On September 18, 2025, at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka secured a six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the 11th match of the Asia Cup 2025. This win propelled Sri Lanka into the Super Four stage, while Afghanistan was eliminated from the tournament.
Match Summary
Afghanistan Innings:
Afghanistan posted a total of 169/8 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Mohammad Nabi, who delivered a remarkable performance by hitting five consecutive sixes in a single over, amassing 60 runs off just 22 balls. His explosive hitting was reminiscent of Yuvraj Singh’s famous six-sixes over in 2007.
Sri Lanka Innings:
Sri Lanka chased down the target with ease, reaching 171/4 in 18.4 overs. Kusal Mendis led the charge with an unbeaten 74 runs off 52 balls, guiding his team to a comfortable victory.
Match Statistics
Afghanistan Batting:
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Nabi | 60 | 22 | 2 | 5 |
| Sediqullah Atal | 25 | 18 | 3 | 0 |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | 15 | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| Ibrahim Zadran | 28 | 24 | 4 | 0 |
| Gulbadin Naib | 10 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| Others | 31 | – | – | – |
Sri Lanka Batting:
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kusal Mendis | 74* | 52 | 6 | 3 |
| Charith Asalanka | 42 | 30 | 5 | 1 |
| Pathum Nissanka | 30 | 20 | 4 | 0 |
| Kamindu Mendis | 15 | 10 | 2 | 0 |
| Others | 0 | – | – | – |
Key Moments
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Mohammad Nabi’s Power-Hitting: Nabi’s five consecutive sixes in a single over were a highlight of the match, showcasing his aggressive batting prowess. This remarkable feat not only lifted Afghanistan’s total but also left the spectators in awe of his clean hitting.
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Kusal Mendis’ Match-Winning Knock: Mendis’ unbeaten 74 guided Sri Lanka to victory, demonstrating his consistency and composure under pressure. His solid innings ensured Sri Lanka’s progress to the Super Four stage without breaking a sweat.
Tournament Implications
With this victory, Sri Lanka advanced to the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025. Afghanistan’s exit from the tournament was confirmed, despite their valiant efforts throughout the group stage. Sri Lanka’s win marked a significant step towards securing a spot in the later stages of the competition, while Afghanistan was left to reflect on their performance in the group phase.
Previous Encounters
Afghanistan and Sri Lanka have faced off in several memorable encounters, each contributing to the growing rivalry between the two teams. Here’s a summary of their recent results:
| Date | Format | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 14, 2024 | ODI | Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets |
| Feb 11, 2024 | ODI | Sri Lanka won by 155 runs |
| Feb 9, 2024 | ODI | Sri Lanka won by 42 runs |
| Oct 30, 2023 | ODI | Afghanistan won by 7 wickets |
| Sep 5, 2023 | ODI | Sri Lanka won by 2 runs |
Read more: Bangladesh Clinch 8-Run Victory Over Afghanistan
Conclusion
The match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka was a testament to the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, with individual brilliance shining through. While Afghanistan’s campaign ended on a high note with Nabi’s explosive innings, Sri Lanka’s steady chase ensured their progression in the tournament.
Despite Afghanistan’s valiant efforts, it was Sri Lanka’s composure and consistency that earned them a well-deserved victory. As Sri Lanka progresses to the Super Four stage, Afghanistan’s early exit marks a bittersweet end to their tournament journey, leaving them to regroup for future competitions.
This encounter will go down as another exciting chapter in the rivalry between these two teams, and cricket fans can only hope to see more such thrilling encounters in the future.
