By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Sep 19, 2025 04:29 AM • 21 views
Sri Lanka clinched their third consecutive victory at the ACC T20 Asia Cup, defeating Afghanistan by six wickets in Abu Dhabi on Thursday to secure top spot in Group B and book their place in the Super 4 stage.
Chasing a target of 170 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka cruised home in 18.4 overs, finishing on 172 for 4. Opener Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a match-winning knock of 74* off 52 balls, laced with 10 boundaries. He was well supported by Kusal Perera (28), skipper Charith Asalanka (17), and Kamindu Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 26. The highlight came through an unbroken 52-run partnership between Kusal and Kamindu for the fifth wicket, ensuring a comfortable finish.
For Afghanistan, Mujib Ur Rahman, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad each picked up a wicket, but their efforts were not enough to derail the Lankan chase.
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Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Afghanistan posted 169 for 8 in their 20 overs. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi starred with a blistering 60 off just 22 balls, smashing six sixes and three fours. Ibrahim Zadran and skipper Rashid Khan chipped in with 24 apiece, while Sediqullah Atal (18) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (15) offered brief cameos. A late 55-run stand for the eighth wicket between Nabi and Noor Ahmad gave Afghanistan a fighting total, with Noor finishing unbeaten on 6.
Sri Lanka's bowling was led by Nuwan Thushara, who grabbed four wickets, while Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, and Dasun Shanaka bagged one apiece.
With this victory, Sri Lanka topped Group B with six points from three matches. Bangladesh, with four points, advanced as runners-up. Afghanistan bowed out with just two points, while Hong Kong exited winless after three losses.
