Sri Lanka have advanced to the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four following their handsome six-wicket win over Afghanistan in their last group stage match on September 18, Thursday. With this defeat, Afghanistan have been eliminated from the Asia Cup 2025.
Sri Lanka qualify for Super Four with 6-wicket win over Afghanistan
Opting to bat first at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi in the Group B match, Afghanistan rode on Mohammad Nabi's blistering 22-ball 60 to post a competitive total of 169/8. In reply, Sri Lanka didn't have to sweat much to overhaul the target with eight balls to spare.
Sri Lanka secured the top spot in Group B by winning all three of their matches. In contrast, Afghanistan finished third in the group's points table which scripted their ouster. So the two teams who have progressed to the Super Four from Group B are Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and the two teams will meet on September 20. Meanwhile, from Group A, Pakistan and India have stormed into the Super Four stage and they will be up against each other on September 21.
In a remarkable batting display, Mohammed Nabi single-handedly rescued Afghanistan's innings with an explosive 22-ball knock of 60. His heroics helped the team post a total of 169 for eight, a stark contrast to their earlier struggles. The team had been reeling at 79 for six in the 13th over, largely due to a brilliant opening spell from Nuwan Thushara, who claimed four wickets for just 18 runs. Nabi's counterattack was particularly devastating in the final over, where he smashed Dunith Wellalage for five sixes and a total of 32 runs, pulling Afghanistan from what seemed like a sub-120 total. He had also previously taken on Dushmantha Chameera, scoring 17 runs off his penultimate over.
Earlier in the innings, Afghanistan's decision to bat first seemed to backfire despite a strong start. After a quick 26 runs in two overs, Thushara's sharp swing dismantled their top order. He dismissed Karim Janat and Sediquallah Atal with deliveries that curved late and hit the stumps. The first wicket to fall was Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who misjudged a shot and was caught at slip. The pressure continued to mount as Hasaranga and Wellalage maintained tight control through the middle overs, leading to a steady fall of wickets.
Despite the collapse, captain Rashid Khan (24) attempted to stabilize the innings with a 35-run partnership alongside Nabi. He even hit a signature no-look six. However, it was Nabi's incredible hitting that truly gave Afghanistan a fighting chance with a competitive total to defend.
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Meanwhile, talking about Sri Lanka's innings, early wickets for Afghanistan gave them a brief glimmer of hope when Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara were dismissed cheaply. However, Kusal Mendis took control of the chase with a calm yet assertive approach, skillfully balancing patience with well-timed aggression. Kusal Perera also provided crucial momentum in the middle overs, while Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis contributed with quick cameos, ensuring the innings never lost its rhythm. In contrast, Afghanistan's renowned bowling attack struggled to make an impact. While Rashid Khan was economical, he failed to take a wicket. His supporting bowlers, including Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad, gave away too many runs under pressure. Despite Mohammed Nabi's impressive all-around performance, Afghanistan's bowling attack had no answer once Sri Lanka found their rhythm.
Sri Lanka's strong fielding performance, highlighted by excellent catches from Dushmantha Chameera and Kusal Perera to dismiss Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli, further complemented their bowlers. Ultimately, a combination of missed opportunities and a lack of discipline cost Afghanistan the game. This allowed Sri Lanka to secure a well-deserved victory and confidently advance to the Super Four stage.