Abu Dhabi, September 18, 2025 – In a dramatic Group B clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Sri Lanka secured a six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, knocking Afghanistan out of the tournament.
This pulsating encounter saw Sri Lanka chase down 170 with 8 balls to spare, ensuring their progression to the Super Four alongside Bangladesh, while Afghanistan’s campaign ended despite a heroic effort from Mohammad Nabi.
Afghanistan Innings Summary
Afghanistan, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted 169 for 8 in their 20 overs. The innings started steadily with openers Ibrahim Zadran (24 off 20) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (18 off 15) putting on 38, but a middle-order collapse triggered by Nuwan Thushara’s fiery 4 for 18 left them reeling at 88 for 5 after 15 overs.
However, Mohammad Nabi turned the game on its head with a sensational 60 off 22 balls, including 6 sixes. The final over, bowled by Dunith Wellalage, was a spectacle, yielding a staggering 32 runs as Nabi smashed 5 consecutive sixes off the first 5 balls before taking a single off the last.
Captain Rashid Khan chipped in with 24 off 23 balls, contributing to a blistering 49 runs in the final two overs, lifting Afghanistan to a competitive total.
Sri Lanka Innings Summary
Sri Lanka’s chase of 170 was anchored by Kusal Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 74 off 52 balls, striking at 142.30 with 10 fours and no sixes. Kusal Perera (28) and Kamindu Mendis (26 on 13) with 2 sixes, guided Sri Lanka to 171 for 4 in 18.4 overs. Afghanistan’s spinners, including Rashid Khan (0 for 23 in 4 overs), struggled to contain Mendis, whose sweeps and pulls neutralized their threat.
Key Performances and Facts
- Mohammad Nabi’s Record-Breaking Assault (AFG): At 40, Nabi smashed 60 off 22 balls, including 6 sixes. His 5 sixes in the final over off Wellalage (6-6-6-6-6-1) made history, as the 32-run over became the most expensive in Asia Cup T20 history. Nabi’s 20-ball fifty was also the fastest of the tournament.
- Kusal Mendis’ Match-Winning Knock (SL): Mendis’ unbeaten 74 was the backbone of Sri Lanka’s chase, earning him Player of the Match. His ability to counter Afghanistan’s spin attack, particularly Mujeeb Ur Rahman, was pivotal.
- Nuwan Thushara’s Bowling Masterclass (SL): Thushara’s 4 for 18, including the wickets of Gurbaz, Atal and Janat, triggered Afghanistan’s top order collapse, keeping their total in check before Nabi’s late fireworks.
- Rashid Khan’s Mixed Day (AFG): The Afghan captain went wicketless, conceding 23 runs in his 4 overs at an economy of 5.75. With the bat, he scored a steady 24 off 23 balls, playing second fiddle to Nabi’s onslaught.
Notable Facts:
- Nabi’s five sixes in the final over marked the first time a batter achieved this feat in a T20 Asia Cup match.
- The 32 runs off Wellalage’s over (20th of the innings) included 5 sixes and a single, surpassing the previous record for the most expensive over in the tournament.
- Afghanistan’s 49 runs in the last two overs (17 in the 19th, 32 in the 20th) set a new benchmark for the highest two-over total in Asia Cup 2025.
- Sri Lanka’s successful chase of 170 was their highest in the T20 Asia Cup, eclipsing their 153 against India in 2016.
- Sri Lanka topped Group B with a perfect record (3 wins, NRR +1.456), while Bangladesh qualified as runners-up. Afghanistan, with one win, exited the tournament.
Turning Points and Qualification Drama
The match’s defining moment came in Afghanistan’s final over. With the score at 137 for 7, Wellalage faced Nabi, who unleashed an unprecedented barrage, hammering 5 sixes in a row—each lofted with precision over midwicket and long-on—before a single off the final ball.
The 32-run over transformed a modest total into a challenging one, giving Afghanistan a fighting chance.
Sri Lanka’s chase, however, remained clinical. Despite losing Nissanka and Mishara in quick succession, Mendis’ composure against Rashid and Mujeeb ensured no late hiccups.
A brief tense phase, needing 48 off 30 balls, was defused by Kamindu Mendis’ aggressive strokeplay, particularly in the 17th and 18th over, where Afghanistan’s bowlers leaked 32 runs.
This victory solidified Sri Lanka’s dominance in Group B, while Afghanistan’s elimination highlighted their over-reliance on Nabi and Rashid. The Super Four now beckons for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, promising more high-stakes battles.
Nabi’s historic over will be remembered as a moment of brilliance in a losing cause, underscoring the fine margins of T20 cricket.
Myself Aditya and I am from Mumbai, India. As an intern, I joined the local news agency in Mumbai named “The Mumbai News”. Now I am working with various News Agencies and I provide them reports from Mumbai and other parts of India.
