LAHORE — In a dramatic, rain-affected encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium, Sri Lanka secured a nail-biting two-run victory over Afghanistan to clinch the final spot in the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four stage, eliminating their valiant opponents in the process.
The match, a virtual quarter-final for both sides, went down to the very last ball, encapsulating the high-stakes drama of tournament cricket. Chasing a revised target of 187 in 37 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, Afghanistan fell agonizingly short, finishing at 184 for 8, as Sri Lanka’s bowlers held their nerve in a tense finale.
A Rain-Interrupted Battle of Nerves
The contest was heavily influenced by the weather, with multiple rain delays disrupting the flow of the game. After being put into bat, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 291 for 8, built around a magnificent century from Kusal Mendis. However, the second innings was interrupted, leading to a revised target that set up a frantic run-chase. Afghanistan's innings was a story of starts, but a failure to convert them into match-winning contributions ultimately proved costly.
Mendis and Asalanka Propel Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's innings was anchored by a classy 92 from Kusal Mendis and a blistering, unbeaten 36-ball 58 from Charith Asalanka, who provided a crucial late-innings acceleration. Their partnership ensured the Lankan Lions posted a formidable total that always kept them in the game, even after the DLS recalculation. Reflecting on the team's effort, Player of the Match Mendis stated, "It was a tough wicket, so I tried to bat as long as possible. Very happy with the hundred."
Afghanistan's bowling attack, led by Gulbadin Naib's four-wicket haul, fought back admirably in the death overs to restrict Sri Lanka from reaching an even more imposing total. Naib's spell was a testament to Afghanistan's never-say-die attitude, but the late flourish from Asalanka would later prove to be the difference-maker.
Afghanistan's Valiant Chase Falls Short
In response, Afghanistan's chase was characterized by moments of brilliance overshadowed by critical mistakes. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provided a fiery start, but both fell in quick succession to the spin of Dunith Wellalage. The middle order, including the experienced Mohammad Nabi, kept the hopes alive with calculated aggression. Nabi's quickfire 23 and Karim Janat's cameo of 22 brought the equation down to a manageable requirement.
The final overs were a masterclass in pressure bowling from Sri Lanka. With 18 needed off the last two overs, the experienced Kasun Rajitha delivered a superb penultimate over, conceding only 7 runs and taking the crucial wicket of Najibullah Zadran. This left Afghanistan needing an improbable 11 runs off the final over, to be bowled by Dhananjaya de Silva.
The Final Over Drama
The last over was a microcosm of the entire match—tense, unpredictable, and thrilling. With Mujeeb Ur Rahman on strike, the equation seemed daunting. The key moments of the climax were:
- Ball 1: A single to long-on brings Karim Janat on strike.
- Ball 2: Janat smashes a boundary over extra cover, bringing the target down to 6 off 4 balls.
- Ball 3: A disastrous mix-up leads to Janat being run out, a pivotal moment.
- Balls 4-6: The tailenders can only manage singles, sealing a famous Sri Lankan victory.
The run-out of Janat was the definitive turning point. A miscommunication between him and Rashid Khan resulted in a direct hit from Wellalage, extinguishing Afghanistan's last real hope. A dejected Afghanistan captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, said after the match, "It's tough to take. We had the game, but one mistake cost us. That is cricket."
Looking Ahead to the Super Fours
With this victory, Sri Lanka joins India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in the Super Four stage of the tournament. The win extends Sri Lanka's remarkable streak in ODI cricket, marking their 13th consecutive win in the format and underscoring their status as defending champions. Their campaign in the next round will be a stern test, beginning with a match against a formidable Bangladesh side.
For Afghanistan, the exit is heartbreaking but not without pride. They pushed one of the tournament's favorites to the absolute limit and demonstrated once again that they are a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. Their performance, particularly the bowling of Gulbadin Naib and the explosive batting at the top of the order, provided several positives to build upon for the upcoming World Cup.
Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka praised his team's fighting spirit, noting, "The way the boys fought was incredible. The bowlers executed the plans under immense pressure. We knew it would be tough against Afghanistan, they are a very dangerous team. But we held our nerve, and that's what matters in these close games."
The match will be remembered as one of the classics of the 2023 Asia Cup, a testament to the thrilling unpredictability of cricket. For Sri Lanka, the journey continues as they seek to defend their title. For Afghanistan, it's a case of so near yet so far, but their performance has earned them immense respect and signaled their arrival as a consistent competitor against the best.