The Asia Cup 2023 has been nothing short of a cricketing spectacle, with thrilling matches and nail-biting moments that have kept fans on the edge of their seats.

However, one of the most heart-wrenching stories of the tournament unfolded when Afghanistan narrowly missed the Super 4s qualification by a mere 2-run loss to Sri Lanka. The cricket fraternity around the world has been abuzz with reactions to this dramatic turn of events.

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Kusal Mendis led the charge with 92 with extraordinary contributions from Pathum Nissanka (41), Charith Asalanka (36), and Dunith Wellalage (33*) as Sri Lanka posted 291/8 in 50 overs.

Gulbadin Naib(4/60) was the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan.

Afghanistan started their chase poorly losing both opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran for single-digit scores while they needed to chase down the total in 37.1 overs.

However, Rahmat Shah (45), Mohammad Nabi (65 in 32 balls), and Hashmatullah Shahidi (59) kept them in the race for the target. Down the order, Karim Janat, Najibullah Zadran, and Rashid Khan with 27* almost took the Afghanistan team home.

However, they were seemingly unaware that they could’ve qualified if they had made 295 runs in 37.4 overs and had 3 more balls to achieve a bit more. In the end, Sri Lanka bowled them out for 289 runs and won the match by 2 runs to qualify for the Super 4s stage of the tournament.

The cricket fraternity was left breathless after such a close encounter and shared their emotions on social media platforms.

I cannot believe in this day and age of technology, Afghanistan were unaware that they could still go through after Mujeeb s dismissal! Easy single missed off the 3rd ball. Heartbreaking but congratulations to Srilanka. They hung in there. We have our Top 4 for #AsiaCup2023

— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) September 5, 2023

What a thrilling game it was… congrats @OfficialSLC team…Hard luck @ACBofficials team but you guys put a very good fight @MohammadNabi007 @Hashmat_50 & @rashidkhan_19 #AFGvsSL #AsiaCup2023

— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) September 5, 2023

How sad! The AFG team think tank didn’t know that their team could still qualify if they’d hit a six within 37.4 overs. The no 11 blocked the last 3 balls and eventually got out — of which one was juicy full toss #AsiaCup #AFGvSL

— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) September 5, 2023

Feeling Sad for @ACBofficials
Love the way they fought till end.#AFGvsSL #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/YL0JnNXPQm

— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) September 5, 2023

What a pity . Afghanistan fought so valiantly but being unaware that in the last 3 balls 6 runs would have seen them through and they chose to block thinkinthey cannot. Reminded of Mark Boucher in 2003 WC.
Support staff need to be more pro active especially in such qualification…

— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 5, 2023

Commiserations to Afghanistan on this defeat but u guys played really well, chin up and take a lot of positives from this. Good luck team Sri Lanka for the super four round of the Asia cup. @ACBofficials #AsiaCup2023

— Umar Gul (@mdk_gul) September 5, 2023

What a game🤯
There were not much separating the two teams but glad to see SL making it to the Super 4. We need to be more clinical with our performances in the upcoming games.
Top knock from Mendis and a clutch performance from young Wellalage👏
Tough luck but well played🇦🇫🫂

— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) September 5, 2023