Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2025: Match Highlights, Timeline & Super 4 Impact
Focus Keyword: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2025
🏏 Introduction
The Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2025 clash delivered everything cricket fans could ask for — explosive batting, smart bowling, and high drama. Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by 6 wickets to qualify for the Super 4s alongside Bangladesh. Mohammad Nabi’s fireworks lit up the night, but it was Kusal Mendis’ calm chase that sealed the deal.
🔥 Key Highlights
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Mohammad Nabi smashed 60 off 22 balls, including five sixes in a single over, giving Afghanistan late hope.
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Kusal Mendis (74 off 52)* anchored the chase, showing class and composure under lights.
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Nuwan Thushara and spinners kept Afghanistan’s middle order in check.
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Sri Lanka’s fielding, with sharp catches from Kusal Perera and Dushmantha Chameera, made the difference.
📊 Match Summary
| Aspect | Afghanistan | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Top Batter | Mohammad Nabi – 60 (22) | Kusal Mendis – 74* (52) |
| Bowling Highlight | Rashid Khan – 2 wickets | Nuwan Thushara – 2 wickets |
| Result | 159/7 in 20 overs | 160/4 in 18.4 overs |
| Winner | – | ✅ Sri Lanka by 6 wickets |
🕒 Ball-by-Ball Timeline
Sep 18, 2025 – Closing Moments
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23:37 – 23:44 IST: Kusal Mendis accelerates with boundaries and takes Sri Lanka past the target in 18.4 overs.
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23:48 IST: Sri Lanka qualify for Super 4s along with Bangladesh. Afghanistan crash out.
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23:50 IST: Nabi’s 5 sixes in the last over remembered as Afghanistan’s lone highlight.
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23:52 IST: Afghanistan’s bowlers fail to defend despite early wickets; Mendis’ class shines.
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23:56 IST: Presentation ceremony begins.
Sep 18, 2025 – Player Reactions
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23:59 IST: Kusal Mendis wins Player of the Match — praises Afghan spinners, says SL are ready for Super 4.
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00:04 IST (Sep 19): Rashid Khan praises Nabi’s awareness and incredible hitting in the last over.
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00:07 IST (Sep 19): Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka — praises pacers, catches, and fielding. Says SL aim to be the “best fielding side.”
Sep 19, 2025 – Super 4 Picture
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00:07 IST: The four teams are confirmed: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan. One final group-stage game remains: India vs Oman on September 19 at 2:30 PM GMT.
⚖️ Analysis
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Afghanistan’s Issues: Middle-order collapse, poor fielding, and questionable bowling changes.
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Sri Lanka’s Strengths: Mendis’ controlled batting, Thushara’s new-ball breakthroughs, and sharp fielding.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2025 match was a tale of two contrasting approaches — Nabi’s explosive hitting vs Mendis’ steady chase. In the end, Sri Lanka’s balance and composure saw them through to the Super 4 stage, while Afghanistan bowed out despite moments of brilliance.
