The game’s defining moment came in the final over when Nabi launched five consecutive sixes off spinner Dunith Wellalage. Riding on those colossal blows targeting long-on, long-off and mid-wicket Nabi amassed a quickfire 60 before holing out, setting an Afghanistan record of 32 runs in a single over and equaling the nation’s fastest T20 fifty in just 20 balls.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s new-ball spearhead Nuwan Thushara electrified the Powerplay, claiming two wickets in one over by dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Karim Janat, eventually finishing with four scalps. His incisive bowling laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s clinical chase.
Afghanistan’s skipper Rashid Khan provided a couple of stunning moments. In the 15th over, he leapt to pull off a diving catch at deep mid-wicket but sustained an injury while bowling in the next over, forcing him off the field. Rashid had earlier wowed the crowd with a cheeky no-look six and drama off the field when he reviewed an LBW decision only to find the ball had already shattered the stumps.
Sri Lanka’s fielding highlight came via veteran Kusal Perera, who executed a juggling boundary catch to dismiss Darwish Rasooli, showcasing incredible athleticism. The Lankan batters then orchestrated a composed chase, anchored by skipper Dasun Shanaka’s steady fifty, to steer their side home.
While Afghanistan’s lower order briefly threatened resurgence Noor Ahmad joined Nabi in a record 55-run eighth-wicket stand their late fireworks proved insufficient. Sri Lanka now await their Super 4 opponents, buoyed by balanced bowling and sharp fielding, leaving Afghanistan to rue missed opportunities in a thrilling Asia Cup encounter.
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