HIGHLIGHTS Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2025, 11 T20- Result, Scorecard

Back for the chase. The Afghans are out in the middle. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis to open for Sri Lanka. Fazalhaq Farooqi to bowl first with a slip in place. Let's play...

...THE CHASE...

Sri Lanka will be kicking themselves here, and Charith Asalanka’s call to save Dunith Wellalage for the last over, that too against Nabi backfired badly - it was only ever going to end one way. They had the perfect start with Nuwan Thushara ripping through the top order with three wickets, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka kept things tight in the middle overs to leave Afghanistan reeling at 79/6. But one miscalculation and Dushmantha Chameera's most expensive T20I spell, and suddenly the game turned on its head, with Nabi’s blitz propelling the total to 170. For Sri Lanka, the first milestone will be 101 runs to secure qualification, but they can’t afford to just play for that, as it could heap even more pressure on them. Join us in a bit for the second essay.

Afghanistan were under immense pressure to put runs on the board and it showed early, as they lost three wickets inside the Powerplay. Several batters got starts, but none could kick on, with wickets tumbling regularly and 150 looking well out of reach. Then Mohammad Nabi walked in, and everything changed. He tore into the bowling, smashing it to all parts of the ground. In a breathtaking finish, Nabi hammered 46 runs in the last two, including 5 sixes in the final over, to lift Afghanistan into a commanding position.

Take a bow, Mr. President! Mohammad Nabi has earned that nickname for a reason, and once again, he lived up to it. In a do-or-die clash, when Afghanistan needed a savior, he stepped up with one of the finest T20I knocks under pressure. Blasting 60 off just 22 balls, Nabi turned the tide, powering his side to a formidable total and leaving Sri Lanka rattled despite having control for most of the innings.

Dunith Wellalage to Mohammad Nabi, OUT! RUN OUT! No six-sixes but Mohammad Nabi has scored 32 runs off the over. 8 short of his current age by the way! A yorker, outside off. Mohammad Nabi carves it to deep point. Pushes for the second run but is late at his end. The fielder, Kusal Perera throws at the keeper's end, where Kusal Mendis does the rest. Afghanistan end with 169/8. 49 runs off the last two overs. WOW!

Dunith Wellalage to Mohammad Nabi, SIX MOREEEE! Five sixes in the over! Are we in for the six-sixes contest? It is on the cards, certainly! Dunith Wellalage bowls it a bit flat, outside off. Mohammad Nabi rocks back and slams it across over the cow corner region for a six. That brings up the 50-RUN STAND between these two in just 17 BALLS!

Dunith Wellalage to Mohammad Nabi, SIX! FIFTY FOR NABI IN 20 BALLS! This was on the cards! Keeps it full and outside off, angled away. Mohammad Nabi uses the angle and lofts it over extra-cover for a six.

Dunith Wellalage to Mohammad Nabi, NO BALL! Stays away from the hitting arc and pushes it over the tramline, left alone. The keeper does well to stop it. Oh dear, Dunith Wellalage has overstepped. More trouble. The wheels are falling off. Wanindu Hasaranga chats with Dunith Wellalage. Free-hit next.

Dunith Wellalage to Mohammad Nabi, SIX! SIX NUMBER THREE! Dunith Wellalage bowls in the slot, too full and angled outside off. Mohammad Nabi clears his front leg and tonks it over long on. Result - a six. Also, 150 up for Afghanistan!

Dunith Wellalage to Mohammad Nabi, SIX! 12 off 2! Flatter and just outside off, into the surface but Mohammad Nabi bends low and smashes it over long on for a biggie. Afghanistan close to 150.

Dunith Wellalage to Mohammad Nabi, SIX! Could be the game-changing over! Mohammad Nabi loves to play a spinner! Beings with a fuller-length, tossed up, around off. Mohammad Nabi thumps it over long off and it goes the distance.

Who bowls the last over? Well, only one option is left for Charith Asalanka. He has to hand the ball to left-arm spinner, Dunith Wellalage. This one over could make or break this game.

Dushmantha Chameera to Noor Ahmad, This is Dushmantha Chameera's most expensive T20I spell! Dishes out a yorker, outside off. Noor Ahmad jams it out to the left of long off. Wanindu Hasaranga does well this time to save a couple. 17 runs off the over.

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nabi, A low full toss, around off. Mohammad Nabi whacks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nabi, Excellent running! Too full and outside off. Mohammad Nabi hits it down to a run. Afghanistan jog for the first run but Wanindu Hasaranga is slow to the ball and Afghanistan sneak in another run.

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nabi, FOUR! MORE! Streaky but it all counts! Dushmantha Chameera misses his length and bowls a low dipping full toss on middle, Mohammad Nabi opens up his body and flicks but inside edges it to fine leg for a boundary.

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nabi, FOUR! Back-to-back! This is brilliant from Nabi! His experience is coming into play! A full toss on middle and leg. Mohammad Nabi flicks off the wrists to square leg and it races to the fence.

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nabi, FOUR! Wonderful shot from Nabi! A yorker-length delivery, outside off. Mohammad Nabi opens the face of the bat and guides it to third man for a boundary.

Nuwan Thushara to Mohammad Nabi, A brilliant spell from Nuwan Thushara comes to an end. Ends with a four-fer! This is full and on middle, Nabi clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Nuwan Thushara to Noor Ahmad, Mixes the length, bumps it short and bowls on middle, Noor Ahmad pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Nuwan Thushara to Mohammad Nabi, Tad fuller and attacking the stumps. Mohammad Nabi nudges it to mid-wicket for a run.

Nuwan Thushara to Noor Ahmad, Excellent from Nuwan Thushara! A low dipping fuller delivery on middle, Noor Ahmad tucks it to square leg for a single.

Nuwan Thushara to Noor Ahmad, Nuwan Thushara bowls it very full and on middle and leg. Noor Ahmad whacks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Noor Ahmad walks out to bat now.

Nuwan Thushara to Rashid Khan, OUT! CHOPPED ON! Ohh, such an unfortunate way to get out. Rashid Khan is trapped in front as he tries to sweep this fuller delivery but misses and gets hit right in front of the stumps. It hits the outer half and still rolls back onto the stumps. Sri Lanka appeals for LBW, but the ball hits the pads, bounces, and hits the stumps.

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nabi, SIX! The last ball ruins the over! Still, just 9 runs off the over. Dushmantha Chameera with a lack of pace delivery but the length is too full. Mohammad Nabi rocks back and thumps it over long on and it goes all the way.

Dushmantha Chameera to Rashid Khan, LANDS SAFELY! Touch fuller and around off, off-cutter from Chameera once again. Rashid Khan swipes across the line and top edges it to mid off where it lands safely. Long off was there but he was well in deep.

Dushmantha Chameera to Rashid Khan, BEAUTY! Kusal Mendis appeals from behind the stumps this time. Dushmantha Chameera bowls a yorker-length delivery, wide of off. Rashid Khan looks to jam it out but misses.

Dushmantha Chameera to Rashid Khan, A huge appeal for LBW but turned down! Rashid Khan is beaten for pace here. Dushmantha Chameera bowls the off-pace delivery, on the fuller side and around off, nips in a bit. Rashid Khan goes back in front of the stumps to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. Sri Lanka review. UltraEdge shows a spike as the ball passes the edge. There is a faint inside edge. Sri Lanka lose the review.

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nabi, DROPPED! Rare failure in the field by the Lankans! Short in length and on middle, Mohammad Nabi whacks it to deep square leg where Dunith Wellalage charges in but spills off his hands. Should have been taken. A single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Rashid Khan, Starts with a pace off delivery, fuller and outside off. Rashid Khan drags his shot to mid-wicket for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan ends his spell with a dot! No wickets for him but ends on the economical side! Keeps the last ball tight, fuller and around off. Nabi blocks it out.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rashid Khan, The googly, flatter and outside off. Rashid Khan hits it to sweeper cover for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rashid Khan, Attacks the stumps, tossed up on middle. Rashid Khan uses his feet to work it across but ends up hitting it back to Wanindu Hasaranga.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Nabi, Pitches it up, outside off and spins back in. Mohammad Nabi drives it to deep cover for one more.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rashid Khan, Drops it slightly short on the quicker side, around off. Rashid Khan carves it over point for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Nabi, A googly on the flatter side around off, Mohammad Nabi punches it to point for a single.

Dasun Shanaka to Rashid Khan, Three dots to end the over! Good comeback from Dasun Shanaka after conceding 11 in the first three balls. Pitched up and on middle, Rashid Khan, without any footwork or backlift, whips it but finds square leg.

Dasun Shanaka to Rashid Khan, Goes fuller and outside off, Rashid Khan uses his feet and throws his bat at it, but yorks himself and bunts it on the pitch.

Dasun Shanaka to Rashid Khan, Short of a length and outside off, takes pace off, Rashid Khan tries to ramp it away but fails to connect. He is annoyed with himself.

Dasun Shanaka to Rashid Khan, SIX! No-look shot comes out now! Fuller and on middle, angling in, Rashid Khan crouches low, without even looking at the ball, plays the short-arm jab using his bottom hand. The ball flies over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. 100 UP FOR THE AFGHANS!

Dasun Shanaka to Rashid Khan, FOUR! Great shot! Dasun Shanaka bangs this into the pitch but well outside off, Rashid Khan frees his arms and slaps it high and wide towards the deep extra cover fence. The fielder from deep point runs to his right and dives but fails to stop the boundary.

Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Nabi, Slower one, on a length and on middle, Mohammad Nabi clips it towards square leg for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rashid Khan, Tossed up, full and around off, Rashid Khan drives it firmly wide of long off for a brace.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Nabi, Flighted, full and on off, Mohammad Nabi drives it off the bottom half of the bat to long on for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rashid Khan, Dragged back and outside off, Rashid Khan cuts it to deep point for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rashid Khan, Flatter, short and on middle, Rashid Khan pats it back to the bowler.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rashid Khan, Short again and on off, Rashid Khan punches it to extra covers.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Rashid Khan, A googly, short and on off, turns in, Rashid Khan steers it to cover-point.

Dunith Wellalage to Rashid Khan, Looped up, full and on off, Rashid Khan eases it to long off for a run.

Dunith Wellalage to Rashid Khan, Swing and a miss! Flatter, full and on off, skids through with extra bounce, Rashid Khan goes down to sweep it away but misses.

Dunith Wellalage to Rashid Khan, Flighted, full and on middle, Rashid Khan blocks it out.

Dunith Wellalage to Rashid Khan, FOUR! Fine shot! Tossed up, full and on off, Rashid Khan uses his feet to go inside out and lofts it over extra covers for a much-needed boundary.

Dunith Wellalage to Rashid Khan, Short and outside off, Rashid Khan cuts it away to deep point for a brace.

Rashid Khan comes with Afghanistan in a spot of bother.

Dunith Wellalage to Ibrahim Zadran, OUT! TAKEN! Another fantastic catch from Sri Lanka! The catching has been top-notch from the Lankans, and Afghanistan slips further here. Dunith Wellalage floats it up, full and around off, Ibrahim Zadran skips down the track to loft it down the ground, but cannot quite get to the pitch of it. He still goes through the shot but has to drag it and fails to get the elevation on this one. It flies in the air towards long on where Dushmantha Chameera is standing a few yards in. He has to move back, but judges well to grab it with both hands above his head. However, he falls backwards and slides a bit near the ropes, but stops himself from touching them. The third umpire confirms the same as well. Afghanistan are six down now!

Dunith Wellalage (2-0-10-0) is back on.

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, Good length and on midlde, Ibrahim Zadran nudges it towards mid-wicket for one.

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, SIX! JUST OVER! Dasun Shanaka bowls a good bouncer, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran goes for the pull but gets hurried as it goes off the top edge. It flies towards deep square leg, where Wanindu Hasaranga, near the ropes backtracks a bit. He leaps and tries to grab it with his outstretched right hand but just parries it over for a biggie. Zadran's heart would have been in his mouth for a moment there, and so was every Afghan's.

Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Nabi, Fuller and on middle, Mohammad Nabi clips it through mid-wicket for one.

Mohammad Nabi is the new man in.

Dasun Shanaka to Azmatullah Omarzai, OUT! DRAGGED ON! That is a big blow for Afghanistan, as the in-form Azmatullah Omarzai walks back cheaply here. Dasun Shanaka takes pace off, lands this back of a length and on off. Omarzai hops up and tries to pull it away but goes through his shot a bit early and the ball does not bounce that much. Gets a bottom edge that crashes onto the stumps. Afghanistan are 71/5, things are not looking good for them here.

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran drills it to mid on for a run.

Dasun Shanaka to Azmatullah Omarzai, On a length and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai guides it to third man for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Ibrahim Zadran, Hard length and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran hops up and pats it down the pitch.

Dushmantha Chameera to Azmatullah Omarzai, Back of a length and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai rides the bounce and dabs it towards point for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Azmatullah Omarzai, EDGED AND FOUR! Nearly another wicket for Dushmantha Chameera! He lands this on a length, on off, shaping away. Azmatullah Omarzai looks to push it away but gets a thick outside edge wide of the keeper. Kusal Mendis dives to his right, and tries to grab it with his outstretched hand, but it just bursts through. The ball beats the dive of first slip to his left and races to the fence.

Azmatullah Omarzai walks out next.

Dushmantha Chameera to Darwish Rasooli, OUT! SUPERBLY TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Dushmantha Chameera strikes in his second spell. He bangs this one into the pitch, on off, gets some extra bounce again. Darwish Rasooli backs away and tries to ramp it away, connects well but straight towards third man. Kusal Perera, who is stationed there, judges it well and grabs it just over his head. However, the momentum is taking him over the ropes, he tries to balance on one leg but realises he is going over and flicks the ball in the air. Perera goes over the ropes, then comes back on the field to complete the catch. The third umpire is called in to check whether it is a clean catch or not, and after a few replays, it is deemed to be a fair catch. Perara's second excellent catch of the match. Afghanistan are 64/4 now!

Dushmantha Chameera to Ibrahim Zadran, Good length and on middle, angling in, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it away to deep square leg for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Ibrahim Zadran, PACE AND BOUNCE! Dushmantha Chameera hits the length hard at 142.6 clicks, takes off viciously off the deck, just on off. Ibrahim Zadran tries to push at it but the ball zips past the outside edge.

DRINKS! The runs have dried up for Afghanistan, and they are finding it really difficult to find the boundaries. Ibrahim Zadran has a big role to play for them, as he has to anchor this innings and stay till the end. This wicket is not easy to bat on, and the Afghans will have to target something around 150, which will be a fighting score on this wicket. Sri Lanka have been superb with the ball, with Nuwan Thushara destroying the top order of the Afghans, and then the spinners also keeping the runs in check. They know a couple more wickets, and they can wrap things up pretty quickly here.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Pushed through on off, Ibrahim Zadran thumps this to sweeper cover's left for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Darwish Rasooli, Quicker and flatter on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches this off the back foot for a single to long off.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Good thing for the Afghans is that the batters are minimizing dots but the bad one is they are not finding the fence as well. Fuller on leg, Ibrahim Zadran pushes this to long on for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Darwish Rasooli, Tossed up on middle and leg, Darwish Rasooli flicks this through mid-wicket for another single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up on leg, Ibrahim Zadran drills this down to long on for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up on off, Ibrahim Zadran defends this one.

Dasun Shanaka to Darwish Rasooli, UNPLAYABLE! On a length around off, shaping away from the right-hander. Darwish Rasooli without any footwork, tentatively pokes at it but gets beaten on the outside.

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, Good length on leg, Ibrahim Zadran flicks this through fine leg for one.

Dasun Shanaka to Darwish Rasooli, Pace off, slower one, short and on off, Darwish Rasooli pulls this to deep mid-wicket for one.

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, Short and wide outside off, Ibrahim Zadran smashes this up on his toes towards sweeper cover for one.

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, Good length on middle and off, Ibrahim Zadran crisply punches this through mid on and scampers back for two.

Dasun Shanaka to Darwish Rasooli, Almost 5 overs since the last boundary for Afghanistan. Good length on the pads, Darwish Rasooli flicks this through square leg for one.

Change? Nope, Dasun Shanaka to continue.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Floated around off, Ibrahim Zadran works this in the gap towards sweeper cover and runs two.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Darwish Rasooli, Tossed up, flatter on middle and leg, Darwish Rasooli tucks this to deep mid-wicket fence for a single. 50 up for Afghanistan!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Quicker one, onto the pads, Ibrahim Zadran flicks this to deep mid-wicket for another single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes this towards the bowler's left for no run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Darwish Rasooli, Tossed up around off, Darwish Rasooli chips this to long off for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Darwish Rasooli, That didn't rise at all. Wrong'un around off, Darwish Rasooli backs away and looks to cut but misses out.

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length around off, Ibrahim Zadran punches this off his back foot and straight to cover.

Dasun Shanaka to Darwish Rasooli, On a length around middle and off, Darwish Rasooli punches this down to long off for a single.

Dasun Shanaka to Darwish Rasooli, Banana swing on offer for Dasun Shanaka. Good length, wide of off, shaping away from the batter, Darwish Rasooli swings and misses again.

Dasun Shanaka to Darwish Rasooli, Bumper, around leg, Darwish Rasooli sits down on this.

Dasun Shanaka to Darwish Rasooli, On a length wide of off, tries to reach at it and swings but misses out.

Dasun Shanaka to Ibrahim Zadran, Good length around off, Ibrahim Zadran edges this off the outside of his bat towards deep point for one.

Dunith Wellalage to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller on middle and off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes this in the gap and takes one more.

Dunith Wellalage to Darwish Rasooli, Too full onto the pads, Darwish Rasooli tucks this through mid-wicket and takes one.

Dunith Wellalage to Ibrahim Zadran, Floated onto the pads, Ibrahim Zadran flicks this through square leg for a single.

Dunith Wellalage to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller on middle and off, Ibrahim Zadran drives this to cover for no run.

Dunith Wellalage to Darwish Rasooli, Fuller around off, Darwish Rasooli punches this away for a single to get off the mark.

Dunith Wellalage to Ibrahim Zadran, Slower around middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran jumps down the track and flicks this through mid-wicket to score a run.

Nuwan Thushara to Darwish Rasooli, Good length and on off, Darwish Rasooli stabs it out towards short covers. Nuwan Thushara's figure reads as 3-0-12-3! Superb stuff!

Darwish Rasooli walks out next.

Nuwan Thushara to Sediqullah Atal, OUT! CASTLED! Nuwan Thushara is on absolute fire here! The call from Charith Asalanka to give him the third over has worked wonders for Sri Lanka. This is fuller in length and on middle, gets it to swing in sharply and late too. Sediqullah Atal tries to drive it with a straight bat but plays down the wrong line, as the ball goes through the gap between bat and pad to rattle the stumps. Atal departs for 18 off 14, and Afghanistan are 40/3, and in deep trouble!

Nuwan Thushara to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran pats it down the pitch between mid on and mid off for a run.

Nuwan Thushara to Ibrahim Zadran, WIDE! Pitched but drifting down the leg side, Ibrahim Zadran fails to glance it away. Wided.

Nuwan Thushara to Ibrahim Zadran, BEATEN! Fuller again and on off, shapes away a bit, Ibrahim Zadran goes for the big drive on the up but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Nuwan Thushara to Sediqullah Atal, Fuller and on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal clips it through square leg for a single.

Nuwan Thushara to Sediqullah Atal, A wide yorker, outside off, Sediqullah Atal can only jam it out beside the pitch on the off side.

Dunith Wellalage to Ibrahim Zadran, Gives this one some more air, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran knocks it wide of the bowler. Dunith Wellalage dives to his left on the follow-through and makes a fine stop. Just 5 runs off the over!

Dunith Wellalage to Ibrahim Zadran, Slows it up, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it to short covers.

Dunith Wellalage to Sediqullah Atal, Flighted, full and on leg, Sediqullah Atal tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single. A wild throw from the fielder at the bowler's end, but the back up is good.

Dunith Wellalage to Sediqullah Atal, Fires a yorker aronund off, Sediqullah Atal digs it out to the off side.

Dunith Wellalage to Sediqullah Atal, Tossed up, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal pushes it to covers.

Dunith Wellalage to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! Good use of the feet! Floated, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal charges down the track and thumps it to the long off fence for a boundary.

Ibrahim Zadran walks out next.

Nuwan Thushara to Karim Janat, OUT! BOWLED'EM! That's an absolute scorcher from Nuwan Thushara! He started with a wicket and finished with another to end the over. This is on a good length, lands on middle and leg and shapes away sharply. Karim Janat is caught in his crease and tries to work it across the line, but plays all over it as he fails to take into account the away movement. The ball goes past the outside edge and rattles the off pole. Promoting Janat does not work out for the Afghans, as they are two down now!

Nuwan Thushara to Sediqullah Atal, Pitched up, on middle and shaping in, Sediqullah Atal fails to work it away as the ball deflects off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye taken. There is also a slight appeal for LBW, but turned down!

Nuwan Thushara to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR LEG BYES! Nuwan Thushara loses his line a bit and serves this full, but down the leg side. Sediqullah Atal misses his flick but the ball goes off his pads and past the diving keeper to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Nuwan Thushara to Karim Janat, Touch slower, full and on middle, Karim Janat works it just wide of mid on for a single.

Nuwan Thushara to Karim Janat, Back of a length and on off, Karim Janat punches it to straight to extra covers.

Another low score for Gurbaz as he departs for 14(8). A promotion for Karim Janat as he walks out to replace Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Nuwan Thushara to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Nuwan Thushara gets a massive wicket for Sri Lanka! He goes fuller and around middle, angles it away too. Rahmanullah Gurbaz dances down the track and swings for the hills across the line. He is nowhere near the ball and only gets a thick outside edge behind. Kusal Perera at fly slip times his leap to perfection to his left and plucks it with both hands. A fine catch, but Gurbaz will be disappointed with that shot. He goes back for 14 off 8, and Afghanistan are 26/1!

Dushmantha Chameera to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, MORE RUNS! Pitched up and on middle, shaping in, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clips it away towards the vacant deep mid-wicket region and calls for two. The deep fielder runs to his left to collect it, but the batters push and get the third as well. Good running! 18 runs off Chameera's first over!

Dushmantha Chameera to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Afghanistan are off to a quick start! Dushmantha Chameera errs in line again and serves this full, on the pads. Rahmanullah Gurbaz this time picks it up and flicks it away to the deep backward square leg fence for four more runs. 15 runs already with one ball to go in the over!

Dushmantha Chameera to Sediqullah Atal, On a length and on off, Sediqullah Atal pats it in front of short covers and scampers across for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! Excellent shot! Dushmantha Chameera hits the length hard and around off, just a little bit of width given. Sediqullah Atal opens the face of his bat, uses the pace and drives it square past the cover-point fielder for a boundary.

Dushmantha Chameera to Sediqullah Atal, SIX! Picked up and how! Goes fuller but strays into the pads this time, Sediqullah Atal picks it up, uses his wrists and whips it effortlessly over the deep square leg fence for the first biggie of the clash.

Dushmantha Chameera to Sediqullah Atal, Right on the money! Dushmantha Chameera begins with a good-length delivery, on middle and off, Sediqullah Atal gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

Dushmantha Chameera bowl from the other end.

Nuwan Thushara to Sediqullah Atal, Lovely bowling! Nuwan Thushara nails the yorker, on off, Sediqullah Atal just about gets his bat down in time. The ball hits the bottom edge and rolls away to the leg side as the batters get one. 8 runs off the first over!

Nuwan Thushara to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A slower one now, full and on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets out of his crease again and knocks it towards mid on for a single.

Nuwan Thushara to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Up and over! Nuwan Thushara goes fuller again, on off, swings away, Rahmanullah Gurbaz skips down the track to counter the movement. He gets to the pitch of the ball and carves it over extra covers for the first boundary of the match.

Nuwan Thushara to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Afghanistan are underway, but in streaky fashion! Pitched up and around off, shaping away again, Gurbaz looks to loft it over the in-field but mistimes it in the air. Charith Asalanka from extra covers runs backwards but the ball falls well over him. Two taken.

Nuwan Thushara to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls a low full toss, on off, swing away in the air, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to short covers.

Nuwan Thushara to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hint of swing! Nuwan Thushara starts with a fuller delivery, on middle, shapes away a touch, Rahmanullah Gurbaz uses his feet and drills it out towards covers.

The Afghan innings is about to get underway, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal opening the batting. Nuwan Thushara will bowl the first over for Sri Lanka. Afghanistan will be looking to start strong and set a solid foundation for their chase of a spot in the Super 4s. Let's see how the opening pair performs against the Lankan bowlers.

The match is about to begin, and the players from both Afghanistan and Sri Lanka have gathered in the middle for a pre-match ceremony. The match officials are also present as the national anthems of Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are about to be played, marking a moment of respect and patriotism before the intense competition.

Now that Afghanistan is batting first, let's see what scenarios can happen in Group B, and what each team needs to do to qualify. Well, Bangladesh can only wait, watch, and hope that the result goes their way. For Sri Lanka, it is simple - win and qualify. However, they can also qualify with a defeat but will need to avoid losing by more than 70 runs or so, depending on the total (let's say Afghanistan make 150 runs, then Sri Lanka have to score at least 84 runs. For Afghanistan, they have to win - there is no other option for them. Bangladesh's most realistic chance is that the Lankans beat the Afghans and knock them out. Whatever happens, we are surely in for a thrilling night, and keep your calculator by your side - you may need it.

PITCH REPORT BY MIKE HAYSMAN AND RAVI SHASTRI - The pitch report indicates that the surface has a green tinge and more grass than the adjacent pitch, which could assist fast bowlers. Despite the minimal turn, Afghanistan's spinners, known for varying their lengths, can still pose a challenge. While batting might be tough initially, it could become easier as the game progresses. The hot and humid conditions are mitigated by a gentle breeze, which should help the players. Overall, the pitch seems better suited for batting compared to the one in Dubai, with a score of around 170 potentially being a good target.

Charith Asalanka, the captain of Sri Lanka, says they would have batted first as well. Adds that they have got two in-form openers, which is a big advantage, but they would like the middle order to perform as well. Informs that they have made one change as Dunith Wellalage comes in for Maheesh Theekshana.

Rashid Khan, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that they will bat first, believing that setting a target will be crucial on this wicket. With the Super 4s qualification on the line, Khan emphasized the importance of this match and acknowledged that his team struggled with pressure in their previous game. To rectify this, they plan to focus on the basics and keep their approach simple. Given the new surface, Khan noted that while no one has played on this pitch before, Afghanistan's experience playing in Abu Dhabi will be beneficial. He expects a good batting surface and estimates that a score of around 170 or above 165 would be par. Rashid also announced two changes to the team - Darwish Rasooli and Mujeeb Ur Rahman will replace Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar and Gulbadin Naib.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Dunith Wellalage (In place of Maheesh Theekshana).

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli (In place of Gulbadin Naib), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (In place of AM Ghazanfar).

TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Rashid Khan in this must-win clash, and Afghanistan have elected to BAT first.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, has had a mixed bag so far. Despite a thumping win over Hong Kong, they suffered a narrow defeat to Bangladesh. To advance to the Super 4s, Afghanistan needs to win this match against Sri Lanka at any cost. Their spin department, led by Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, will be crucial in this encounter. Azmatullah Omarzai's all-round performance has been impressive, and Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz need to step up their batting game. The stakes are high, and both teams will give their all to secure a spot in the Super 4s. Stay tuned for toss and team updates.

Sri Lanka has been on a roll, topping Group B's points table with four points from two matches. They've won both their fixtures, showcasing their batting prowess, particularly with Pathum Nissanka leading the charge. Their top order is in form, and Wanindu Hasaranga's all-round skills have been a significant factor in their success. Sri Lanka's pace attack has also impressed with the new ball.

Welcome to the Asia Cup 2025 match-up between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan! After a dramatic Wednesday, this match is crucial for both teams as it will determine the remaining two teams to qualify for the Super 4s.

... MATCHDAY ...

The race to the Super Four is heating up with every passing game, and the pressure is about to hit a whole new level. We now head to Abu Dhabi for what could be the biggest clash of the Asia Cup 2025 so far. It’s Sri Lanka versus Afghanistan at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Stadium, and everything is on the line. Group B has lived up to its tag as the group of death. The competition has been fierce, unpredictable, and incredibly tight. Sri Lanka currently sit at the top with two wins from two, but their place is far from secure. Afghanistan, with one win and one loss, actually have the best net run rate in the group. That means if they win tonight, they will jump straight to the top of the table. But what happens if Sri Lanka lose? Are they out? Not quite. In that case, net run rate becomes the deciding factor, and Sri Lanka have a strong advantage there. Bangladesh, who are currently in second, have an inferior net run rate, if this clash doesn’t generate favorable outcome from this, which is, a huge loss to Sri Lanka. So here’s the simple equation. For Afghanistan, it’s a must-win game. Lose, and they are out - with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh moving on to the Super Four. But if Afghanistan win, things get a lot more interesting. A win for Afghanistan won’t automatically knock Sri Lanka out. Instead, it all comes down to the margin of defeat for the Lankans. For Bangladesh to qualify, they’ll need Afghanistan to win big - and push Sri Lanka’s net run rate below theirs. That’s the only scenario where Sri Lanka could be in trouble. Phew, so much hinges on this one particular clash. The pressure is massive, the stakes are high, and the smallest of margins could decide who goes through. Sri Lanka may be unbeaten so far, but their last outing against Hong Kong, China was anything but smooth. They had to dig deep and really grind out that win. Still, they’ll take confidence from individual performances, especially Pathum Nissanka, who has been in red-hot form. He is the only player in the tournament so far to have crossed the 100-run mark, scoring back-to-back fifties. At the other end, though, Kusal Mendis has been quiet with the bat, and their opening stand is yet to cross 30 in this competition. That is an area they’ll want to fix quickly. A big plus has been Kamil Mishara’s rise at number three. His calm, composed fifty in the last game has added depth and stability to the top order. But beyond that, the middle order hasn’t really been tested yet. They’ve had limited time at the crease, largely thanks to the top three doing the heavy lifting. With the ball, Sri Lanka have been top-notch. Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera have set the tone early with the new ball, consistently delivering tight Powerplay spells. That early control has been well supported by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana in the middle overs. The most telling stat. They have bowled first in both games and not allowed the opposition to post anything above 150. That shows the level of control and discipline they’ve brought to the field. They'll need to bring the same intensity again, because they are up against an Afghan side that is hurting and desperate to bounce back after their loss to Bangladesh. The talent is undeniable, but so is the pressure. There are growing whispers around whether this side tends to falter in big games, especially when chasing. Despite all the progress they’ve made over the years, here's a staggering fact. Afghanistan are yet to chase down a target of over 150 against a full-member Asian team. That tells you where the concern lies. Batting collapses have been a recurring theme, particularly in pressure matches. Against Bangladesh, they were well placed but let it slip by losing wickets in clusters. However, it’s not all gloom. Sediqullah Atal has shown real promise at the top, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks like he’s beginning to find his rhythm again. But the middle order remains a concern - inconsistent and under pressure, especially in chases. On the bowling front, they are loaded with spin talent. Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad have done what they do best - choke runs and build pressure during the middle overs. But for Afghanistan to truly dominate, their seamers need to step up. A bit more control with the new ball and at the death could make a big difference in this crucial clash. So here we are. One game. Two teams. So much to play for. Sri Lanka is looking to hold on to the top spot. Afghanistan is fighting to stay alive. Expect nothing less than a fierce contest.