Sri Lanka sealed their spot at the top of Group B with a six-wicket win over Afghanistan, thanks to a composed 74* from Kusal Mendis and a fiery bowling display by Nuwan Thushara. The victory also ensured Bangladesh progressed as the second team from the group.
Chasing 170, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka early and Kamil Mishara inside the powerplay, but Kusal anchored the innings superbly. His sweeps and pulls against Afghanistan’s varied spin attack proved decisive, as he stitched together partnerships of 22, 25, 45, 27, and finally an unbeaten 52-run stand that carried Sri Lanka home with eight balls to spare.
Kamindu Provides Finishing Touch
Though nerves crept in with 48 required from the last five overs, Kamindu Mendis joined his namesake to steady the chase. Kamindu’s quickfire 26 off 13, including two timely sixes off Noor Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooqi, eased the pressure. That allowed Kusal to continue at his measured tempo, guiding Sri Lanka to victory without panic.
Nabi’s Late-Cameo Lifts Afghanistan
Earlier, Afghanistan’s innings had two contrasting halves. Thushara dismantled their top order with movement in the powerplay, claiming three wickets early and finishing with 4 for 18. At 120 for 6 after 18 overs, Afghanistan looked destined for a modest total. But Mohammad Nabi changed the script. Dropped on five by Dunith Wellalage, he made Sri Lanka pay in brutal fashion. Nabi smashed 60 off just 22 balls, including an extraordinary 32 runs in Wellalage’s final over, which featured five sixes. Along with 17 runs off Dushmantha Chameera’s penultimate over, Afghanistan plundered 49 from the last two overs, giving their total a late surge to 169 for 8.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Holds Firm
Despite Nabi’s heroics, Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling elsewhere held firm. Wanindu Hasaranga went wicketless but conceded only 18 in four overs, while Dasun Shanaka chipped in with economical spells. Chameera was expensive, going for 50 in four overs – the most costly spell of his career – but Thushara’s incisive bursts ensured Afghanistan never fully recovered from their early collapse.
Unbeaten Group Stage for Sri Lanka
Ultimately, Sri Lanka’s combination of disciplined plans with the ball and Kusal’s controlled chase with support from Kamindu proved too much for Afghanistan. Nabi’s explosive cameo offered hope, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Sri Lanka from finishing the group stage unbeaten.
