Kusal Mendis Batting Masterclass Knocks Out Afghanistan From Asia Cup 2025

The Group B game between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan proved to be a thriller. Sri Lanka won the match by 6 wickets, knocking out Afghanistan from the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025. Their chase was led by a steady knock of Kusal Mendis, who scored an unbeaten 74 off 52 balls.

Talking about the nature of the match, it was a game that tested the nerves of both teams. Afghanistan came into the game in search of a win to stay alive in the tournament. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, needed a win to ensure top spot in Group B. They were given a stiff chase of 170 by Afghanistan, courtesy of fabulous last-over hitting by Mohammad Nabi in the 1st innings.

After winning the toss, Afghanistan chose to bat on a good Abu Dhabi pitch. It was conducive for batting, as early hitting by Rahmanullah Gurbaz proved Afghanistan’s decision right. He gave a good start to the team by smashing two towering sixes. Unfortunately, he couldn’t continue further, as Thushara quickly sent him back at the start of the third over.

Once Gurbaz got out, Afghanistan struggled to find momentum. Their other opener, Sediqullah Atal, couldn’t do much in today’s match, as he also got out on an absolute reaper bowled by Thushara. After these early shocks, Afghanistan stuttered and felt the pressure of Sri Lankan bowlers.

Nuwan Thushara was undoubtedly the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka. He bowled with absolute fire, making life uneasy for Afghan openers at the start. Due to the pressure exerted by him, other Sri Lankan bowlers found it easy to chip in and take regular wickets.

The Afghan batting looked completely out of form during the middle overs. However, the partnership of Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan provided some hopes to them. Mohammad Nabi was at his absolute best in today’s game. His furious hitting at the death was worth watching. He took down Dunith Wellalage in the last over with 5 towering sixes, giving Afghanistan a strong total of 169 on the board.

Coming to chase the target, the Sri Lankan team started aggressively. The duo of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka applied early pressure on the Afghan bowlers, but Omarzai ultimately got the last laugh. He removed Nissanka in the third over, giving an early setback to the Sri Lankan plans.

Kamil Mishara then also fell cheaply to Mohammad Nabi, as he struggled badly in today’s match. But after that, Kusal Perera came out to bat and steadied the batting ship for Sri Lanka. Due to his wise batting with Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka played the middle overs smartly.

Afghanistan took some wickets during the middle overs, but Sri Lanka kept on scoring to keep the scoreboard ticking. The platform set by Mendis and Perera proved vital in the end, as Kamindu Mendis came out with an aggressive intent. He scored 26 off 13 balls, which took off a lot of pressure from Mendis.

Standing like a rock from the start, Kusal smashed the winning runs for Sri Lanka, knocking out Afghanistan from the tournament. With this win, Sri Lanka has now secured the top position in Group B of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.