Kusal Mendis produced a composed, unbeaten knock of 74 as Sri Lanka booked their place within the Tremendous 4 stage of the Asia Cup with a six-wicket win over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. The outcome ended Afghanistan’s marketing campaign and confirmed Bangladesh’s development alongside Sri Lanka from Group B. Set 170 to win, Sri Lanka’s chase was examined early when Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara departed cheaply. The strain was taken up by Mendis, who steadied the innings with warning and managed aggression. His 52-ball effort featured well-timed hits on either side of the wicket and supplied the spine round which Sri Lanka’s profitable chase was constructed. Kusal Perera chipped in with a fast 28, whereas Charith Asalanka added essential runs within the center overs. Kamindu Mendis closed the competition with an unbeaten 26, guaranteeing Sri Lanka crossed the road with eight balls to spare. The profitable second got here within the nineteenth over when Mendis pulled Mujeeb Ur Rahman for 4 to seal the outcome at 171/4. Earlier, Afghanistan posted 169/8, thanks largely to a blistering 22-ball 60 from Mohammad Nabi. Strolling in throughout a interval of battle, Nabi counter-attacked brilliantly that swung the momentum briefly in his group’s favour. Rashid Khan’s late cameo of 24 additionally proved helpful, however Afghanistan’s innings by no means absolutely recovered from the string of wickets that saved falling round them. For Sri Lanka, Nuwan Thushara led the bowling with figures of 4/18, dismantling Afghanistan’s high order with accuracy and variations. His early strikes prevented Afghanistan from capitalising on Nabi’s onslaught, leaving the entire simply wanting being imposing. Afghanistan fought again with the ball, dismissing Sri Lanka’s openers cheaply and sustaining strain by way of the center overs. Nonetheless, wayward fielding undid their efforts. With this defeat, they exit the event with only one win, whereas Sri Lanka’s larger expertise and composure proved decisive on this strain contest.

Sri Lanka will now carry momentum into the Tremendous 4 stage, the place they’re set to fulfill more durable opposition, together with a rematch with Bangladesh.