Explore how Thushara’s 4-for and Mendis’ unbeaten 74* propelled Sri Lanka to a perfect record in the group stage. Catch all the action and insights now.
Introduction:
Sri Lanka maintained their perfect record through the group stage of the Asia Cup 2025 with a composed six-wicket win over Afghanistan in Colombo, a result that not only highlighted their control but also ensured Bangladesh’s passage into the Super Four.
While Mohammad Nabi threatened to turn the contest on its head with one of the most outrageous cameos in recent memory—an explosive 60 from just 22 balls—it was Kusal Mendis’ assured, unbeaten 74 from 52 deliveries that proved the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s chase. Led by young seamer Nuwan Thushara’s brilliant 4 for 18 with the ball, the hosts managed to overcome Afghanistan’s unpredictable batting threat and seal yet another victorious outing.
Afghanistan’s Stuttering Start
Put in to bat, Afghanistan’s innings never really ignited until Nabi’s late eruption. Their top order was pegged down by Sri Lanka’s aggressive seam bowling. Ibrahim Zadran offered flickers of hope with a controlled 24, but wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga applied pressure with smart field placements and clever changes, while Thushara struck key blows.
Thushara’s spell defined the innings—his pace and movement at the top of the order removed Afghanistan’s momentum early. In just his second over, he dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who was caught trying to cut too close to his body. Shortly after, he had Hazratullah Zazai edging behind. Within the power play, Afghanistan were left reeling.
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The spin duo of Theekshana and Hasaranga maintained the squeeze through the middle overs. Rashid Khan attempted a counterattack, making 24 with a couple of trademark sixes, while Zadran resisted with patience. But Afghanistan were never out of the grip of Sri Lanka’s bowlers. By the end of 15 overs, they were six wickets down and struggling to push beyond 120.
Nabi’s Blaze of Glory
It was Mohammad Nabi who transformed a listless innings into something spectacular. Walking in under pressure, the veteran all-rounder went on the offensive from the outset. He struck sixes straight down the ground, whipped over midwicket, and punished anything remotely short. In no time, he raced to 50 from just 20 balls, carrying Afghanistan from possible collapse to a somewhat competitive total.
His final tally of 60 from 22 balls was a reminder of his enduring brilliance and ability to change the complexion of games. Though Thushara returned to snap him up before more damage could be inflicted, Nabi’s cameo lifted Afghanistan to 169 for 8—far more than seemed likely halfway through their innings.
Sri Lanka’s Chase: Steadied by Mendis
Chasing 170 for a fourth successive group-stage win, Sri Lanka were aware of the dangers Afghanistan’s bowling attack posed. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Fazalhaq Farooqi are all capable of turning matches in a blink. After a steady opening, Kusal Perera added a breezy 28 before falling to Omarzai, allowing Afghanistan a sniff of pressure.
But Kusal Mendis was the axis around which Sri Lanka’s innings revolved. Mixing caution with aggression, Mendis built his innings prudently. He started by picking singles and twos, ensuring Sri Lanka’s required rate stayed under control. Once settled, he unleashed drives through the covers, pulls over midwicket, and deft nudges behind square. His awareness of the game situation was impeccable.
The partnership he shared with Charith Asalanka shifted the tide firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor. Asalanka’s 26 was measured yet brisk, and it allowed Mendis to play with freedom. Together, they carved through the Afghan spinners, never allowing Rashid or Mujeeb to dictate terms.
The Defining Knock
As the innings wore on, Mendis’ fluency only improved. By the 15th over, Sri Lanka had reduced the chase to under a run-a-ball, and Mendis’s acceleration meant there was never a chance for panic. His unbeaten 74 from 52 was a masterclass in anchoring a chase and timing an innings beautifully. He struck boundaries at key moments, rotated strike almost effortlessly, and made sure no Afghan bowler could build pressure in consecutive overs.
When the winning runs came—with 171 for 4 achieved in the 19th over—the hosts celebrated a comfortable conclusion to a match that had briefly been destabilized by Nabi’s extraordinary cameo. Crucially for them, once again, they showcased batting maturity and relentless discipline in their approach.
Bangladesh Benefits as Well
The implications of the result stretched beyond Sri Lanka’s 100% record. With Afghanistan’s defeat, Bangladesh secured second place in Group B, joining Sri Lanka in the Super Four. Afghanistan bow out disappointed, aware that poor starts in both batting and bowling spells proved decisive despite Nabi’s late surge.
Takeaways from the Match
For Sri Lanka, Thushara’s emergence as a key bowler is perhaps the biggest silver lining, beyond the team’s consistency in victories. His spell dismantled Afghanistan before Nabi’s counterattack, showcasing that Sri Lanka have a genuine strike option for the knockout stages. Kusal Mendis, meanwhile, reinforced his role as the backbone of their batting order, entering the Super Four as perhaps the most consistent run-scorer in the tournament.
Afghanistan, however, will rue their inability to offer more than Nabi’s extraordinary brilliance. Their reliance on one or two players cost them once again. Yet, Nabi’s innings was a reminder of the talent and danger they possess. For Bangladesh, watching from afar, this Sri Lankan win became their ticket to the next stage.
In the end, the night belonged to Mendis and Thushara—youth and experience combining to script another victory in what’s shaping to be a statement campaign for Sri Lanka.
