Sri Lanka has defeated Afghanistan to reach the Super Four Stage of Asia Cup 2025. This was possible after Kusal Mendis played a stunning knock of unbeatean 74 off 52 balls and steered Sri Lanka towards six-wicket win.
Nabi tried to lift Afghanistan back into the game as he hit five sixes in the final over bowled by Dunith Wellalage. Even through Afghanistan plundered 49 runs in the last two overs but they still remained short of chasing the target of 171 runs. After the match, Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan reflected on Afghanistan’s loss and highlighted the loopholes which costed them big.
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“The way we finished off the innings was so special. We knew one over was there of the spinner and if one proper batter was there, we had maximum chance of (getting a big over). We did not bowl as well as we should have and that is why we did not win. It is pretty hard on a track like that. It is not a typical spinning wicket. Different to Dubai.”
“But still, if you play good cricketing shots, it is possible to chase 170-180. We had a great chance in the last game, we did not chase 150. That is what happens in T20 cricket. But we have to move forward and not repeat the mistakes. Last three years, we have played a lot of ICC events and Asia Cups. We had great preparation for each, but I was expecting a lot more from the boys.”
“Was not expecting to be eliminated. We had a semi-final at the last T20 World Cup and the expectation was to be at least in the next round. We will think about it, analyze and come back stronger.”
