So close yet so far for Afghanistan as they failed to beat Sri Lanka in their final group stage match in order to qualify for the Super Four of the Asia Cup.
Sri Lanka took the final Super Four spot with a 2-run win against the Afghans.
Having opted to bat first, Sri Lanka managed to post a competitive total of 291/8 as Kusal Mendis top-scored for the Islanders with an 84-ball 92.
In reply, the Afghans needed to chase down the total within 37.1 overs in order to qualify.
What looked like a mammoth task at the beginning for Afghanistan, later turned out to be a nail-biting encounter as former skipper Mohd Nabi smashed a 32-ball 65 to get his team right in the mix.
However, quick wickets by the Lankans didn't help Afghanistan's cause as Rashid Khan's late 27-run cameo went in vain, with the Blue Tigers getting bowled out for 289.
The win eventually provided defending champions Sri Lanka with their Super Four spot in the end.
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