Sri Lanka Crush Afghanistan: Six‐Wicket Victory Shines in Asia Cup

In the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan match highlights, Sri Lanka delivered a dominant performance to beat Afghanistan by six wickets in just 18.4 overs at the Asia Cup 2025. Moreover, the venue was the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Early on, Afghanistan appeared in strong shape and raised hopes of a high-scoring clash.

Afghanistan’s Batting Scorecard – 169 (8 wkts, 20 ov)

Bowling Figures

• Nuwan Thushara – 4 ov, 18 runs, 4 wkts
• Dushmantha Chameera – 4 ov, 50 runs, 1 wkt
• Dunith Wellalage – 4 ov, 49 runs, 1 wkt
• Dasun Shanaka – 4 ov, 29 runs, 1 wkt

Batting first, Afghanistan began with intent. Their middle order produced fireworks. The standout was Mohammad Nabi. His innings were nothing short of explosive. Nabi smashed a 22-ball 60, packed with sixes and boundaries. His cameo changed the momentum for a while. Alongside him, Rahmanullah Gurbaz added crucial runs. Thanks to their quick scoring, Afghanistan managed to post a competitive 169/8.

Yet, there were issues. Afghanistan failed to stitch together steady partnerships. Quick wickets at regular intervals halted their flow. Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept things tight. Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha Pathirana used variations smartly. Moreover, Wanindu Hasaranga also played his part with disciplined spin. Further, their efforts ensured Afghanistan did not cross the 180-plus mark, which looked possible during Nabi’s stormy knock.

Sri Lanka Batting Scorecard – 171 (4wkts, 18.4 ov)

Bowling Figures

• Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 3.4 ov, 42 runs, 1 wkt
• Azmatullah Omarzai – 2 ov, 10 runs, 1 wkt
• Mohammad Nabi – 3 ov, 20 runs, 1 wkt
• Noor Ahmad – 3 ov, 37 runs, 1 wkt

However, chasing 170 in T20 cricket is always tricky. However, Sri Lanka’s reply was calm and calculated. Pathum Nissanka gave the early push with crisp boundaries. Then, Kusal Mendis walked in with purpose. His innings shaped the chase. Mendis struck 74 off 52 balls, blending aggression with control. He rotated the strike and punished loose deliveries.

Moreover, Charith Asalanka anchored from the other end. Their partnership broke Afghanistan’s spirit. Even when Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman tried to apply pressure, Sri Lanka’s batters remained unfazed. Further, they kept finding singles and converted them into twos. Importantly, they did not allow Afghanistan’s spinners to dominate.

Transitioning through the chase, several moments stood out. Firstly, Mendis’s fearless approach against Rashid Khan. Secondly, Afghanistan’s dropped catches hurt their defense. And thirdly, Sri Lanka’s ability to score in the middle overs. These phases shifted the game away from Afghanistan.

By the 15th over, the result was almost clear. Sri Lanka required only a run-a-ball. Asalanka and Hasaranga finished things off with style. Moreover, the chase ended at 170/4, sealing a six-wicket win with eight balls to spare.

For Sri Lanka, this victory is huge. It secures them a place in the Super 4s alongside Bangladesh from Group B. The confidence gained here will help them against tougher opponents. On the other hand, Afghanistan’s campaign ended in disappointment. Despite Nabi’s heroics, inconsistency cost them dearly.

Looking ahead, Sri Lanka will aim to maintain this momentum. Additionally, their batting looks settled, and their bowling attack is finding rhythm. If they continue with the same balance, they can challenge stronger teams like India and Pakistan.

Finally, when you go through the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan match highlights, this match will be remembered for Nabi’s explosive cameo, Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling, and above all, Kusal Mendis’s match-winning knock. It was a complete performance that underlined Sri Lanka’s growing strength in the Asia Cup 2025.