Afghanistan team left Asia Cup-2023 without reaching Super-4. In a thrilling match against Sri Lanka, they lost by just two runs and went home. Apgan, who looked like winning at one stage, unexpectedly faltered at the end. Finally, they were bowled out for 289 runs in 37.4 overs. With this, Sri Lanka qualified for the Super-4 stage. In Group-B, Bangladesh has already qualified for Super-4. However, despite the defeat, the Afghan players were impressed with their amazing fighting style.
In this match, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat. They scored 291 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the allotted 50 overs. Kushal Mendis excelled with 92 runs. Pathum Nissanka scored 41, Asalanka scored 36 and Dunith Wellelege scored 33 not out. Among the Afghanistan bowlers, Gulbadin took 4 wickets, Rashid Khan 2 and Mujeeb 1 wicket.
Afghanistan will qualify for the Super-4 only if they beat Sri Lanka’s target of 292 runs in 37.1 overs. With this, the Afghan batters tried to run fast from the start. But Afghanistan, who lost 3 wickets for 50 runs, were in dire straits. At this time, Rehmat Shah, Shahidi and Nabi burst into action and took free steps towards the goal. Sri Lanka came back into the race after Nabi’s dismissal of 65 off 32 balls. After completing 37 overs, Afghanistan scored 289 runs. If they scored 3 runs in the first ball of the next over, they would have qualified for Super 4. However, Afghan batsman Mujeeb took a catch at the boundary line and turned back.
After that Farooqui came to the crease as the last batsman. 6 runs in 3 balls at this stage (3 runs more than the target) would have qualified for Super 4. However, this is not known to Rashid Khan and Farooqui at the crease. They are disappointed that their work is already lost. Farooqi, who played defense for two balls, was dismissed in the form of an lb on the third ball. With this, the Afghan team is out. Super-4 left without joining.