Opening batter Kusal Mendis's unbeaten 74 off 52 balls anchored Sri Lanka's authoritative run-chase of 171-4 on Thursday against spin-heavy Afghanistan with more than an over to spare. Mohammad Nabi's (60) five big sixes against spinner Dunith Wellalage in the final over provided Afghanistan hope as they posted 169-8 after captain Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to bat. Mendis neutralised the spin trio with his well-executed sweep shots.
Pakistan overcame a brief batting collapse on the field and a tumultuous period off it to beat the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 41 runs and qualify for the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup cricket tournament in Dubai. In a match that was once uncertain, then delayed by an hour, Pakistan posted 146-9 in their 20 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.