In a thrilling encounter, defending champions Sri Lanka narrowly edged out Afghanistan by just two runs to secure a place in the Asia Cup Super 4 stage.
Afghanistan had to chase a target of 292 in 37.1 overs to surpass Sri Lanka’s net run rate. However, they fell just short of the target when Mujeeb Ur Rahman was caught out with only three runs needed from the first ball of the 38th over. If the team had scored 295 runs within 37.4 overs, they would have also qualified. However, it seems that they were not aware of this possibility.
Mohammad Nabi played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s chase, smashing a blistering 32-ball 65, while skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed with a steady 66-ball 59. Rashid Khan hit three boundaries off Dunith Wellalage’s 37th over, but Mujeeb’s dismissal on the first ball of the next over turned the tide in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Sri Lanka had earlier posted a total of 291-8, largely thanks to Kusal Mendis, who played a brilliant innings of 92 runs off 84 balls.
With Pakistan and India already securing their spots in the Super 4 stage from Group A, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh joined them from Group B. The Super 4 stage will begin with Pakistan facing Bangladesh in Lahore on Wednesday.
However, in the dramatic game, Afghanistan’s team didn’t realize that they could still qualify after Mujeeb’s dismissal, and Sri Lanka advanced to the Super 4 stage.
