Defending Champions Sri Lanka survived Afghanistan by only two runs in a dramatic finish to make a place for the Asia Cup Super Four stage on September 5.
Requiring to achieve a target of 292 in 37.1 overs to displace Sri Lanka on net run rate, Afghanistan fell short as Mujeeb Ur Rahman caught out with three required from the first ball of the 38th over.
They could still have reached to Super 4 stage by achieving the target 295 within 37.4 overs but seemed to not be aware of that calculation to achieve the target as number 11 batsman Fazalhaq Farooqi blocked out two balls before being out while trying another defensive shot with six required to go through.
Mohammad Nabi smashed a blistering 65-run off 32 balls while captain Hashmatullah Shahidi made a 59-run off 66 balls.
Rashid Khan smashed three boundaries off Dunith Wellalage’s 37th over, but off the first ball of the next over Mujeeb was dismissed. Sri Lanka was earlier got to 291-8 by Kusal Mendis who scored a brilliant 84-ball 92.
Pakistan and India had already qualified for the Asia Cup Super Four from Group A, while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh joined them from Group B.
Pakistan will confront Bangladesh in Lahore on September 6 to begin the Super Four stage.
