The result means Sri Lanka and Bangladesh qualify for the Super Four, while Afghanistan bow out of the tournament despite Mohammad Nabi’s explosive knock.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted 169/8 in 20 overs. Their innings was anchored by a breathtaking counterattack from Mohammad Nabi, who smashed 60 off just 22 balls with 3 fours and 6 sixes at a strike rate of 272.72.
Afghanistan had been reeling at 79/6 after Nuwan Thushara’s fiery spell (4/18), but Nabi and Rashid Khan (24 off 23) revived the innings with aggressive strokeplay. Contributions from Ibrahim Zadran (24) and late runs from Noor Ahmad (6*) pushed them close to 170.
For Sri Lanka, Thushara was the standout with 4/18, while Hasaranga (0/18 from 4) bowled with control despite not picking a wicket.
In reply, Sri Lanka showed composure with the bat, led by Kusal Mendis, who played a match-winning innings of 74 not out off 52 balls. He was well supported by Kusal Perera (28 off 20) and skipper Charith Asalanka (17 off 12).
The finishing touch came from Kamindu Mendis, blasting an unbeaten 26 off 13 balls, including 2 sixes, to ensure Sri Lanka crossed the line in 18.4 overs at 171/4.
Extras also played a big part, with Afghanistan conceding 15 wides in a sloppy bowling display.
