Kusal Mendis‘ outstanding half-century helped Sri Lanka overcome Afghanistan by six wickets in the 11th Asia Cup 2025 match on Thursday, September 18, at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan chose to bat first after winning the toss, however this move backfired.
Nuwan Thushara scored thrice in an over to put Sri Lanka squarely in the game, and their openers got off to a fast start before faltering. Before experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nabi turned the tide with a blazing innings, the Afghan middle order had trouble converting starts. Nabi needed just 22 deliveries to score an incredible 60. With a four-over burst of 4/18, Thushara was the best bowler of the group.
Sri Lanka lost openers Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka cheaply while chasing the mark. But Kusal Mendis’ incredible undefeated 74 off 52 balls served as the innings’ mainstay. With the help of Charith Asalanka (17 off 12), Kusal Perera (28 off 20), and Kamindu Mendis, who contributed a rapid 26* from 13 balls, Sri Lanka easily crossed the finish line.
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh both advanced from Group B to the Super Four stage as a result of this victory. Since the four teams have been locked and the opponents have been decided, India and Pakistan have also guaranteed their places in the following round from Group A.
Talking Points
1. The blitz of Muhammad Nabi
At one point, Afghanistan was having trouble, losing wickets frequently. But with a scorching 60 off 22 balls, seasoned veteran Mohammad Nabi showed off his class. In a sensational cameo, he added three fours and hammered five sixes in the 20th over, which was bowled by Dunith Wellalage.
2. Afghanistan is dismantled by Thushara
With four wickets for just eighteen runs in his four-over session, Nuwan Thushara was Sri Lanka’s outstanding batsman. He was instrumental in keeping the opposition to a lower total by uprooting the stumps of Rashid Khan, Karim Janat, and Sediqullah Atal. He also got rid of Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
3. The chase is anchored by Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis stood his ground and guided Sri Lanka to victory as wickets fell at the other end. His team won by six wickets thanks to his unbeaten 74 off 52 balls, which included 10 boundaries. For being undefeated in a match that the Charith Asalanka-led team had to win, the opening batsman was also named Player of the Match.
What was said by whom?
Kusal Mendis, the match’s MVP
I’m overjoyed. I received good assistance. I liked it. In comparison to the other teams, the spinners were bowling a bit more quickly. Kamindu did a good job at bat. made my life easier. In the Super Four, we will have three excellent games. I’m hoping we’ll succeed.
Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan (Losing Captain)
We completed it in such a unique way. It was incredible to hit five sixes. We didn’t bowl as well as we ought to have. That track was quite challenging. It wasn’t your average wicket from Abu Dhabi. A chase of 170-180 was feasible. In the previous game, we had a fantastic opportunity to chase 150 or so. But that’s just the way T20 cricket is. We were well-prepared for this. We had put in a lot of effort and training. We advanced to the T20 World Cup semifinals. Here, we at least considered moving on to the next round.
Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka (winning captain)
The performance truly thrilled me. For us, the game was nearly ideal. Pacers completed the task. Our only bad over was the final one. Thushara is an amazing man. He serves the nation by bowling two or three overs during the powerplay. Perera made several amazing catches. In T20s, we aim to be the top fielding team. Everything must be covered in the condensed format. In other nations, our supporters give us more support.
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