Sri Lanka top group, Afghanistans loss is Bangladeshs gain in Asia Cup

New Delhi: Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by six wickets to qualify to the Asia Cup super fours stage as group toppers in ABu Dhabi on Thursday.

Afghanistan were knocked out as they need to win the match to entertain any hopes of advancing to the super fours stage as Bangladesh qualified as the second team behind Lanka from Group B.

Sri Lanka's chased down a 170-run target in 18.4 overs to win all three group matches to progress with the maximum six points while Bangladesh. courtesy of their two wins, advanced with four points.

Afghanistan finished third in the group with two points as Kusal Mendis' 52-ball 74 out out, studded with 10 fours, took Sri Lanka past the finishing line.

Kushal Perera contributed 28 off 20 balls while Kamindu Mendis remained unbeaten on 26 off 13 balls.

Earlier, Nuwan Thushara claimed 4/18 but Mohammad Nabi's late blitz took Afghanistan to 169/8. Nabi's 22-ball 60, including three boundaries and six sixes, lifted the Afghans after they lost early wickets.

Thushara claimed three wickets in the powerplay, and later dismissed Rashid Khan (24) to dnet Afghanistan's charge. Ibrahim Zadran's 27-ball 24 gave them a launch pad but it was Nabi who lifted Afghans to a competitive score.

Nabi hit five maximums in the final over off Dunith Wellalage – five sixes, including one coming off a no-ball in a stunning late assault.

Afghanistan were at 120/7 in 18 overs but Nabi turned it around with 46 runs in the last two overs, including 32 off the last six balls.

Naib shared a 35-run stand with skipper Rashid Khan (24), their highest partnership of the innings, before smashing the ball to all corners in the last 12 deliveries.

Brief scores: Afghanistan 169/7 in 20 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 24, Mohammad Nabi 60, Rashid Khan 24; Nuwan Thushara 4/18) Sri Lanka: 171/4 in 18.4 overs (Kusal Mendis 74 not out, Kamindu Mendis 26 not out).