Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Match
The Asia Cup 2025 Group B match between Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan was crucial, with both teams competing for a place in the Super 4. Afghanistan’s batsmen were forced to adopt a defensive stance during the power play as Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Nuwan Thushara, took control of the game from the start.
Match Summary & Scorecard: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
- Afghanistan chose to bat first after winning the toss.
- Afghanistan Innings: After 11 overs, Afghanistan was struggling at 71/5 as Thushara tore through the top order, collecting three wickets inside the powerplay. A glimmer of hope was provided by Ibrahim Zadran’s crucial contributions (24 runs), but Afghanistan never gained traction due to frequent wickets.
- Bowling for Sri Lanka: Nuwan Thushara spearheaded the assault, assisted by the reliable Hasaranga and the enigmatic spinner Dunith Wellalage.
Teams and Lineups: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
| Sri Lanka Squad | Afghanistan Squad |
| Charith Asalanka (c) | Rashid Khan (c) |
| Pathum Nissanka | Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | Ibrahim Zadran |
| Kusal Perera | Darwish Rasooli |
| Nuwanidu Fernando | Sediqullah Atal |
| Kamindu Mendis | Azmatullah Omarzai |
| Kamil Mishara | Karim Janat |
| Dasun Shanaka | Mohammad Nabi |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Gulbadin Naib |
| Dunith Wellalage | Sharafuddin Ashraf |
| Chamika Karunaratne | Noor Ahmad |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Mujeeb Ur Rahman |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Fazalhaq Farooqi |
| Nuwan Thushara | Fareed Ahmad Malik |
Asia Cup 2025 Points Table (Group B, After This Match)
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | Net Run Rate |
| Sri Lanka | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +1.546 |
| Bangladesh | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -0.270 |
| Afghanistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | +2.150 |
| Hong Kong | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | -2.151 |
Match Highlights and Super 4 Scenarios
- Due to their superior net run rate, Sri Lanka only needed to avoid a crushing defeat to qualify, while Afghanistan needed to win the match to avoid elimination.
- Bangladesh was eagerly awaiting the result of the match, which was crucial for Afghanistan’s hopes of making it to the Super 4.
- Wellalage’s economical spin, Nuwan Thushara’s powerful powerplay spell, and Sri Lanka’s ability to score quickly in their chases were all excellent performances.
Key Player Performances: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
- Sri Lankan batsman Nuwan Thushara demolished Afghanistan’s top order in the first overs.
- Dunith Wellalage of Sri Lanka bowled tightly in the middle overs and controlled Afghanistan’s scoring.
- Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan): Despite their notoriety, they were unable to provide game-changing starts and struggled to shift momentum.
Conclusion: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
The match showcased Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling and Afghanistan’s inability to withstand early pressure in a crucial match. All teams were competing for a Super 4 spot in Group B of the Asia Cup 2025, but Sri Lanka’s consistency propelled them ahead, leaving Afghanistan to rue the missed opportunities. Follow and comment on my blog for today cricket news. Stay updated with live scores, match highlights, and expert analysis. Join the cricket buzz!