Afghanistan Cricket Board raises concerns with ACC regarding Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2023 Group B match

Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by just two runs in a thriller of a game.

Afghanistan were part of group B in Asia Cup 2023. In their first match against Bangladesh, the Afghanistan team suffered a defeat, losing by a considerable 89-runs margin.

Their next opponent were Sri Lanka, with the match taking place on Tuesday. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first, setting a target of 292 runs for Afghanistan to chase.

To secure a spot in the super 4 stage, Afghanistan needed to successfully pursue this target within 37.1 overs. In the closing minutes of the match, with Afghanistan at 289 runs and 9 wickets down after 37.1 overs, the commentators mentioned a critical possibility. They noted that if Afghanistan could manage to score a six with any of the three remaining balls after the 37.1-over mark, they could still qualify for the super 4.

ACB spokesman responds

However, it appeared that the Afghan players on the field were unaware of this calculation. They didn't realise that if they could accumulate just 5 more runs over the next three balls and could reach a total of 295 runs, securing their spot in the super 4 stage with a better NRR. The lack of awareness or communication on the field ultimately cost Afghanistan the opportunity to advance in the tournament.

In response to this situation, ACB’s spokesman, Mohammad Naseem Sadaat called for accountability. He demanded that those responsible for any negligence in conveying this vital information to the players be held responsible. Sadaat emphasised that even if employees of the ACB were proven to be negligent, they would not be exempt from facing repercussions for their oversight.