A young Sri Lankan side watched victory slip away in heartbreaking fashion as Afghanistan chased down a tough target in a nail-biting final over, leaving fans shaken and the tournament wide open.
Sri Lanka suffered a dramatic and disappointing 3-wicket defeat at the hands of Afghanistan in a thrilling encounter held today in Doha during the Asia Cup Rising Stars Twenty20 tournament organised by the Asian Cricket Council. The match, packed with intensity from the start, became one of the most gripping contests of the competition as both teams fought fiercely for dominance.
Batting first, the Sri Lankan team led by captain Dunith Wellalage posted a competitive total of 170 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The innings saw several promising contributions, but Sri Lanka ultimately fell short of the extra burst needed to push the score beyond reach. Despite the strong total, the pressure of defending it under lights in Doha proved to be a major challenge.
Chasing 171, Afghanistan displayed remarkable composure and aggressive intent. Their top and middle order kept the scoreboard moving with calculated hitting, steadily reducing the required rate. Sri Lanka managed to take key wickets and briefly regained control, but Afghanistan refused to break under pressure. Reaching the target in 19.1 overs for the loss of 7 wickets, the Afghan side sealed a memorable win that electrified the stadium and shifted the momentum of the tournament.
The loss places Sri Lanka in a tough position as they seek to recover and fight for a stronger standing in the competition. Fans will be eager to see how the young squad responds to this setback in their upcoming matches.
