The T20 Asia Cup 2025 continues to provide unforgettable moments, and the clash between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan has already lived up to expectations. In what was a must-win encounter for Afghanistan, the men in blue-green posted a fighting total of 169/8 in their 20 overs, thanks to an extraordinary late assault by veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi.
When Afghanistan looked like they might fall well short of a competitive score, Nabi reminded the cricketing world why he remains one of the most dangerous finishers in the game. His remarkable hitting display, highlighted by five consecutive sixes, not only rescued Afghanistan but also gave them the belief that they can challenge Sri Lanka in this high-stakes contest.
Afghanistan’s Innings: A Story of Struggles and Surges
Early Overs – Sri Lanka’s Pacers Strike Back
Afghanistan, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, were keen to lay a strong platform. However, their top order failed to deliver a solid start. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, known for his explosive powerplay batting, got a few boundaries away but couldn’t convert his start into a big innings.
Sri Lanka’s new-ball bowlers, Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara, made life difficult by moving the ball both ways. Their disciplined lines and clever use of pace ensured that Afghanistan never got complete control of the powerplay.
Middle Overs – Spin Web Chokes Afghanistan
The middle overs belonged to Sri Lanka’s spinners. Wanindu Hasaranga, one of the finest T20 bowlers in world cricket, spun his magic by varying his flight and pace. He found support from Dunith Wellalage, who bowled with great maturity, targeting the stumps and not allowing easy singles.
Batsmen like Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli tried to rebuild, but the scoreboard pressure kept mounting. Boundaries dried up, and Afghanistan found themselves stuck in a phase where runs were hard to come by.
By the 15th over, Afghanistan were reeling, struggling to even cross the 120 mark. At that stage, a total of 150 looked like a distant dream.
Nabi’s Late-Carnage Turns the Game
Just when Sri Lanka seemed set to restrict Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi walked in and completely shifted the momentum. Known for his ability to change games with both bat and ball, Nabi delivered one of the most memorable cameos of the tournament so far.
- In the 18th and 19th overs, Nabi launched into Sri Lanka’s bowlers.
- He smashed five sixes in a row, clearing the boundary with ease and leaving the fielders and bowlers helpless.
- His fearless hitting injected life into the Afghan innings, with every blow drawing huge cheers from the crowd.
Thanks to Nabi’s brilliance, Afghanistan added nearly 40 runs in the final overs, transforming what looked like a below-par total into a competitive one.
The Afghan innings eventually closed at 168/8, a score that gives their world-class spinners something to work with.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Performance
Despite Nabi’s heroics, Sri Lanka’s bowlers did well for most of the innings:
- Nuwan Thushara troubled the batters with his slingy action and yorkers, finishing with crucial wickets.
- Dushmantha Chameera provided early breakthroughs and bowled with sharp pace.
- Wanindu Hasaranga once again proved why he is Sri Lanka’s go-to spinner, picking up wickets in the middle overs and keeping the run rate down.
But the only blemish was the death overs, where they failed to contain Nabi’s assault. Those missed yorkers and overpitched deliveries allowed Afghanistan to claw their way back.
Key Highlights of the Innings
- Mohammad Nabi smashed five sixes in a row, single-handedly lifting Afghanistan from a modest total to a competitive one.
- Afghanistan posted 168/8 in 20 overs, a total that looked unlikely at the halfway stage.
- Sri Lanka’s bowlers dominated for 15 overs but couldn’t contain the late fireworks.
- The match is now finely poised, with both teams knowing that the chase could decide their Asia Cup fate.
What This Means for the Match
The total of 169 is a tricky one. It is neither too big nor too small, but the pressure of the occasion makes it even more challenging. Here’s how things stand:
- For Sri Lanka: They need 169 runs to secure victory and book their place at the top of Group B. A win guarantees progression to the Super 4s.
- For Afghanistan: Their bowling unit particularly spinners like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad—will be key. They have the tools to defend this total if they strike early.
Spotlight on the Chase
Sri Lanka’s chase will depend heavily on their top order:
- Pathum Nissanka must provide a solid start without taking unnecessary risks.
- Kusal Mendis, with his experience, will be vital in guiding the innings, especially against Afghanistan’s spin attack.
- Skipper Charith Asalanka and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga could be the finishers Sri Lanka need if the game goes down to the wire.
But make no mistake Afghanistan’s bowlers, armed with variations and mystery spin, are capable of flipping the script at any moment.
Final Word
The first innings of this Asia Cup clash has set the stage for a thrilling contest. Mohammad Nabi’s late fireworks have ensured that Afghanistan go into the break with belief and momentum. While Sri Lanka might have fancied chasing a smaller target, they now face a genuine test against one of the most dangerous bowling units in world cricket.
As the chase begins, all eyes will be on how Sri Lanka handle the spin trio of Rashid, Mujeeb, and Noor Ahmad. The outcome of this game will not only decide who progresses from Group B but also shape the narrative of the Asia Cup 2025.
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