10:38pm That will be all from us for this game. The identity of all four teams in the Super Four has been confirmed. Only one league game remains now before we head into that stage, with India taking on Oman tomorrow. Do join us for that as well. Until then, this is me (Shashwat Kumar) signing off on behalf of the entire crew at ESPNcricinfo. Take care, folks!
Kusal Mendis, Player of the Match: Very happy with my innings, supported really well by Kamindu and Kusal (Perera). Everyone supported me, I enjoyed my innings. The (Afghanistan) spinners are a little faster compared to other teams, very happy that we played really well today. Kamindu batted really well, hitting a couple of boundaries. Easier then to play my innings. (On the Super Four) We have good games against three good teams. We have a good, balanced team. I hope we can do well.
Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka captain: I am really pleased with the performance today. It was almost a perfect game for us. Up front, pacers doing their job and only one time we got it wrong - the last over. But apart from that, we did a good job. (On Thushara) He is a phenomenal person for us. With the new ball, most of the times, he bowls two or three overs and does his job for the country. (On their catching) It was outstanding, especially Perera's two catches and Dushmantha's catch, it was outstanding. (How much time they spend on fielding) We want to be the best fielding side. We work a lot on that. 100 percent catching is one of our main targets. When it comes to shorter formats, we need to catch everything. (On the support from the fans) That is what we need. When we are outside in other countries, their support (means) a lot to us, and hopefully they are supporting us in the future as well.
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan captain: (On Nabi and his last-over exploits) The way we finished off the innings was so special. We knew one over was there of the spinner and if one proper batter was there, we had maximum chance of (getting a big over). We did not bowl as well as we should have and that is why we did not win. It is pretty hard on a track like that. It is not a typical spinning wicket. Different to Dubai. But still, if you play good cricketing shots, it is possible to chase 170-180. We had a great chance in the last game, we did not chase 150. That is what happens in T20 cricket. But we have to move forward and not repeat the mistakes. Last three years, we have played a lot of ICC events and Asia Cups. We had great preparation for each, but I was expecting a lot more from the boys. Was not expecting to be eliminated. We had a semi-final at the last T20 World Cup and the expectation was to be at least in the next round. We will think about it, analyze and come back stronger.
Hans: "Congratulations to Srilanka. Their fielding efforts and bowling discipline were one of the main differences. But why did Azmat Omarzai not complete his quota? Two overs, 10 runs, and one wicket. " -- It was a strange call, especially considering the others were expensive throughout.
Murtaza Mustafa: "Sri Lanka on their day can bite you hard and can beat any team on their day. Well Played Here we come Super Fours...Lions Roar!!!"
10:15pm A tricky run-chase made to look rather routine by Sri Lanka. Kusal, opening the batting, was the star of the show. His unbeaten 74 off 52 balls shepherded Sri Lanka through the tougher periods and when he opened up his shoulders, his stroke-play was awesome to watch. Perera chipped in too through the middle, as did Kamindu towards the end and after the hiccups endured against Hong Kong a few days ago, this will please Sri Lanka significantly.
A tough and gutting day for Afghanistan at the office. Nabi had given them plenty to bowl at but their bowlers, so often their match-winners, failed to turn up. Rashid was economical but finished wicket-less, with the rest, the likes of Farooqi, Mujeeb and Noor going for plenty. Nabi tried his best with his off-spin but once Sri Lanka turned it up a notch, Afghanistan, on the night, did not have many answers.
Just three more needed now
Sri Lanka are almost there, and by extension, Bangladesh, who have had quite a storied rivalry with Sri Lanka, are almost there too. Funny sport this. 10 off 12 now. Mujeeb to bowl
END OF OVER:18 | 15 Runs | SL: 160/4 (10 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 8.88, RRR: 5.00)
- Kusal Mendis66 (50b)
- Kamindu Mendis23 (11b)
- Fazalhaq Farooqi3-0-38-0
- Noor Ahmad3-0-37-1
Chants of "Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka" going around now
Farooqi to try his luck now. 25 off 18. Afghanistan also get a warning for failing to start their over on time. Over the wicket
END OF OVER:17 | 17 Runs | SL: 145/4 (25 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 8.52, RRR: 8.33)
- Kamindu Mendis15 (8b)
- Kusal Mendis59 (47b)
- Noor Ahmad3-0-37-1
- Rashid Khan4-0-23-0
27 off 20, and this is definitely SL's game to lose now
Rashid had his head in his hands the moment Noor over-pitched and conceded that six earlier in the over. 15 runs conceded via wides. How costly could that be?!
ahmed: "How are your nerves Afghanistan and Bangladesh supporters? This match honestly could go either way "
Rashid is now walking off the field and is heading into the dugout. Noor to bowl the 17th. 42 off 24
Adhil : "Did Rashid just take a short break :)" -- Don't think this will fall under the game management category. Think the landing, in particular, was harsh, as was the torque Rashid put in.
