The league stage of the 2023 Asia Cup has come to an end, setting the stage for an exciting Super Four round with India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh making it through. Nonetheless, it was the electrifying showdown between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan that truly captured everyone’s attention.
In a high-stakes match, Afghanistan faced the daunting task of chasing down Sri Lanka’s total of 291 runs in just 37.1 overs to advance to the Super Four stage. The game was a rollercoaster of tension and unpredictability, with fortunes shifting dramatically throughout. This thrilling contest kept fans on the edge of their seats right up to the final over.
Sri Lanka’s innings of 291-8 was primarily steered by the gritty 41 from opener Pathum Nissanka and Karunaratne’s composed 32. However, the game-changer came in the form of Kusal Mendis, who blazed his way to a pivotal 92 off just 84 balls. Afghanistan’s Gulbadin was the standout bowler, securing four wickets for 60 runs.
Afghanistan’s opener didn’t come to provide the opening partner they were looking for and fell short after one another. The tide turned when Gulbadin Naib was dismissed via LBW, igniting hopes for Sri Lanka. Rahmat Shah (45) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (59) valiantly battled until the end but eventually succumbed to the mounting pressure. The climax arrived in the 37 over, with Afghanistan requiring 3 runs to win in 1 ball. Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan and bowled all the batsmen to enter the Super Four round.
Here is how fans reacted on social media:
