Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Highlights, 11th Match, Group B – Asia Cup 2025 | Sri Lanka Won by 6 Wickets

End of Over 18: Sri Lanka 160/4

Over 18: 1 4 1 6 1 2

SL: 160/4 | CRR: 8.88 • RRR: 5.00 • Need 10 from 12b

Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis turned on the heat — a classy four from Kusal and a stunning scoop six from Kamindu left Sri Lanka on the brink of victory.

Fazalhaq Farooqi’s variations didn’t work as planned. Kamindu improvised brilliantly, first surviving a scoop attempt before unleashing a jaw-dropping swat over fine leg for six. Kusal followed up with a thunderous pull to long-on’s right and kept the scoreboard moving. With only 10 needed off 12 balls, chants of “Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka” echo around the ground. The crowd senses the finish line, while Afghanistan look deflated.

Farooqi – 3-0-38-0 | Noor Ahmad – 3-0-37-1

Kusal Mendis – 66 (50b, 8×4) | Kamindu Mendis – 23 (11b, 2×6)

End of Over 17: Sri Lanka 145/4

Over 17: 1w 6 2 2w • 4 1 1

SL: 145/4 | CRR: 8.52 • RRR: 8.33 • Need 25 from 18b

Kamindu Mendis smoked a six and Kusal added a crisp four as Noor Ahmad leaked 17 runs, piling pressure back on Afghanistan.

Noor Ahmad lost his radar, dishing out wides and hittable balls that Sri Lanka pounced on. Kamindu launched him over long-on for a towering six, then kept busy with clever sweeps and nudges. Kusal Mendis cashed in with a cracking cover boundary to raise the run-rate further. Afghanistan’s frustration was evident, with even Gurbaz and Noor sharing heated glances after missed chances. The equation now strongly favors Sri Lanka — just 25 needed off 18 balls.

Noor Ahmad – 3-0-37-1 | Rashid Khan – 4-0-23-0

Kusal Mendis – 59 (47b, 7×4) | Kamindu Mendis – 15 (8b, 1×6)

End of Over 16: Sri Lanka 128/4

Over 16: 1 2 • 1 1 1

SL: 128/4 | CRR: 8.00 • RRR: 10.50 • Need 42 from 24b

Rashid Khan finishes his spell brilliantly with 0/23 from 4 overs, keeping Sri Lanka in check despite his back scare.

Afghanistan’s skipper showed immense grit after a back niggle mid-over, still pushing through to complete his quota. Kamindu Mendis kept the scoreboard ticking with sharp running between the wickets, while Kusal Mendis continued his composed knock. But the asking rate has climbed to 10.5, and Sri Lanka will need to accelerate in the last 4 overs.

Rashid Khan – 4-0-23-0 | Noor Ahmad – 2-0-20-1

Kusal Mendis – 54 (44b, 6×4) | Kamindu Mendis – 6 (5b)

End of Over 15: Sri Lanka 122/4

Over 15: 1 4 • 1 W 1w 2

SL: 122/4 | CRR: 8.13 • RRR: 9.60 • Need 48 from 30b

Noor Ahmad provided a crucial breakthrough, removing Asalanka just when Sri Lanka looked set to accelerate.

Kusal Mendis (52* off 42) brought up a fine half-century with a clever sweep for four, showing great composure in this chase. But Charith Asalanka (17 off 12) perished attempting the pull, brilliantly caught by Rashid Khan at deep mid-wicket. Kamindu Mendis (2*) opened his account with a couple of runs after joining Kusal. With 48 needed off 30 balls, this contest is perfectly poised — Sri Lanka still ahead on resources, but Afghanistan’s spinners are fighting back.

End of Over 14: Sri Lanka 113/3

Over 14: 1 1 4 2 1 1

SL: 113/3 | CRR: 8.07 • RRR: 9.50 • Need 57 from 36b

Asalanka stepped up with another crisp boundary and clever strike rotation, keeping Sri Lanka’s chase well on track.

Mohammad Nabi mixed it up, but Charith Asalanka (16* off 10) looked in great touch — cutting one between backward point and short third for four before adding quick runs with sharp running. Kusal Mendis (47*) continues to anchor the innings steadily at the other end. With 57 needed from 36 balls, Sri Lanka remain in control of the chase, though Afghanistan will still believe that a breakthrough could tilt the balance.

End of Over 13: Sri Lanka 103/3

Over 13: • 1 4 1 • 1

SL: 103/3 | CRR: 7.92 • RRR: 9.57 • Need 67 from 42b

Asalanka’s boundary not only eased the pressure but also sealed Sri Lanka’s place in the Super Four!

Rashid Khan kept things tight again, but Charith Asalanka found a way to pierce the infield with a crisp cut shot for four. That stroke also confirmed Sri Lanka’s qualification to the Super Four stage, a big relief for the dugout. Mendis (45*) continues to hold one end, while Asalanka (8*) is looking positive. The equation now stands at 67 needed off 42 balls — the chase is still evenly poised, but Afghanistan need quick wickets to swing momentum back.

End of Over 12: Sri Lanka 96/3

Over 12: 4 W 2 1 1 •

SL: 96/3 | CRR: 8.00 • RRR: 9.25 • Need 74 from 48b

Mujeeb strikes at a crucial moment, removing Kusal Perera after a quickfire 28!

Just when Sri Lanka looked set to accelerate, Mujeeb Ur Rahman delivered the breakthrough. Perera tried to improvise with a reverse sweep for four, but off the very next ball, he feathered one behind to Gurbaz. Charith Asalanka has joined Mendis, who continues to anchor the chase on 43*. With 74 needed off the last 8 overs, this wicket has given Afghanistan the opening they desperately needed.

End of Over 11: Sri Lanka 88/2

Over 11: 1 1 1 2 1 •

SL: 88/2 | CRR: 8.00 • RRR: 9.11 • Need 82 from 54b

Rashid Khan tightened things up with just six runs, keeping the pressure firmly on Sri Lanka!

Straight after the drinks break, Rashid Khan showed his class, mixing googlies and sliders to give away only singles. Perera had a scare with a top edge that fell safely, while Mendis struggled to break free. With Perera on 24 and Mendis on 42, Sri Lanka need 82 from the last nine overs. The chase is still alive, but the required run rate has crept past 9, making the next few overs crucial.

End of Over 10: Sri Lanka 82/2

Over 10: 1 1 1 2 1 4

SL: 82/2 | CRR: 8.20 • RRR: 8.80 • Need 88 from 60b

Perera punished Mujeeb with a boundary to finish the over, keeping Sri Lanka well in the chase!

Mujeeb returned to the attack but couldn’t apply the brakes. Both Mendis and Perera rotated strike smartly with singles and a couple of twos. The last ball, though, hurt Afghanistan — Atal misjudged in the deep, allowing Perera’s mistimed stroke to race away for four. At the halfway mark, Sri Lanka sit on 82/2 with Perera on 20 and Mendis looking solid on 40. Required rate stays under 9, keeping the chase finely poised.

End of Over 9: Sri Lanka 72/2

Over 9: 2 2 1 • 1 5w 1lb

SL: 72/2 | CRR: 8.00 • RRR: 8.90 • Need 98 from 66b

Noor Ahmad’s first over proves expensive, gifting Sri Lanka 12 runs including five wides!

Noor Ahmad came into the attack but struggled for control. Perera picked up twos and singles by placing the ball into gaps, while Mendis added a run of his own. The big moment came when Noor sprayed one way down leg that Gurbaz couldn’t collect, leaking five wides. A leg bye off the final ball added to Afghanistan’s frustration as Sri Lanka climbed to 72/2 after 9 overs, with Mendis steady on 36 and Perera growing into his innings on 14.

End of Over 8: Sri Lanka 60/2

Over 8: 1 • 1 • • 1 1

SL: 60/2 | CRR: 7.50 • RRR: 9.16 • Need 110 from 72b

Mohammad Nabi keeps it tight, giving away just 3 runs in the over!

Nabi’s variations and clever angles kept both Perera and Mendis in check. Perera survived a loud lbw appeal that replays showed to be a clear inside edge, while Mendis struggled to connect with the sweep. The only runs came through nudges and deflections, and Afghanistan maintained control with dot-ball pressure. Sri Lanka 60/2 after 8 overs — Mendis steady on 35, Perera on 9.

End of Over 7: Sri Lanka 57/2

Over 7: 1 1 0 1 1 0

SL: 57/2 | CRR: 8.14 • RRR: 8.69 • Need 113 from 78b

Rashid Khan keeps things tight in his first over.

Rashid Khan introduced himself into the attack and immediately put pressure on the Sri Lankan batters. He mixed his lengths smartly, conceding only singles and beating Mendis with a sharp delivery that nearly took the edge. Perera and Mendis rotated strike but couldn’t break free, as Afghanistan kept things quiet. After 7 overs, Sri Lanka are 57/2, needing to pick up the scoring to stay ahead of the rate.

End of Over 6: Sri Lanka 53/2

Over 6: 1 W 0 4 1 1

SL: 53/2 | CRR: 8.83 • RRR: 8.35 • Need 117 from 84b

Nabi strikes as Mishara departs, but Perera counters with a boundary!

Mohammad Nabi struck in his very first over, luring Kamil Mishara into a loose drive that went straight to extra cover. However, Kusal Perera responded positively, sweeping his way to a confident boundary off the stumps to get off the mark. Mendis kept rotating strike with singles, and Sri Lanka ended the powerplay on 53/2. With two wickets down, much now rests on the partnership between Mendis and Perera to steady the innings.

End of Over 5: Sri Lanka 46/1

Over 5: 0 1 4 1 1 1

SL: 46/1 | CRR: 9.20 • RRR: 8.26 • Need 124 from 90b

Mendis keeps the scoreboard moving with another boundary!

Azmatullah Omarzai bowled a tighter over but still strayed onto the pads once, allowing Kusal Mendis to glance another four fine past the keeper. Both batters rotated strike smartly with singles, as Mishara chipped in with a couple of runs despite looking a little edgy. Sri Lanka collected 8 runs from the over and remain in control at 46/1 after 5 overs, with Mendis cruising on 30.

End of Over 4: Sri Lanka 38/1

Over 4: 1 0 0 1 1w 5w 4 2

SL: 38/1 | CRR: 9.50 • RRR: 8.25 • Need 132 from 96b

Farooqi leaks extras as Mendis cashes in!

Fazalhaq Farooqi returned for a second spell but struggled with his control, conceding two wides including a wayward five-wide down leg. Kusal Mendis punished him further with a trademark short-arm jab for four, before adding a couple more runs with a firm pull through mid wicket. Mishara, meanwhile, scratched around but picked up a single. A 14-run over swung momentum back towards Sri Lanka, who move to 38/1 after 4 overs with Mendis looking fluent on 24.

End of Over 3: Sri Lanka 24/1

Over 3: 0 W 1 1 0 0

SL: 24/1 | CRR: 8.00 • RRR: 8.58 • Need 146 from 102b

Omarzai strikes! Nissanka falls to a soft dismissal.

Azmatullah Omarzai made an immediate impact, removing Pathum Nissanka with a short ball down leg that the batter glanced straight to short fine leg. It was a tame dismissal, but a crucial breakthrough for Afghanistan. New batter Kamil Mishara survived some close calls — including a DRS review for caught behind — but held on. Just 2 runs came off the over, and Sri Lanka are 24/1 after 3 overs, with Mendis and Mishara at the crease.

End of Over 2: Sri Lanka 22/0

Over 2: 1 2 4 0 2 4

SL: 22/0 | CRR: 11.00 • RRR: 8.22 • Need 148 from 108b

Mendis accelerates against Mujeeb!

Kusal Mendis took charge of Mujeeb’s first over, working him for twos and finding the boundary twice with neat shots off his pads. He also finished the over with a powerful pull-sweep behind square for another four. Pathum Nissanka chipped in with a single, as Sri Lanka piled on 13 runs from the over. The openers look comfortable, pushing the scoring rate up to 11 per over at 22/0 after 2 overs.

End of Over 1: Sri Lanka 9/0

Over 1: 4 1 0 0 4 0

SL: 9/0 | CRR: 9.00 • RRR: 8.47 • Need 161 from 114b

Sri Lanka off to a brisk start!

Pathum Nissanka got going with an outside edge for four off the first ball and added a single soon after. Kusal Mendis then opened his account with a classy cut over point for four, though Farooqi also beat his bat a couple of times with late movement. Despite finding swing, the Afghan left-armer erred in line and leaked 9 runs in his opening over. Sri Lanka are 9 without loss after the first over, with both openers settling in.

End of Over 20: Afghanistan 169/8

Over 20: 6 6 6 1nb 6 6 1W

AFG: 169/8 | CRR: 8.45

Nabi’s fireworks light up Abu Dhabi – five sixes in the over before a dramatic run-out!

Mohammad Nabi produced an extraordinary finish, smashing **five sixes in a row** off Dunith Wellalage to bring up a blistering 20-ball half-century. The carnage included clean hits over long-off and long-on, turning the game on its head and propelling Afghanistan past 160 in style. Wellalage’s over went from bad to worse with a no-ball and relentless hitting, but Nabi’s bid for a record sixth six ended in a run-out attempt as he fell for a jaw-dropping **60 off 22 balls (3 fours, 6 sixes)**. Afghanistan closed their innings at 169/8, with Noor Ahmad unbeaten. The late blitz leaves Sri Lanka with a daunting chase under pressure.

End of Over 19: Afghanistan 137/7

Over 19: 4 4 4 2 1 2

AFG: 137/7 | CRR: 7.21

Nabi explodes with three consecutive boundaries as 17 come off Chameera’s final over!

Afghanistan found the late-overs spark through Mohammad Nabi, who tore into Dushmantha Chameera with a dazzling display of strokeplay. He carved three fours in a row – past third man, mid-wicket and fine leg – before adding a couple more runs through smart placement and urgency between the wickets. Noor Ahmad chipped in with a brace off the last ball to round off a massive 17-run over. Chameera finishes a tough night with figures of 1/50 from his four, while Nabi storms to 29 off just 15 balls to keep Afghanistan’s hopes alive heading into the final over.

End of Over 18: Afghanistan 120/7

Over 18: W 2 1 1 1 1

AFG: 120/7 | CRR: 6.66

Thushara strikes again, removing Rashid Khan and finishing with superb figures of 4/18!

Nuwan Thushara continued his dream spell, delivering a brilliant slower yorker to castle Rashid Khan for 24. The dismissal sparked more drama with an lbw appeal and a DRS signal, but the ball rolled back onto the stumps to end Rashid’s stay. Noor Ahmad came in and picked up a couple of runs along with Nabi, but Sri Lanka held control with their variations at the death. Thushara closed out his spell magnificently, finishing with 4/18 from his four overs as Afghanistan slipped to 120/7 after 18 overs.

End of Over 17: Afghanistan 114/6

Over 17: 1 1 0 0 1 6

AFG: 114/6 | CRR: 6.70

Nabi launches a huge six to finish the over after surviving a dropped chance!

Dushmantha Chameera kept things lively with clever slower balls and a superb yorker, even nearly trapping Rashid Khan lbw before replays confirmed a faint inside edge. Nabi got a life when Wellalage spilled a chance at deep square leg, and he made the most of it by smoking a massive six over long-on off the final ball. Afghanistan added nine runs in the over, with Nabi climbing to 12 off 8 and Rashid battling on 24 from 22.

End of Over 16: Afghanistan 105/6

Over 16: 1 1 0 1 1 0

AFG: 105/6 | CRR: 6.56

Hasaranga finishes brilliantly, conceding just four runs in his final over.

Wanindu Hasaranga wrapped up his spell with tight lines and sharp variations, giving away only four singles in the 16th over. Rashid Khan tried to break free but couldn’t connect against the fizzing googlies and quicker ones, while Nabi quietly worked the ball into the gaps. Hasaranga ends with excellent figures of 0/18 from his four overs, keeping the pressure firmly on Afghanistan as the game heads into the death overs.

End of Over 15: Afghanistan 101/6

Over 15: 1 4 6 0 0 0

AFG: 101/6 | CRR: 6.73

Rashid Khan lights up the over with a four and a no-look six off Shanaka!

Dasun Shanaka returned for his final over but Rashid Khan had other ideas. After Nabi took a single first ball, Rashid exploded with a cracking cover drive for four followed by a trademark no-look six over deep mid-wicket. Shanaka pulled things back with clever variations – a wide yorker, a slower one and a skiddy delivery into the blockhole – but Rashid managed to survive the rest. Shanaka finishes with 1/29 from his four as Afghanistan move past 100, with Rashid entertaining on 20 off 15.

End of Over 14: Afghanistan 90/6

Over 14: • • • 1 1 2

AFG: 90/6 | CRR: 6.42

Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi rotate the strike effectively, picking up singles and a couple to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Hasaranga concedes 4 runs this over. Rashid Khan remains watchful, scoring 10 off 10 balls including a boundary, while Nabi settles in with 2 off 2. Afghanistan need partnerships to push past 100 in the middle overs.

End of Over 13: Afghanistan 86/6

Over 13: W 2 4 2 •

AFG: 86/6 | CRR: 6.61

Ibrahim Zadran departs in a stunning catch by Chameera, and Rashid Khan begins his counterattack with a boundary and a couple of quick runs.

Wellalage picked up another wicket, removing Zadran in a spectacular catch while conceding 7 runs. Rashid Khan looked positive, hitting a four and running two, trying to stabilize the innings. Afghanistan are reeling at 86/6 after 13 overs.

End of Over 12: Afghanistan 79/5

Over 12: 1 1 W 1 6 1

AFG: 79/5 | CRR: 6.58

Dasun Shanaka strikes again, dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai, while Ibrahim Zadran hits a massive six and keeps Afghanistan ticking with singles.

Shanaka maintained tight control, picking up a wicket and conceding 10 runs. Zadran contributed with a huge six and a couple of singles, while Mohammad Nabi rotated the strike with his first run. Afghanistan struggle at 79/5 after 12 overs, still searching for stability.

End of Over 11: Afghanistan 69/4

Over 11: • 1 1 W 4 1 •

AFG: 69/4 | CRR: 6.27

Dushmantha Chameera strikes as Rasooli falls to a sensational catch by Perera, while Azmatullah Omarzai hits a boundary to revive Afghanistan.

Chameera bowled a probing over with pace, keeping Zadran under pressure. Singles by Zadran and Omarzai rotated the strike, Omarzai also finding the fence. However, Darwish Rasooli was dismissed in spectacular fashion at deep third by Perera, leaving Afghanistan in a spot of bother at 69/4 after 11 overs.

End of Over 10: Afghanistan 63/3

Over 10: • 1 1 1 1 1 1

AFG: 63/3 | CRR: 6.30

Hasaranga keeps it tight, conceding only singles as Zadran and Rasooli rotate the strike efficiently.

Wanindu Hasaranga bowled a disciplined over, mixing his leg-spin and googlies to restrict scoring. Singles by Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli were all that came off the over. Afghanistan are 63/3 after 10 overs, looking to build a solid platform in the middle overs.

End of Over 9: Afghanistan 58/3

Over 9: 1 2 1 1 1 •

AFG: 58/3 | CRR: 6.44

Shanaka keeps things tight but concedes singles and a couple, allowing Afghanistan to inch forward.

Dasun Shanaka bowled a probing over, mixing lengths and angles, and allowed the batters to rotate strike. Rasooli and Zadran picked up singles and a quick two to maintain momentum. After 9 overs, Afghanistan are 58/3, rebuilding steadily in the middle overs.

End of Over 8: Afghanistan 52/3

Over 8: • 1 1 • 1 2

AFG: 52/3 | CRR: 6.50

Hasaranga bowls a controlled over, conceding just 5 runs as Zadran and Rasooli rotate the strike efficiently.

Wanindu Hasaranga made an immediate impact with his spin, keeping the ball full and on a good line. Singles and a quick two kept the scoreboard ticking, but the Afghan batters couldn’t free their arms. Afghanistan reach 52/3 after 8 overs, trying to steady the innings after the early setbacks.

End of Over 7: Afghanistan 47/3

Over 7: 1 • • • • 1

AFG: 47/3 | CRR: 6.71

Dasun Shanaka keeps it tight, giving away just 2 runs as Zadran and Rasooli try to rotate the strike.

Shanaka bowled a probing over, mixing lengths and angles, and kept the Afghanistan batters under pressure. Singles by Zadran and Rasooli were all that came off the over. Afghanistan are 47/3 after 7 overs, trying to rebuild steadily after losing early wickets.

End of Over 6: Afghanistan 45/3

Over 6: 1 1 1 • 1 1

AFG: 45/3 | CRR: 7.50

Zadran and Rasooli rotate the strike well, keeping Afghanistan ticking along despite the early wickets.

Dunith Wellalage kept things tight, conceding just 5 runs in his over. Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli worked singles efficiently to maintain the scoring momentum. Afghanistan are 45/3 after 6 overs, looking to rebuild after the early Powerplay blows.

End of Over 5: Afghanistan 40/3

Over 5: • 1 1w 1 W •

AFG: 40/3 | CRR: 8.00

Thushara strikes again! Atal falls to a peach of a delivery, giving him three wickets in the Powerplay.

Nuwan Thushara continues his sensational spell, keeping the runs in check and picking up another wicket. Atal tried to drive on the up but missed, giving Thushara his third scalp in the Powerplay. Zadran managed a couple of singles, while a wide added to the extras. Afghanistan are reeling at 40/3 after 5 overs, with the momentum firmly with the bowlers.

End of Over 4: Afghanistan 37/2

Over 4: 4 • • 1 • •

AFG: 37/2 | CRR: 9.25

Atal smashes a four but Wellalage keeps things tight with a disciplined over.

Dunith Wellalage was introduced and immediately applied the brakes. Atal skipped down the track to hammer a boundary early in the over, but Wellalage responded with dots, mixing his flight and lengths cleverly. Ibrahim Zadran, new at the crease, couldn’t get him away. Afghanistan move to 37/2 after 4 overs, still scoring briskly but losing momentum after the double strike in the previous over.

End of Over 3: Afghanistan 32/2

Over 3: W • 1 4lb 1lb W

AFG: 32/2 | CRR: 10.66

Thushara strikes twice in the over, removing Gurbaz and Janat to put Sri Lanka on top.

After an explosive start, Afghanistan were pegged back by Nuwan Thushara’s brilliance. Gurbaz, looking dangerous, mistimed a wild swing and was caught at short third. Janat followed soon after, bowled by a searing delivery. Though four leg byes and a leg bye added to the total, Sri Lanka won the big battle — Afghanistan slip to 32/2 after 3 overs.

End of Over 2: Afghanistan 26/0

Over 2: • 6 4 1 4 3

AFG: 26/0 | CRR: 13.00

Atal launches a six and a four, while Gurbaz clips a boundary to keep the momentum going.

Dushmantha Chameera was taken apart in his first over. Atal hammered him for a classy six over square leg and a cut through point, while Gurbaz added a fine glance past short fine. A couple of singles and a three kept the strike rotating. Afghanistan race to 26 without loss after just 2 overs.

End of Over 1: Afghanistan 8/0

Over 1: • • 2 4 1 1

AFG: 8/0 | CRR: 8.00

Gurbaz finds his first boundary as Afghanistan begin steadily.

Nuwan Thushara went full and swinging with his slingy action, troubling the batters early. Gurbaz survived a miscued slice but soon crashed a boundary over extra cover to get going. Atal squeezed out a yorker for a single to end the over. Afghanistan are 8 without loss after the first over.

Toss Update

Afghanistan win the toss and elect to bat first

It’s toss time. Asalanka and Rashid are out there in the middle. Asalanka has the coin and he gives it a spin. Rashid calls tails, and tails it is. Afghanistan will bat first. Runs on the board is what Afghanistan want to do. They want to keep things simple and do them right in this pressure game. This is a new surface, but it is usually good for batting here. Rasooli and Mujeeb come in for Ghazanfar and Naib.

Pitch Report

Grassy pitch with potential for two-paced bounce

The pitch has a bit of a green tinge to it, says Mike Haysman. Lot more grass than the adjacent strip, notes Ravi Shastri. He thinks it could be two-paced early and there could be some help for the pacers. A solid start, even if it is not brisk, could be the order of the day for Afghanistan, he adds. The breeze will help the seamers get some movement, although he does mention the ball might not turn much. Get off to a good start, be busy against spin and then the big hits will come, says Shastri.

Match Status

Match is about to begin

Live scores and updates to follow as the 11th Match, Group B between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2025 kicks off shortly at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.