Bangladesh move to Super Four of Asia Cup as Afghanistan lose to Sri Lanka

Kusal Mendis anchors the chase to eliminate the Afghans from the Asia Cup

Bangladesh have secured a spot in the Super Four as the runners-up of Group B, thanks to Sri Lanka’s thrilling victory over Afghanistan in their last pool stage tie.

Chasing 170, Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a commanding 74 off 52 balls, guiding the Islanders to a dramatic victory in Abu Dhabi with eight balls to spare on Thursday.

Commentator Russell Arnold remarked that Sri Lanka’s chase was being celebrated not just in Colombo, but across Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet as well.

Bangladesh, by virtue of Group B’s equation, became an unwitting supporter of the Lankan team in this match.

Sri Lanka, the runners-up from the previous edition, secured a place in the Super Four, claiming pole position in Group B with 6 points from three wins. Bangladesh, with 4 points and a single loss to Sri Lanka, finished as the group runners-up.

Afghanistan, semi-finalists of the last edition, ended their campaign in disappointment, with a sole win against Hong Kong.

India and Pakistan had already secured their spots in the Super Four from Group A.

Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka in the first Super Four match in Dubai on Saturday, followed by games against India on Wednesday and Pakistan the following day.