Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by six wickets in Abu Dhabi on Thursday to stay unbeaten in the Asia Cup group stage and move into the Super 4. Bangladesh joined them as the other qualifier from Group B.
Afghanistan, after winning the toss and batting first, posted 169 for 8. They were struggling at 137 for 7 before veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi smashed a stunning 60 off just 22 balls. Nabi blasted three fours and six sixes, including five sixes in the final over, to lift Afghanistan to a fighting total. His half-century equalled the record for the fastest by an Afghan batter.
Sri Lanka’s fast bowler Nuwan Thushara set the tone early, taking four wickets for 18 runs and dismantling Afghanistan’s top order.
In reply, Sri Lanka chased down the target of 170 with eight balls to spare, finishing on 170 for 4. Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a brilliant unbeaten 74 off 52 balls, hitting 10 boundaries. He also shared a blistering 52-run partnership in just 23 balls with Kamindu Mendis to seal the win.
Sri Lanka completed their group matches unbeaten, topping Group B, while Afghanistan were knocked out.
