The Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 was more than a match—it was a decisive battle that shaped the direction of Group B. With qualification on the line and pressure on both teams, Sri Lanka rose to the occasion and defeated Afghanistan by 6 wickets in a composed run chase. For Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, this fixture affected their standings; for Afghanistan, it was their last chance to stay alive in the tournament.
sportsgamingdaily followed every moment of this high-stakes contest, witnessing how small margins, big moments, and calm minds made the difference.
Match Setup & Toss: Stakes, Strategy, and Conditions
The match was played in Abu Dhabi, where the pitch generally assists batters early before slowing down. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to put up a big total in a must-win scenario. Their strategy was clear: attack the powerplay, build partnerships, and then unleash in the death overs.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, relied on a balanced bowling attack combining pace, cutters, and spin. Their plan was to control the middle overs and prevent Afghanistan from posting a daunting total. With the ball gripping slightly later in the innings, Sri Lanka saw this as an opportunity to choke Afghanistan’s run flow.
Both sides knew what was at stake: Afghanistan needed a big win to stay alive, while Sri Lanka needed a composed performance to ensure qualification.
Afghanistan’s Innings: Nabi’s Brilliance Lights Up the First Half
Afghanistan scored 169/8 in 20 overs, and most of their total came from one man—Mohammad Nabi. His stunning 60 off just 22 balls electrified the stadium. Batting with pure freedom, Nabi smashed five sixes in the final over, turning a struggling innings into a competitive total. His late fireworks gave Afghanistan the push they desperately needed.
Earlier in the innings, Ibrahim Zadran (24) and Rashid Khan (24) provided small but useful contributions. However, frequent wicket losses prevented Afghanistan from capitalizing on starts. The middle overs were particularly costly as Sri Lanka’s bowlers tightened control.
Looking at the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan full scorecard, it becomes clear that without Nabi’s explosive cameo, Afghanistan would have posted a below-par score. But even with 169 on the board, Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling—especially the death-overs effort—kept them within striking distance.
Sri Lanka’s Chase: Steady, Composed, and Under Control
Chasing 170, Sri Lanka began with a steady approach. The openers focused on building a base rather than rushing early. Pathum Nissanka played his part at the top, while the anchor of the chase was undoubtedly Kusal Mendis.
Mendis batted through the innings and delivered one of the most composed knocks of the entire Asia Cup 2025—an unbeaten 74 off 53 deliveries. He guided the innings, read the bowlers well, and chose the right moments to attack. His ability to balance aggression with caution became the backbone of Sri Lanka’s chase.
A quick-fire cameo from Kamindu Mendis—23 off 11 balls—provided the burst of acceleration Sri Lanka needed in the middle overs. His improvised strokes and fearless hitting took pressure off Kusal and tilted the game firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor.
By the time the final overs came, Sri Lanka were in control. They wrapped up the match in 18.4 overs, finishing at 171/4 and securing a 6-wicket victory that sent them into the Super Four stage.
Turning Points & Highlights: How Sri Lanka Seized Control
This match had several defining moments that both teams will remember:
1. Nabi’s Explosive 60
The Afghan all-rounder’s late charge changed the trajectory of their innings. His five sixes in the last over were extraordinary and gave Afghanistan a competitive total.
2. Thushara’s Game-Changing Spell
Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara delivered one of his best spells in T20 cricket, taking 4 wickets for just 18 runs. His pace and variations dismantled Afghanistan’s lower order, preventing them from crossing 180.
3. Kusal Mendis’ Calm Leadership
While the pressure was immense, Mendis never panicked. His shot selection, rotation of strike, and smart game management made the chase look easier than it was.
4. Sri Lanka’s Controlled Middle Overs
Both in bowling and batting, Sri Lanka excelled during the middle overs—limiting Afghanistan’s momentum while building their own steadily.
These turning points, as shown in the SL vs AFG Asia Cup 2025 match report, were crucial in determining the final outcome.
Full Match Scorecard & Key Stats
Team Scores
| Team | Innings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 1st | 169/8 (20 overs) |
| Sri Lanka | 2nd | 171/4 (18.4 overs) |
Top Performers
- Mohammad Nabi – 60 (22)
- Kusal Mendis – 74* (53)
- Nuwan Thushara – 4/18
These performances were central in shaping the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan result 2025.
Impact on the Asia Cup 2025: Group B Shifts Dramatically
This match had major implications:
- Sri Lanka qualified for the Super Four stage.
- Bangladesh also advanced, helped indirectly by this result.
- Afghanistan were eliminated, ending their campaign.
Sri Lanka’s victory boosted their confidence, while Afghanistan, despite showing flashes of brilliance, couldn’t maintain consistency. sportsgamingdaily observed how net run rate, pressure situations, and individual brilliance played key roles in shaping Group B.
What Went Right & Lessons Learned
Sri Lanka’s Strengths
- Built partnerships under pressure
- Remained composed during the chase
- Used bowling variations cleverly
- Showed excellent fielding discipline
Afghanistan’s Concerns
- Collapse in middle overs
- Reliance on Nabi’s individual heroics
- Lack of control in death-overs bowling
These aspects stand out in the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan full match report.
Final Thoughts
The Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 delivered drama, quality cricket, and decisive outcomes. Sri Lanka’s chase, guided by Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 74 and supported by Thushara’s four-wicket spell, secured a well-deserved 6-wicket win. Afghanistan battled hard but couldn’t manage the pressure moments.
This result reshaped Group B, pushed Sri Lanka forward, kept Bangladesh alive, and ended Afghanistan’s hopes. sportsgamingdaily will continue covering every twist of this thrilling tournament.