Sri Lanka stormed into the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025 with a commanding six-wicket win over Afghanistan, thanks to Kusal Mendis’ composed unbeaten 74 and Nuwan Thushara’s devastating four-wicket haul. The result not only preserved Sri Lanka’s unbeaten run in Group B but also secured Bangladesh’s progression into the next round as the second qualifier from the group.

In a contest filled with momentum swings, Mohammad Nabi’s explosive cameo briefly threatened to swing the game Afghanistan’s way. His blistering 60 off just 22 balls, which included five sixes in one over, lifted Afghanistan to a competitive total of 169 for 8 after they had been rattled by Thushara’s brilliance with the new ball. But in the end, Mendis’ steady hand guided Sri Lanka home with eight balls to spare, ensuring that Nabi’s heroics would count for little.

Thushara sets the tone with a fiery spell

Sri Lanka’s bowling attack set the foundations early, spearheaded by Nuwan Thushara’s incisive new-ball burst. With figures of 4 for 18, the seamer dismantled Afghanistan’s top order during the powerplay, removing three key batters before returning at the death to add another scalp. His ability to swing the ball away from right-handers and then surprise with a searing in-swinger against left-hander Sediqullah Atal left Afghanistan reeling.

Charith Asalanka’s strategy of frontloading his main bowlers worked to good effect. By giving Thushara three overs in the powerplay, Sri Lanka seized early control, forcing Afghanistan into survival mode. Although Dushmantha Chameera proved expensive, conceding 50 runs in his four overs – the most costly spell of his career – he was consistently probing. Dasun Shanaka, meanwhile, provided a useful four-over spell for just 29 runs, and Wanindu Hasaranga was miserly as ever, leaking only 18 from his quota.

Up until the final two overs, Afghanistan had found runs hard to come by. Then came Nabi’s onslaught.

Nabi’s late fireworks

When Nabi walked in, Afghanistan were stuttering. Yet, the veteran allrounder showcased his immense power, particularly against spin. Dunith Wellalage, who had been drafted in ahead of Maheesh Theekshana due to Afghanistan’s heavily right-handed batting order, had bowled tidily until his last over. He had also put down a crucial catch to reprieve Nabi on just 5 – a mistake that would come back to haunt him.

In the final over, Nabi unleashed carnage. Five consecutive sixes, all struck cleanly down the ground and over the V, brought 32 runs from Wellalage’s over. Added to the 17 runs taken off Chameera in the penultimate over, Afghanistan smashed 49 runs in just two overs. Nabi’s 60 from 22 deliveries injected life into Afghanistan’s innings and dragged them to 169 for 8, a total that looked competitive given Sri Lanka’s early stumbles with the bat.

Yet, as impressive as Nabi’s blitz was, it proved insufficient in the face of Kusal Mendis’ composed chase.

Mendis anchors Sri Lanka’s reply

Chasing 170, Sri Lanka were rocked early when Pathum Nissanka departed cheaply, followed soon after by Kamil Mishara in the powerplay. Afghanistan’s bowlers sniffed an opening, particularly as their spinners began to operate. But Mendis, often a thorn in the side of spin-heavy attacks, showed why he is considered one of the most dangerous players once he settles in.

“Maharoof: Mendis a nightmare for spinners once he gets going.”

With deft sweeps and crisp pulls, Mendis negotiated Afghanistan’s variety of spin. He stitched together partnerships of 22, 25, 45, 27, and finally an unbroken 52, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s chase never completely lost direction. His unbeaten 74 off 52 balls was a masterclass in pacing a chase, balancing risk with reward.

The nerves rose when Sri Lanka required 48 from the final five overs. But Kamindu Mendis, batting alongside his namesake, took the pressure off with a pair of crucial sixes – one against Noor Ahmad and the other against Fazalhaq Farooqi. His quickfire 26 from 13 balls meant that Kusal never needed to abandon his calculated approach, and together they sealed the victory with clinical precision.

Sri Lanka’s bowling blueprint

While Wellalage’s final over will be remembered for Nabi’s six-hitting exhibition, Sri Lanka’s overall bowling plans were spot on. Asalanka’s decision to frontload his strike bowlers curtailed Afghanistan’s scoring rate and tilted the match firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour before Nabi’s late fireworks. Thushara’s deadly swing bowling was the standout feature of the innings, and Shanaka’s control in the middle overs offered balance to the attack.

The gamble of using Wellalage as a frontline spinner backfired in the final over, but it ultimately made little difference to the outcome. Sri Lanka had done enough to contain Afghanistan, and their batting unit, led by Kusal, ensured the target was chased down without panic.

Super Four bound

The victory not only underlined Sri Lanka’s depth and resilience but also meant heartbreak for Afghanistan, whose Asia Cup journey came to an end. Nabi’s blistering knock will go down as one of the most entertaining cameos of the tournament, but his team’s inability to support him cost them dearly.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, head into the Super Four with momentum and confidence. Their unbeaten record in the group stage reflects a side that has shown adaptability with both bat and ball. With Kusal Mendis in prime form and Thushara’s swing proving lethal, Sri Lanka will feel well-placed to challenge for top honours.

Bangladesh, too, will be buoyed by their progression, but this day belonged to Sri Lanka – and to the brilliance of Mendis and Thushara, who combined to deliver a statement win and a knockout blow to Afghanistan.