Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 6th Match, Group B at Lahore, Asia Cup, Sep 05 2023 - Match Result

You would expect teams to know exactly what to do and how much to get when it comes to must-win fixtures like these. Unfortunately for Afghanistan though, that didn't seem to be the case, just like some confusion had eliminated the host country from the 2003 World Cup. Thus, there will be questions asked of the management. But hindsight is a wonderful thing, as Sri Lanka have made it to the Super Four already. That was it from us tonight from this nail-biter, as we bring you the action again tomorrow. Till then, see you!

"More on extra-deliveries rule... pls advice team management to follow Cricinfo in future matches" --- Or simply be more aware, Pubudu

Kusal Mendis is the Player of the Match: "I batted really well in the first ten overs and in the middle overs. I did my best for my team. There was a bit of pressure. The pitch is so good that it's very hard to bowl; only four fielders were out. There was good fielding and catching, which is why I think we won. Wellalage bowled really well; he got two wickets in only three wickets. Matheesha is improving."

Dasun Shanaka after the nervous win: "It's a tough one. It's very hard to defend such a total with only four fielders [on the boundary]. DDS and my wickets were important. Mendis and Asalanka built the innings well. Credit to Theekshana and Wellalage that we ended at 291. First target was that [it was a 37.1-over game]. A couple of wickets opened the door for us. Nabi took the game away from us. However, we ended up winning - that's what is important!"

Time for the presentations

Lasan Rashmika: "People who can remember Adithya Tare, Corey Anderson and Mumbai Indians are the ones who are aware of that rule"

Matheesha Pathirana: "Very tough game. Finally we qualified. Really happy that we won. I try to be calm under pressure, and that's why I smile. I try my best [with some seniors absent]."

Hashmatullah Shahidi after the close loss: "Very disappointed about it. We fought well. We gave our 100%. I am proud of the team - of the way they played, and fought till the last ball. We have played good cricket in ODIs in the last couple of years. But from the last four or five games we were struggling. We are very near to the World Cup. We will learn from and work on what we did here. Our crowd always supports us, and we are thankful to them. We try our best to give something to them; we feel sorry for them that we didn't qualify today."

Marsh: "And SL continue to wrap-up their opponents for the 12th time, despite the game is written all over for AFG."

Ravi: "I don't think they were aware of this extra-deliveries rule...."

9.57pm Seemingly, Afghanistan weren't aware that they could actually use more deliveries than the 37.1 overs they were actually slated for to qualify. No. 11 Farooqi ended up blocking these last three balls, denying Rashid the strike. It's a shame, really, as Afghanistan will rue the missed opportunity. Such chances don't come everyday, such dreams are rarely fulfilled. But full credit to Nabi, Shahidi and co for making the game what it turned out to be. Hang around for the presentations.

So this ball has to go for a six for Afghanistan to qualify.

Over the wicket now

If Afghanistan get to 295 in 37.4 overs, they can still qualify. Farooqi is the last man, who just has to give the strike to Rashid.

DDS to Mujeeb, from around the wicket

Okay, Afghanistan need three off one ball to win this and qualify. But, but... if they score two off this ball, they get more deliveries in hand.

11 off 3 for qualification

Wellalage from around the wicket

Afghanistan are potentially seven balls away from perhaps their greatest win across formats. They need 15, with Rashid on strike.

Nayan: "Phew!!!"

Mujeeb at No. 10

16 off 10 for Afghanistan's place in Super Fours

Ifhaam: "This match has surely given the message that AFG isn't a weak team anymore"

For qualification, Afghanistan need 27 from 13 balls. And here comes Rajitha.

Now 31 from 16 balls needed for Afghanistan's qualification