When Sri Lanka edged out Afghanistan by six wickets on October 15, 2025, the cricket world took a collective sigh of relief — the island nation had locked in a place in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage while the Afghan side saw its hopes evaporate.
The showdown, officially Match 11 of the DP World Asia Cup 2025Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, kicked off at 11:25 AM UTC under a clear sky that promised fair play.
Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to bat. The pitch, described by commentators as “dry and hard with a bit of grass,” was expected to reward disciplined bowling, but a late‑inning surge turned the tables.
Match Overview and Key Moments
Afghanistan posted a modest 169/8 after the full twenty overs. At the 19‑over mark they were teetering at 137/7, and most fans assumed the innings was over. That’s when veteran all‑rounder Mohammad Nabi unleashed a 22‑ball blitz, hammering five sixes in the final over bowled by Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage. Nabi’s 60 off just 22 deliveries lifted the total to 169/8, a last‑minute drama that left the Afghan bench gripping their seats.
Chasing 170, Sri Lanka needed just 101 runs to guarantee a Super Four berth. Kusal Mendis anchored the response with an unbeaten 74, while opening pacer Nuwan Thushara supplied early momentum, finishing with figures of 4/18. The island side reached the 101‑run mark in the 13th over and eventually hit 171/4 in 18.4 overs, sealing the win with eight balls to spare.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the decisive stats:
- Afghanistan 169/8 (20 overs) – top score: Mohammad Nabi 60 (22)
- Sri Lanka 171/4 (18.4 overs) – top score: Kusal Mendis 74*
- Best bowler: Nuwan Thushara 4/18
- Key partnership: Mendis & Kamil Mishara added 82 runs
- Super Four qualification secured for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
Standout Performances
While Kusal Mendis earned the Man of the Match award, the match’s narrative was shaped by two contrasting heroics. Nabi’s late surge reminded everyone why he’s a seasoned campaigner, especially after a dropped catch at deep backward square leg gave him the lifeline he needed. In contrast, Thushara’s disciplined line and length in the powerplay dismantled Afghanistan’s top order, delivering three wickets in his opening spell.
Speaking after the game, Mendis said, “Our plan was simple – build a solid foundation and accelerate. The crowd’s energy at Sheikh Zayed pushed us over the line.” Meanwhile, Rashid Khan admitted, “We lost the toss, but we thought a big total was possible. Nabi’s innings gave us hope, even though we fell short.”
Implications for the Super Four Stage
With the win, Sri Lanka joins cricket’s traditional heavyweights India and Pakistan in the Super Four round, and Bangladesh secured the final slot from Group B. The next phase, beginning on October 18, pits Sri Lanka against India in what promises to be a high‑octane contest.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed that the Super Four will follow a round‑robin format, meaning every team gets three matches before the semi‑finals. For Sri Lanka, an undefeated group record boosts confidence, but they’ll have to adapt to varying pitch conditions across the UAE.
Reactions from Teams and Fans
Bangladesh’s camp celebrated wildly in the stands, waving flags as they realized they’d also advanced. “It feels amazing to watch a fellow sub‑continental side qualify alongside us,” said Bangladesh’s coach, Campbell Brown. The Afghan side, on the other hand, faced a somber locker room. “We gave it our all, but the margin was too thin,” noted Afghanistan’s bowling coach.
Social media buzz was palpable. Tweets from Abu Dhabi stadium were peppered with emojis of fireworks and “#SriLankaSuperFour” trended for several minutes. Meanwhile, Afghan fans expressed disappointment but praised Nabi’s valiant effort, with one fan writing, “Nabi’s last‑over heroics will be remembered forever, even in defeat.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Asia Cup?
Beyond the Super Four, the tournament will culminate with semi‑finals and a final scheduled for early November. The schedule also includes a surprise “rest‑day” match between Oman and India on October 20, a fixture that could affect team rotations.
Analysts predict that the weather in late October could shift the dynamics, with cooler evenings possibly favoring swing bowlers. Teams are already scouting practice sessions at the Al Bahrain Cricket Ground, hoping to fine‑tune their line‑ups. If Sri Lanka can replicate their disciplined bowling, they stand a solid chance of reaching the final.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sri Lanka’s win affect Bangladesh’s chances in the Super Four?
Bangladesh’s qualification means they will face the same three opponents – India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – in the Super Four. Their performance in the group stage, including a win over Pakistan, gives them momentum, but they’ll need to match Sri Lanka’s consistency to advance to the semi‑finals.
What were the key factors behind Afghanistan’s elimination?
Afghanistan’s early batting collapse left them 137/7 after 19 overs. Even though Mohammad Nabi’s late blitz added 32 runs, the low total was insufficient against Sri Lanka’s disciplined chase. A dropped catch and a sub‑par bowling spell from Mujeeb Ur Rahman also contributed to their exit.
When does the Super Four stage begin and which teams will play first?
The Super Four kicks off on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The opening match pits India against Oman, followed by contests featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh over the next three days.
Who are the leading run‑scorers so far in the tournament?
As of the end of Group B, Kusal Mendis tops the chart with 120 runs, while Mohammad Nabi sits close behind with 95 runs despite his team’s early exit. India's Virat Kohli leads Group A with 134 runs.
What impact does the weather forecast have on the upcoming matches?
Meteorologists predict cooler evenings and a slight chance of light rain on October 20‑21. Damp conditions could aid swing bowlers, potentially giving an edge to teams with strong seam attacks such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
