Win Projections to be updated soon
Afghanistan faced a crucial do-or-die encounter against Sri Lanka in the 2023 Asia Cup, with their Super Four hopes hanging by a thread. To qualify, Afghanistan needed to chase down Sri Lanka’s imposing total of 292 runs within 37.1 overs to surpass Sri Lanka’s net run rate (NRR).
Sri Lanka had a strong start to the tournament, but their NRR was vulnerable. The scenario was intricate; if Afghanistan managed to chase the target within 37.1 overs, their NRR would improve significantly. However, if they took longer, their NRR would suffer, and they would miss the Super Four.
Conversely, if Afghanistan tied the game or won with scores level after 37.2 overs, they’d get more time. If they reached 297, they had until 38.1 overs to seal victory, but if Sri Lanka bowled a wide or no-ball, Afghanistan’s target would revert to 292.
The outcome hinged on Afghanistan’s batting performance and Sri Lanka’s ability to defend their total. A thrilling match awaited, with both teams aiming for a spot in the coveted Super Four of the Asia Cup.
Afghanistan mounted an intense run-chase against Sri Lanka in the 2023 Asia Cup, led by Mohammad Nabi’s exceptional batting. In a match where Net Run Rate (NRR) played a crucial role, Afghanistan faced a daunting task of chasing down 292 runs in 37.1 overs to stay in contention for the Super Fours.
Afghanistan missed a massive chance
Afghanistan still had a glimmer of hope in the Net Run Rate (NRR) calculations. If they managed to level the score at 291 and then hit a four by the 37.4-over mark or a six by the 38.1-over mark, they could have advanced. However, it appeared that Afghanistan’s middle-order batsmen, particularly No. 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid, were not aware of this possibility. Farooqi defended the next two balls, but unfortunately, he was dismissed leg-before-wicket (LBW) off the following delivery. This unfortunate wicket marked the end of a valiant effort by Afghanistan to achieve what seemed like an impossible feat.
Sri Lanka’s pace bowlers struck early, with Kasun Rajitha dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran within the first five overs. Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah fought back with an aggressive partnership, reducing the required runs to 181 in 20 overs.
Mohammad Nabi then took center stage, playing an explosive innings, including a rapid half-century off just 24 balls. He took on Sri Lanka’s bowlers, hitting boundaries and sixes, shifting the momentum in Afghanistan’s favor. Nabi’s incredible effort continued until the 27th over when he was caught at long-on, scoring 65 off 32 balls.
Despite Nabi’s departure, Afghanistan remained competitive, with Hashmatullah Shahidi reaching his half-century and Karim Janat contributing aggressively. However, they lost crucial wickets, and Rashid Khan’s entry brought more excitement. Afghanistan kept the chase alive, but in the end, they fell short by just three runs off the final ball, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman getting dismissed.
Sri Lanka survived the spirited Afghanistan chase, securing their spot in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup.
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