As the runners-up of Group ‘B’, Liton Das’s team has secured a place in the last four.
Even though Bangladesh were not directly part of the Sri Lanka-Afghanistan clash, they were deeply involved. In a way, Liton Das’s team “won” that battle too. In a thrilling encounter, Sri Lanka’s victory meant Bangladesh joined them in the Asia Cup Super Four.
Commentator Russel Arnold remarked that Sri Lanka’s successful run chase wasn’t only being celebrated in Colombo but also in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet. The Group ‘B’ equation had effectively turned Bangladesh into supporters of the Lankans for this match.
On Thursday in Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets, chasing down Afghanistan’s 169 with eight balls to spare.
With three wins and six points, last year’s runners-up Sri Lanka topped Group ‘B’ to reach the Super Four. Bangladesh, who only lost to them, finished runners-up in the group with four points.
Afghanistan, who managed only one win against Hong Kong, ended their Asia Cup campaign in disappointment. The semi-finalists of the last T20 World Cup bowed out from the group stage.
From Group ‘A’, India and Pakistan had already secured their places in the Super Four.
Liton Das’s team will face Sri Lanka in the first Super Four match in Dubai on Saturday. They will then play India on Wednesday and Pakistan the following day.
