Bangladesh secure a place in the Super Four round after Sri Lanka defeat Afghanistan
In a thrilling encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by six wickets to advance to the Super Four stage of the T20 Asia Cup.
The match started on a dismal note for Afghanistan, as they slipped to 40 for 3 inside five overs. However, Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli attempted to rebuild, adding 39 runs for the fourth wicket. The resurgence was short-lived, as three wickets tumbled in three successive overs, reducing Afghanistan to 79 for 6.
Mohammad Nabi's explosive hitting gave Afghanistan a fighting chance, scoring 60 off 22 balls, including three fours and six sixes. Yet, it wasn't enough against Sri Lanka's batting depth. Afghanistan posted a competitive, but ultimately defendable total of 169 for 8 in their innings.
Sri Lanka's chase started shakily, with Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara both falling early. However, Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera added 45 runs for the third wicket before Perera was dismissed. The loss of Perera brought Kamindu Mendis to the crease, and he and Kusal Mendis added a quickfire 52 runs for the sixth wicket.
Kamindu Mendis contributed 26 runs from just 13 deliveries, while Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten, scoring a magnificent 74 runs, including 10 fours. Nuwan Thushara, the most successful bowler of the match, claimed 4 for 18 for Afghanistan, but it wasn't enough to stop Sri Lanka's charge.
Skipper Dasun Shanaka conceded only eight runs from his two overs during the late stages of the game, ensuring that Afghanistan's total remained within reach. The player who took the best bowling figures for Sri Lanka in their T20 Asia Cup victory against Afghanistan was not explicitly named in the search results.
Despite the loss, Afghanistan can take solace in Mohammad Nabi's late-innings heroics and the competitive total they posted. For Sri Lanka, the victory marks a significant step towards their goal of winning the T20 Asia Cup, as they move on to the Super Four stage.
