Asia Cup 2025: Nabi's sublime knock lifts Afghanistan to 169

ABU DHABI: Nuwan Thushara’s impressive four-wicket haul checked Afghanistan progress, but Mohammad Nabi’s counterattacking half-century lifted his side to a respectable total against Sri Lanka.

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan racked up 169-8 in the 11th fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Afghanistan’s openers were off to a flyer, posting 26 runs on the board in 2.1 overs. However, Thushara had other plans, who ripped through the top order with excellent bowling.

He first removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who made 14 from eight, and then Karim Janat (1) in a span of five balls to rock Afghanistan.

As a result, Afghanistan were reduced to 32-2 in three overs.

Thushara continued on, and in the fourth over, he removed Sediqullah Atal to put Sri Lanka in the driving seat. Atal was castled after making 18 from 14 with the aid of two fours and a six.

Sri Lanka continued to mount pressure with excellent bowling and regular wickets, which left Afghanistan reeling at one stage for 114-7 in 17.1 overs.

However, it was Nabi’s blinder – 60 from just 22 balls, which powered them to an above-par score. First, Sri Lanka pacer Dushmanta Chameera came in Nabi’s way, whom he belted for three consecutive fours, an over yielding 17 runs.

32-run last over was cheery on top for Afghanistan as the veteran batter belted five gigantic sixes off Dunith Wellalage’s bowling, making it a 32-run over.

For Sri Lanka, Nuwan Thushara remained the pick of the bowlers, picking up a four-wicket haul for 19 in his four overs.

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Afghanistan XI: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (capt), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

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