Abu Dhabi, (UNI) Kusal Mendis produced a batting masterclass to steer Sri Lanka to a thrilling six-wicket win over Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Group B clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium here today, a result that ended Afghanistan’s campaign and propelled Bangladesh into the Super Fours.
Chasing 170, Sri Lanka found their anchor in Mendis, whose unbeaten 74 off 52 balls blended calm assurance with crisp stroke-making. Coming in after an early wobble, the right-hander read the conditions perfectly, first steadying the innings and then accelerating with a string of authoritative boundaries. He raised his half-century with a deft sweep off Noor Ahmad, and from there never allowed Afghanistan’s spinners to dictate terms.
Earlier, Afghanistan’s decision to bat first yielded 169 for eight, a total built around flashes of brilliance but undermined by regular wickets. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave them a flying start, while Mohammad Nabi’s late assault – a blistering 60 off 22 balls – briefly raised hopes of a bigger score.
Rashid Khan chipped in with 24, but Nuwan Thushara’s incisive spell of 4 for 18, backed by tidy work from Dushmantha Chameera and Dunith Wellalage, ensured the target stayed within reach.
Sri Lanka’s reply began with Pathum Nissanka driving fluently before falling for 6 to Azmatullah Omarzai. Kamil Mishara and Charith Asalanka could not convert promising starts – Asalanka perished for 17 to a superb diving grab by Rashid Khan – leaving Mendis with the task of holding the chase together.
He did so with authority, mixing placement with clean hitting. A pulled boundary off Fazalhaq Farooqi and a towering six from Kamindu Mendis swung the momentum firmly Sri Lanka’s way. With 10 needed from the final over, Mendis cut Mujeeb Ur Rahman for four, then sealed the result by rocking back and pulling another delivery to the fence at deep square leg, sparking celebrations from the Sri Lankan camp and, miles away, in Bangladesh.
Despite tidy spells from Nabi and Noor Ahmad, Afghanistan’s bowlers could not defend their total as Sri Lanka romped home with eight balls to spare, finishing at 171 for four.
The match was supervised by umpires Asif Yaqoob and Virender Sharma, with Faisal Afridi as third umpire and Richie Richardson as match referee.
Mendis steers SL past Afghanistan, sends Bangladesh to Super Fours
