Kusal Mendis, Nuwan Thushara knock Afghanistan out
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh qualify for the Super Four from Group B
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh qualify for the Super Four from Group B
Commentator: Shashwat Kumar
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
Chants of "Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka" going around now
Where once greatness was expected, now only meaningful contributions are required, and Kusal Mendis is playing match-winning innings while also impressing with the gloves
Sri Lanka qualified for the Super Four round but the allrounder's participation is now doubtful
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh qualify for the Super Four from Group B
He thumped 60 off 22 balls as Afghanistan seek victory for a place in Super Fours
Afghanistan made two changes: Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Darwish Rasooli replace AM Ghazanfar Gulbadin and Naib