The wk-batter Kusal Mendis made a solid knock powering Sri Lanka’s victory in the Asia Cup 2025 against Afghanistan on September 18 at Abu Dhabi.

He went on to smash unbeaten 74 runs off 52 deliveries helping Sri Lanka to secure 6 wicket victory. By this win, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were qualified for the Super Fours knocking out Afghanistan out of the tournament.

Batting first, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal opened the innings while Nuwan Thusara opened the bowling attack.

Nuwan Thusara went on to dismiss the entire top order bagging the wickets of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (14), Karim Janat (1) and Sediqullah Atal (18).

Zadran tried to make some resistance scoring 24 runs but Dunith Wellalage sent him back to dug out. Darwish Rasooli and Omarzai’s dismissal further hurted Afghanistan as they lost five wickets for 71 runs.

However, Mohammad Nabi along with Rashid Khan has made a solid partnership putting the side to post 169 runs in their 20 over innings.

Despite an impressive bowling performance, Sri Lanka leaked 32 runs in the final over which made Afghanistan to make a competitive total.

Nuwan Thushara went on to pick 4 wickets, while Chameera, Wellalage and Shanaka picked one wicket each.

In the pursuit of chasing 170 runs, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis opened the innings while Fazalhaq Farooqi opened the bowling attack.

With Nissanka and Kamil Mishara’s dismissal for 6 and 4 runs, Kusal Perera and Asalanka scored 28 and 17 runs before being dismissed by Mujeeb and Noor Ahmad.

Meanwhile Kusal Mendis went on to smash fifty and went on to continue the onslaught helping the side march towards victory.

Kamindu Mendis’ unbeaten 26 runs powered side’s victory in the 19th over.

“The spinners were bowling a little faster compared to the other teams. Kamindu batted well. Made it easier for me. We will have three good games in the Super Four. I hope we will do well,” concluded Kusal Mendis.