Kusal Mendis strikes form as Sri Lanka knock Afghanistan out of Asia Cup

Bangladesh qualify with Sri Lanka for Super Four

- Sa'adi Thawfeeq

Sri Lanka’s wicket-keeper/ batsman Kusal Mendis found form just as the Super Four is dawning, guiding his team to a six-wicket win against Afghanistan in the final Group B match of the Asia Cup, played at the Zayed Cricket Stadium here yesterday.

In a tricky run chase, the opener top-scored with 74* off 52 balls (10 fours), as Sri Lanka chased down Afghanistan’s total of 169-8 to win with 8 balls to spare. The win for Sri Lanka meant that they topped Group B with three wins and qualified for the Super Four with Bangladesh, who ended up second with two wins. Afghanistan was knocked out of the tournament after yesterday’s defeat.

When Sri Lanka began their run chase, their first objective was to get to a score of 101, which would give them qualification for the next stage. When Charith Asalanka crashed Rashid Khan through the covers for four in the 13th over, Sri Lanka went past that score, after which Player of the Match Kusal Mendis, joined by Kamindu Mendis, carried the team to victory with an unbroken stand of 52 off 23 balls.