Sri Lanka Win, Bangladesh Celebrate
The Asia Cup 2025 group stage produced high drama in Abu Dhabi as Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by six wickets, a result that had repercussions beyond the two teams on the field. With this victory, Bangladesh into Super-4 was confirmed, joining Sri Lanka as the two qualifiers from Group B. For Afghanistan, the defeat marked the end of their campaign, despite moments of brilliance from senior players.
Sri Lanka were already strong favorites to progress, but Bangladesh needed Afghanistan to lose in order to qualify. When Sri Lanka chased down the target in 18.4 overs, the equation tilted decisively in Bangladesh’s favor.
Afghanistan’s Fluctuating Innings
Afghanistan, asked to bat first, finished on 169/8 — a total that looked competitive but proved inadequate on a good batting surface.
The innings started shakily as Nuwan Thushara ripped through the top order with a devastating new-ball spell. Afghanistan were reeling at 45/4 before Mohammad Nabi produced one of the most explosive counter-attacks of the tournament.
Nabi hammered 60 off just 22 deliveries, striking seven sixes and two fours. He memorably hit five consecutive sixes in a single over, turning the momentum briefly in Afghanistan’s favor. Valuable cameos from Ibrahim Zadran (24) and Rashid Khan (24) helped push the total close to 170.
Despite Nabi’s heroics, the lack of partnerships haunted Afghanistan. Wickets kept falling at regular intervals, and the finishing push was not enough to unsettle Sri Lanka’s plans.
Thushara’s Fiery Spell
Much of the credit for containing Afghanistan goes to Sri Lanka’s pacer Nuwan Thushara, who delivered figures of 4/18. His accuracy, pace, and ability to swing the ball early dismantled Afghanistan’s top order.
Supported by the spinners who maintained tight lines, Thushara ensured Afghanistan could never fully recover from their poor start. His performance set the stage for Sri Lanka’s chase and ultimately for Bangladesh into Super-4.
Kusal Mendis Guides Sri Lanka Home
Chasing 170, Sri Lanka were clinical from the start. Opener Kusal Perera’s quick 28 provided momentum, but the innings was all about Kusal Mendis.
Mendis remained unbeaten on 74 off 52 balls, anchoring the chase with authority. He displayed composure against Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, neutralizing Afghanistan’s spin threat. His Timely boundaries ensured the required run rate never spiraled out of control.
Sri Lanka reached the target in 18.4 overs, finishing on 171/4 with six wickets in hand. The emphatic chase not only secured their top spot in Group B but also cemented Bangladesh into Super-4.
Bangladesh’s Road to Super-4
For Bangladesh, the qualification is a welcome relief after an up-and-down group campaign. The Tigers had to beat Afghanistan earlier to stay alive in the competition, a match where Nasum Ahmed’s spin heroics kept their hopes intact. However, their fate was not in their own hands going into the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan clash.
The win for Sri Lanka provided the final push they needed. Now, with Bangladesh into Super-4, the Tigers have another shot at proving themselves against Asia’s strongest teams. Their key strengths so far:
Spinners Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain have been effective in middle overs. Mustafizur Rahman’s bowling has been crucial, especially in the death overs.
Tanzid Hasan showed form with a vital half-century in the must-win clash against Afghanistan. Still, batting consistency remains a concern. If Bangladesh are to progress further, they will need senior batters to step up in the Super-4 stage.
Afghanistan’s Moments of Spark, But Not Enough
Afghanistan’s elimination underscores their inconsistency. Despite individual brilliance from Nabi and Rashid Khan, the team struggled to find balance throughout the group stage.
Top-order failures were common, leaving too much for the middle order. The bowling, while skillful, often leaked runs at critical junctures. In a short format like T20, small mistakes proved costly, and Afghanistan’s inability to finish games strongly hurt their chances.
For a side with undeniable talent, this will be a painful exit, but it also highlights areas to improve ahead of future ICC and ACC tournaments.
Sri Lanka’s Commanding Group Stage
Sri Lanka’s unbeaten run in Group B reflects their formidability. With their bowlers firing and batters showing depth, they head into the Super-4 with momentum. Their balanced attack — Thushara’s pace, Hasaranga’s spin, and economical middle-overs bowling — complements a batting unit anchored by Mendis and supported by strokemakers like Perera and Asalanka.
They not only ensured their own progress but also played kingmakers by sending Bangladesh into Super-4.
Implications for the Super-4 Stage
With Group B wrapped up, the Super-4 line-up is now complete. Both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh progress from this group, joining the top two sides from Group A India and Pakistan.
For Bangladesh, this is an opportunity to reset and aim for a place in the final. The Super-4 stage will be sterner, with teams like India and Pakistan to pose greater challenges. However, simply being part of the last four is an achievement that boosts confidence and morale.
Why This Match Mattered Beyond the Scoreboard
The Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan clash was more than just another group game. It symbolized the razor-thin margins of T20 cricket. Nabi’s blitz had fans dreaming of an Afghanistan win, which would have knocked Bangladesh out. But Sri Lanka’s composure ensured a different narrative — one that reads Bangladesh into Super-4.
For the Tigers, this qualification may serve as a turning point. Entering the next stage with a second life, they can channel belief and momentum to surprise stronger opponents.
Sri Lanka’s six-wicket triumph over Afghanistan not only showcased their strength but also wrote a new chapter in Bangladesh’s campaign. With Bangladesh into Super-4, the Tigers have another chance to fight for continental glory.
Afghanistan, despite Nabi’s fireworks, bowed out with regrets about inconsistency. For Sri Lanka, confidence is soaring as they prepares for sterner challenges. For Bangladesh, it is now about capitalising on this lifeline and proving they belong among Asia’s cricketing elite.
So far, the Tigers have participated in 15 of the 16 editions of the continental tournament; however, they have never won a trophy despite reaching the final three times. First in 2012 at home. They repeated the success in 2016 during their first-ever T20 edition of the event and missed the elusive opportunity again in 2018.