What a match we all have witnessed in the Asia Cup 2023 between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Despite unbelievable efforts from the Afghan players, Sri Lanka secured the thrilling victory by two runs only and reached the Super 4 of the Asia Cup.
From Group B, Bangladesh already qualified for the Super 4 after they defeated Afghanistan by a great margin. Therefore, Sri Lanka only needed to avoid the defeat against Afghanistan today. But it was really a difficult equation for the Afghans to qualify for the Super Four. They needed to chase the target today within 37.1 overs to eliminate Sri Lanka and secure the Super 4.
They had gone so close, but Sri Lanka won by 2 runs in the end. Therefore, Sri Lanka have booked their place in the Super 4 along with Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.
Match Report
In today’s crucial match at Gaddafi Stadium, Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and opted to bat first. So, Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne came off the crease to start the innings for the Lankans.
The two openers had a good start, making a partnership of 63 runs in the first wicket. However, Afghan bowler Gulbadin Naib drew the first blood as he picked up Dimuth Karunaratne in the 10.2 over. Karunaratne scored 32 off 35 before leaving the crease.
But Kusal Mendis played the most impactful innings for the Lankans. He was very aggressive between the wickets and kept hitting boundaries. After getting the half-century, Kusal Mendis was heading towards the century. Unfortunately, he missed the century only for eight runs after being run out in the 39.1 over by Rashid Khan.
With three sixes and six fours, Kusal Mendis scored the highest 92 runs for Sri Lanka. Relying on his bat, Sri Lanka scored 291 runs for eight wickets against Afghanistan.
Therefore, Afghanistan needed to chase this target within 37.1 overs to qualify for the Super Four. But the top order failed to contribute enough. Afghanistan lost their first three batters in just 50 runs. It seemed the Afghans could never fight back again.
But their middle order made a strong response against the Lankan bowlers. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatulla Shahidi built up a brilliant partnership of 71 runs to keep their hope alive.
Rahmat Shah lost his wicket after scoring 45 off 40, while Hashmatullah Shahidi made another fantastic partnership with Mohammad Nabi. Mohammad Nabi was super aggressive and picked up the fastest fifty for Afghanistan, getting the landmark in just 24 balls. However, the two batters added 80 runs together on the scoreboard.
But the disaster started when Nabi lost his wicket in the 26.3 over, leaving the crease after picking 65 off 32. Within a few overs, Hashmatullah Shahidi also departed with 59 runs. However, Rashid Khan fought until the end. With four boundaries and a six, he added an unbeaten 27 runs from 16 balls.
Afghanistan scored 289 runs in 37 overs and needed three runs in the last ball. Unfortunately, they couldn’t make it and lost by two runs only. As a result, Sri Lanka won the game and booked their place in the Super 4.
