Asia Cup : Sri Lanka set Afghanistan 292-run target

To survive in this year's Asia Cup, Afghanistan has no option to win today's match. After losing the first match against Bangladesh, Rashid Khan needs a big win against Sri Lanka. Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and decided to bat first in the last match of the group stage in Lahore, Pakistan. Kushal Mendis came down to bat with an excellent innings of 92 runs and the Lankans collected 291 runs after losing 8 wickets in the scheduled 50 overs.

A tough equation ahead of Afghanistan ahead of the do-or-die match. To survive in the Asia Cup, Hashmatullah Shahid will have to chase down any target given by Sri Lanka within 35 overs. The Lankans, on the other hand, have a simple equation in front of them. A win will ensure the Super Four. Or if Shanaka's team loses the match, if it is after 36 overs, then the final four is guaranteed even after such a loss.

Batting first, Dinuth Krunaratne and Pathum Nisanka gave the Lankans a great start. The two openers scored 62 runs without a wicket in the power play. But in the middle over, Shanaka's team got pressured by the bowling balls of Afghan pacer Gulbadin Naib.

Sri Lanka lost 3 wickets for 86 runs from zero wickets for 63 runs. However, Charith Asalanka and Kushal Mendis grabbed the team for the fourth wicket.

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