T20 Asia Cup: Sri Lanka Storms into Super Four with Commanding Win Over Afghanistan

COLOMBO (News1st); Sri Lanka secured their place in the Super Four stage of the 2025 Asia Cup T20 tournament with a dominant six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Dubai yesterday.

The match marked the final fixture of Group B, with Sri Lanka joining Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan in the next round.

Afghanistan, winning the toss, opted to bat first and opened with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal.

However, Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara quickly dismantled the top order, dismissing Gurbaz for 14, Karim Janat for 1, and Atal for 18, leaving Afghanistan struggling at 40 for 3.

Further damage was inflicted by Dushmantha Chameera, who removed Darwish Rasool for 9 caught brilliantly by Kusal Janith Perera.

Dasun Shanaka and Dunith Wellalage chipped in with wickets, while Thushara returned to dismiss Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan for 24, ending with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 18 runs.

Despite the early setbacks, Mohammad Nabi played a blistering knock, scoring 66 off 22 balls, including six sixes and three fours, helping Afghanistan post a competitive total of 169 for 8 in their 20 overs.

In response, Sri Lanka began their chase with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.

Nissanka fell early for 6, followed by Kamindu Mendis for 4.

Kusal Janith Perera added a steady 28, but it was Kusal Mendis who anchored the innings with a masterful unbeaten 74 off 50 balls, featuring ten boundaries.

Kamindu Mendis supported with an unbeaten 26.

Sri Lanka reached the target in 18.4 overs, losing just four wickets, sealing their place in the Super Four.

From Group B, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advance, while India and Pakistan qualify from Group A. Sri Lanka’s Super Four fixtures are scheduled as follows:

vs Bangladesh – Tomorrow (20)
vs Pakistan – September 23
vs India – September 26

All matches will be broadcast live on TV1 and streamed via sirasatv.lk.