka sealing a six-wicket win to qualify for the Super Four. Kusal Mendis anchored the chase with an unbeaten 74, while Nuwan Thushara delivered a brilliant four-wicket spell. Despite Mohammad Nabi’s explosive 60 off 22 balls, Afghanistan crashed out of the tournament.
Kusal Mendis Guides Sri Lanka’s Chase
In the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 clash, Kusal Mendis proved to be the difference. His composed 74 not out from 52 balls came through smart sweeps and pulls against Afghanistan’s spinners. Partnerships throughout the innings ensured stability, as Sri Lanka chased 169 with eight balls to spare. Kamindu Mendis also played a vital cameo, striking 26 from 13 balls, including two sixes that eased pressure in the final overs.
Nabi’s Power-Hitting Keeps Afghanistan Alive
The highlight of the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 first innings was Nabi’s blistering knock. With Afghanistan struggling at 120 for 7, he launched a late assault. Five sixes in the last over bowled by Dunith Wellalage turned the game briefly in Afghanistan’s favor. Alongside Dushmantha Chameera’s expensive penultimate over, the Afghan total surged by 49 runs in just two overs, reaching 169 for 8.
Sri Lanka seal the win and march into the Super 4 of the Asia Cup 2025! 💪🔥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) September 18, 2025
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Thushara’s Bowling Dominates Early Overs
Momentum in the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 encounter was set by Nuwan Thushara. His fiery outswingers dismantled Afghanistan’s top order, finishing with figures of 4 for 18. Three wickets in the powerplay gave Sri Lanka control, while Chameera and Shanaka supported from the other end. Wanindu Hasaranga remained economical, conceding only 18 in four overs.
Afghanistan’s Exit and Sri Lanka’s Progress
For Afghanistan, Nabi’s knock was not enough to overcome Sri Lanka’s well-structured chase. Their bowlers lacked breakthroughs in the middle overs, allowing Kusal Mendis to build decisive stands. With this result, Sri Lanka maintained their unbeaten run in Group B of the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025, while Afghanistan’s campaign ended. Bangladesh joined Sri Lanka in qualifying for the Super Four.
