In a dramatic showdown at Abu Dhabi Stadium on September 18, 2025, Sri Lanka dashed Afghanistan’s hopes of progressing in the Asia Cup 2025, clinching a six-wicket victory and sealing their place in the Super Four stage. The match, brimming with tension and late fireworks, left fans on the edge of their seats as Afghanistan’s campaign ended in heartbreak and Sri Lanka celebrated another group-stage triumph.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan, after winning the toss, made the bold call to bat first, a decision shaped by his assessment of the pitch conditions. The Afghan batting order, however, found themselves under the cosh early on. Sri Lanka’s pace spearhead Nuwan Thushara immediately set the tone, taking four wickets and putting the brakes on Afghanistan’s top order. The pressure was intense—Afghanistan’s batters struggled to find rhythm, and wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals.
Despite the early setbacks, Afghanistan’s innings was sparked to life by the veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. Coming in with the team teetering at 120 for 7 after 18 overs, Nabi turned the tide with an explosive display of power-hitting in the death overs. In a jaw-dropping finale, he smashed five consecutive sixes in the last over, racing to 60 runs off just 22 balls. The crowd erupted as Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 170, with captain Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran contributing 24 runs each. Nabi’s late blitz, which saw Afghanistan rack up 49 runs in the final two overs, was described by Rashid Khan as “really special.”
“Nabi’s awareness of the spinner’s upcoming over allowed him to play strategically, and his hitting of 5 sixes in that over was remarkable,” Khan reflected after the match. “The way we finished the innings was really special.”
Sri Lanka’s chase began with a minor hiccup as opener Pathum Nissanka departed for just six runs. But Kusal Mendis, who would go on to earn the Player of the Match award, anchored the innings with a masterful 76. Mendis paced his knock perfectly, mixing aggressive strokes with clever placement, and was ably supported by Kusal Perera (28) and Kamindu Mendis (26). The trio kept the scoreboard ticking, even as Afghanistan’s famed spin attack struggled to make breakthroughs.
Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka’s skipper, was effusive in his praise for the team’s all-round display, calling it “almost a perfect game.” He singled out the fast bowlers, especially Thushara, for their early impact, and lauded the fielding efforts of Kusal Perera and Dushmantha Chameera. “Nuwan Thushara has been really good with the new ball and he always gets a wicket and bowls 2-3 overs up front. The catches were amazing,” Asalanka said. “We want to be the best fielding side in the country in this format and always try to put our all.”
As the Sri Lankan innings wore on, Afghanistan’s bowlers found it increasingly difficult to stem the flow of runs. Rashid Khan’s tactical choices came under scrutiny, particularly his decision to limit Azmatullah Omarzai to just two overs despite a strong start in the Powerplay. Afghanistan’s heavy reliance on spin failed to pay dividends, and Sri Lanka capitalized, steadily chipping away at the target.
Still, the match wasn’t without its moments of drama. With Sri Lanka needing just 10 runs from the final overs, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Kusal Mendis, calm under pressure, finished the job in style—pulling a boundary to deep mid-wicket and punching the air in celebration. The final Sri Lankan tally of 171 for 4, achieved in 18.4 overs, sent their fans into raptures and consigned Afghanistan to an early exit from the tournament.
Kusal Mendis, reflecting on his unbeaten knock, said, “I am happy with my knock and the result. Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis also batted well. The Afghan spinners are faster than others, so I tried to play behind the wicket more. Now we have to play three good teams in the Super Four, but we have a balanced squad and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
The result meant that Sri Lanka, along with Bangladesh from Group B, advanced to the Super Four stage. Pakistan and India had already secured their spots from Group A, leaving Afghanistan and other teams to pack their bags. Bangladesh fans in the stadium erupted in celebration, knowing that Afghanistan’s defeat had guaranteed their team’s progression.
For Afghanistan, the loss was particularly painful. Rashid Khan admitted that the team’s performance had not lived up to expectations, despite years of preparation for ICC events. He noted that the pitch in Abu Dhabi wasn’t the typical spinning track they had hoped for, making the target of 170-180 always a tricky one to defend. “We needed more runs,” Khan conceded, “as Mohammad Nabi’s lone magical effort in the end wasn’t enough.”
The match also highlighted the unpredictability of T20 cricket. Afghanistan’s campaign, which had shown promise, faltered at the crucial moment, echoing their previous struggles in high-pressure games. As Khan put it, “We have to learn from our mistakes and move forward. We’ll analyze our shortcomings and come back stronger.”
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, maintained a perfect start in Group B, notching up their third consecutive win. Their next challenge will be the Super Four stage, where they’ll face Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India—each a formidable opponent in their own right. The stakes have never been higher, and Sri Lanka’s blend of youth and experience, coupled with their sharp fielding and disciplined bowling, makes them a team to watch as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
With one group-stage match remaining—India versus Oman—the Asia Cup 2025 is building toward a thrilling climax. For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Sri Lanka and the dazzling performance of Kusal Mendis, whose composure and class under pressure proved the difference on a night when every run, catch, and tactical call mattered.
As the dust settles in Abu Dhabi, Afghanistan’s journey ends in disappointment, but for Sri Lanka, the road to Asia Cup glory remains wide open. The Super Four awaits, promising more drama, skill, and unforgettable moments as the continent’s cricketing giants collide.
