Top 3 reasons why Afghanistan lost to Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2025 match 11

Sri Lanka qualified for the Super Fours with a comfortable 6-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Match 11 of the Asia Cup 2025 at Abu Dhabi. Batting first, Afghanistan managed 169/8, a stunning late burst from Mohammad Nabi (60 off 22 balls), which included five sixes in an over. However, their innings was dented by an early collapse triggered by Nuwan Thushara’s fiery spell. Chasing 170, Sri Lanka built their reply around Kusal Mendis’s composed 74 off 52 balls, who anchored the innings with maturity. The Lankans eventually reached the target at 171/4 with 8 balls to spare, knocking Afghanistan out of the tournament. Below are the main reasons for Afghanistan defeat:

1. Nuwan Thushara’s incisive opening spell

Thushara (4/18) bowled an aggressive spell, taking early wickets, including Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. His control of the new ball allowed Sri Lanka to take control at the start of the chase.

2. Collapse under pressure in the middle overs

After a good beginning, Afghanistan batted poorly in the 10th to 14th overs and four of their main batsmen were out. Among the several wickets which fell was the run out of Rashid Khan. As a result of the confusion in the middle order, the match went firmly into Sri Lanka's hands.

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3. Sri Lanka’s composed chase led by Mendis

Despite pursuing a small target, Sri Lanka had the chase built around Kusal Mendis's contribution of 74, and with the rest of the middle order easing even during moments of high pressure, Sri Lanka did not let Afghanistan's hopes rise with late wickets or Nabi's explosive innings.