Asia Cup 2023: Top Stories in Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Match 6

The stage was set for an enthraling battle between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in the sixth game of the ongoing Asia Cup as both teams were looking for a berth in the ‘Super 4’ stage. The Afghans were looking for a huge win as that would make them qualified for the next stage instead of the Lankans along with Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. In 37.1 overs, Afghanistan needed to chase down 292 runs but they fell by just two runs after getting bundled out in 37.4 overs. It was a heartbreaking moment for them despite some fighting contributions as Kusal Mendis won the Player of the Match. 

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Here are three top stories from Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, Match 6, Asia Cup 2023

Kushal Mendis' fighting knock

This star batter came out as the highest scorer for Sri Lanka in this game as Kusal Mendis scored 92 runs off 84 balls, including six fours and three sixes. After the opening partnership of 63 runs, Mendis came out to bat at the number three position. He and Charith Asalanka put up a 102-run partnership for the fourth wicket. But, his knock was crucial as it helped the Lankans to put up a total of 291 runs in 50 pavers for eight wickets. He won the Player of the Match award.

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Mohammad Nabi's blistering knock

Afghanistan needed to chase down 292 runs in 37.1 overs to qualify for the next stage along with Bangladesh by knocking Sri Lanka out of the competition. But, they had a disappointing start by losing three wickets for 50 runs. After Rahmat Shah’s dismissal, Mohammad Nabi came out and smashed the fastest fifty in ODIs in the history of Afghanistan (24 balls). He scored 65 runs off 32 balls, including six fours and five sixes and put up a quick 80-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Hashmatullah Shahidi.   

Afghanistan's heartbreak

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After Mohammad Nabi’s blistering knock and the contribution from several players like Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, Karim Zanat, and Najibullah Zadran, they needed 15 runs off seven balls with two wickets to spare. Rashid Khan was on strike and he managed to hit 12 runs in that over. So, they needed three runs off one ball. Then. Mujeeb got out but still, if the Afghans managed to score 295 runs in 37.4 overs, they would have qualified. But, Rashid was left at the non-striker end only as Fazalhaq Farooqi also got out on a three-ball duck and the Afghans lost the game by two runs.