Asia Cup 2023: What were qualification conditions Afghanistan didn't know in clash against Sri Lanka?

Afghanistan faced a heartbreaking exit from the Asia Cup 2023 after their recent loss against Sri Lanka in the tournament. Chasing down a target of 292 runs, the side fell short by three runs as they were within touching distance of a win.

However, it was not that simple for the side. Afghanistan had to chase the target in 37.1 overs to secure their victory, and the net run rate conditions were something that the entire coaching staff and players were apparently unaware of.

The winning conditions for the sides were several. If they had scored 294 runs in 37.3 overs, they would have qualified. Similarly, 295 in 37.4 overs, 296 in 38 overs, and 297 in 38.1 overs would have all resulted in Super Four qualification for Afghanistan. If Afghanistan had scored 295 in 37.5 overs, then the NRR of both Afghanistan and Sri Lanka would have been tied. In such a scenario, a coin toss would eventually decide who qualifies for the next round.

Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by two runs

Speaking of the game between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, Sri Lanka came in to bat first after winning the toss. However, the side failed to make as much of an impact in the first innings. Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne propelled the side off to a good start, with Kusal Mendis scoring 92 runs in 84 deliveries. The side managed to post 291 runs on the board in the first innings. 

Gulbadin Naib was the star for Afghanistan in the first innings, taking four wickets and conceding 60 runs in 10 overs. Rashid Khan took two wickets, whereas Mujeeb Ur Rahman struck once. 

Aiming to chase down the target, Afghanistan got off to a horrid start as the top-order failed to capitalize. However, Rahmat Shah played a brilliant knock scoring 45 runs in 40 deliveries. Hashmatullah Shahidi followed it up with a knock of 59 runs in 66 balls, with Mohammad Nabi scoring 65 runs in 32 balls. Furthermore, some late pushes by Rashid Khan and Najibullah Zadran helped Afghanistan reach within touching distance of a win. However, they fell short in the end, only managing to score 289.