ABU DHABI: The Afg vs SL clash in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 delivered high drama as Nuwan Thushara’s fiery spell rattled Afghanistan early, before Mohammad Nabi’s breathtaking counterattack propelled his team to a formidable 169-7 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Afghanistan began aggressively, racing to 26 runs in just 2.1 overs. But the Afg vs SL contest shifted quickly when Thushara struck twice in one over, removing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (14) and Karim Janat (1). Soon after, he bowled out Sediqullah Atal (18), leaving Afghanistan reeling at 32-2 within three overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers tightened the screws further, reducing Afghanistan to 114-7 by the 18th over. At that point, the Afg vs SL showdown looked firmly in Sri Lanka’s control. But Mohammad Nabi turned the game on its head with a power-packed knock.
The veteran all-rounder hammered an astonishing 60 runs from just 22 balls. His ruthless hitting included three back-to-back boundaries off Dushmantha Chameera and a sensational assault on Dunith Wellalage in the final over, smashing five towering sixes to collect 32 runs.
Thanks to Nabi’s heroics, Afghanistan closed on 169-7, setting Sri Lanka a stiff target in this electrifying Afg vs SLencounter. For Sri Lanka, Thushara stood out with brilliant figures of 4-19, but Nabi’s fireworks ensured Afghanistan carried the momentum.
The Afg vs SL battle is now perfectly poised, with Sri Lanka needing a strong response to chase down a total built on Nabi’s game-changing brilliance.
Afg vs SL Playing XIs
- Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
- Afghanistan XI: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (capt), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Historically, Sri Lanka lead the Afg vs SL rivalry with five wins in eight T20Is, while Afghanistan have claimed three victories. The outcome of this clash could prove decisive in shaping the Asia Cup group standings.
