A blistering knock from Mohammad Nabi, featuring five consecutive sixes off Dunith Wellalage, was not enough to secure Afghanistan’s place in the Super 4s of the Asia Cup, as Sri Lanka completed a commanding six-wicket victory in the 11th match at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted 169 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz struck a quick 14 off eight balls before falling to Nuwan Thushara, who was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4 for 18. Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran chipped in with 18 and 24 respectively, but the innings was anchored by Nabi’s explosive 60 from just 22 balls, including six sixes and three fours, at a strike rate of 272.72.
Thushara’s incisive opening spell derailed Afghanistan’s top order, removing three batters within the powerplay. Despite a late flourish from Nabi and a cameo of 24 by Rashid Khan, Afghanistan fell short of a more imposing total.
In reply, Sri Lanka reached the target with eight balls to spare, finishing on 171 for 4 in 18.4 overs. Kusal Mendis played a measured innings, remaining unbeaten on 74 off 52 deliveries, striking ten boundaries. He was well supported by Kusal Perera (28) and Kamindu Mendis, who finished the chase with an unbeaten 26 off 13 balls, including two sixes.
Afghanistan used six bowlers in an attempt to contain the Sri Lankan batters. Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad each picked up one wicket, but they struggled to stem the flow of runs. Fazalhaq Farooqi proved expensive, conceding 38 runs in his three overs, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman gave away 42 in 3.4 overs.
Earlier, Afghanistan’s innings saw regular wickets, with the scorecard reading 79 for 6 at one stage. Nabi’s onslaught came too late to push the total beyond Sri Lanka’s reach.
TOSS
Afghanistan have elected to bat first against Sri Lanka in the 11th match of the Asia Cup at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
Afghanistan XI: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (capt), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
