Afghanistan was heartbroken as Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup dream by six wickets to make a storm to the Super Four stage, ousting their Group B opponents. The Afghans had to live to fight another day, even though Mohammad Nabi attracted the global heart with his 60 runs off 22 balls, and the Sri Lankans and Bangladesh appeared to be the only two teams left to counter Sri Lanka.
Afghanistan’s innings got off to a bad start, as they dropped to 79-6 following the 13th over, but Nabi brought them back to life. His late onslaught, with five sixes in a row off Dunith Wellalage during the 20th over, propelled his side to 169-8. His final ball, however, was flown out, so Afghanistan never extended to more than 170. Nuwan Thushara took centre stage with the ball in his 4-18 effort to destroy the top order of the Afghans.
In response, Sri Lanka only needed a net run rate of 101 to qualify, but their opener, Kusal Mendis, ensured that the qualification was done with a bang. The right-hander’s mastery of controlled aggression, hitting 74 out of 52 balls, made sure that Sri Lanka not only proceeded but proceeded comfortably, too. Kamindu Mendis came in with a cameo that lasted briefly, with two sixes, thus ending the chase with eight balls remaining.
The win has seen Sri Lanka progress with Bangladesh in Group B. India and Pakistan are already through in Group A. Sri Lanka plays Bangladesh on Saturday, starting the Super Four, and the blockbuster with India and Pakistan on Sunday.
The withdrawal hurts Afghanistan. Nabi’s brilliance illuminated Dubai, and the absence of partnerships earlier in the innings was fatal. Again, the team’s excessive reliance on single geniuses cost them an important game.
