Afghanistan's 2025 Asia Cup run ended at the group stage following a six-wicket defeat by Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi.Published On 18 Sep 202518 Sep 2025Click here to share on social mediashare2ShareSri Lanka roared to a six-wicket victory in Abu Dhabi to eliminate 2024 T20 World Cup semifinalist Afghanistan from the Asia Cup.Sri Lanka topped Group B with its third straight win as Bangladesh also qualified for the Super 4 ahead of Afghanistan with two wins and a loss.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listOpening batter Kusal Mendis's unbeaten 74 off 52 balls anchored Sri Lanka's authoritative run-chase of 171-4 on Thursday against spin-heavy Afghanistan with more than an over to spare.Mohammad Nabi's (60) five big sixes against spinner Dunith Wellalage in the final over provided Afghanistan hope as they posted 169-8 after captain Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to bat.Mendis neutralised the spin trio with his well-executed sweep shots. Wrist spinner Noor Ahmad went for 1-37 off his three overs in a rare expensive T20 figures for the left-arm spinner. Rashid also couldn't penetrate through the defences of Mendis in a quiet middle overs to return with 0-23 off his four overs.Nabi (1-20) got the wicket in the powerplay when Kamil Mishra chipped a low catch into the covers before Mendis and Kusal Perera (28) put the chase back on track with a 45-run stand.Captain Charith Asalanka made 17 off 12 balls before Kamindu Mendis (26 not out) and Kusal countercharged Ahmad and fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi (0-38) in the death overs."We did not bowl as well as we should have, and that is why we did not win," Rashid said."We had a great chance in the last game [against Bangladesh]; we did not chase 150. We had a semifinal at the last T20 World Cup, and the expectation [here] was to be at least in the next round. We will think about it, analyse and come back stronger." Advertisement Nuwan Thushara (4-18) polished off Afghanistan's top-order with three wickets inside the powerplay that included two immaculate inswingers that rattled the stumps of Sediqullah Atal (18) and Karim Jannat (1).Ibrahim Z ...