Afghanistan’s Asia Cup campaign ended in disappointment following a six-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, with head coach Jonathan Trott citing “basic errors” in bowling and fielding as key factors behind the loss. The defeat confirmed Sri Lanka and Bangladesh’s progression to the Super Four stage.
Despite Mohammad Nabi’s blistering 22-ball 60, featuring three fours and six sixes, which helped Afghanistan post 169 for eight, Trott felt his team squandered momentum through a wayward powerplay and lapses in execution. Sri Lanka’s strong start, scoring 53 runs in the initial overs, proved decisive.
“It was a very disappointing loss and a hard one to swallow. We were in a good position after Nabi’s heroics, but poor bowling and fielding let them off,” Trott said in the post-match press conference.
Trott also provided an update on captain Rashid Khan, who landed awkwardly on his back during the 16th over but completed his spell before taking a short rest.
Afghanistan had started the tournament strongly with a 94-run win over Hong Kong but suffered an eight-run defeat to Bangladesh, followed by the loss to Sri Lanka, which ended their Asia Cup journey.
