Rashid Khan's heartbroken picture grabs attention following Asia Cup 2023 exit

Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan was left heartbroken following their exit from the Asia Cup 2023 campaign. Notably, Afghanistan ended up on the losing side by the barest of margins with a loss by a mere two runs against co-hosts Sri Lanka at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday, September 5.

Rashid, who remained unbeaten during the chase with his 16-ball 27, was left dejected as he failed to get any help from the rest of the unit to see his side through to the finish line. Following the result, Rashid was down on his knees and was seemingly disappointed with the loss in a must-win encounter.  

Speaking about the match, the Lankan Lions posted a modest total of 291 runs in their 50 overs courtesy of Kusal Mendis’ 92 runs coupled with invaluable knocks by Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, and Charith Asalanka, who got 41, 32, and 36 runs, respectively. Meanwhile, Gulbadin Naib was at his lethal best with the ball as he claimed a four-wicket haul for 60 runs in his 10 overs at a solid economy of 6.00.

During the chase, Afghanistan needed to win by a big margin so as to clinch the final spot in the Super Four. Despite the early blows which reduced them to 50/3, vital knocks by the middle order helped revive their innings to earn a potential win. Rahmat Shah, skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Mohammad Nabi got 45, 59, and 65 runs, respectively to claw their way back into the contest.

However, it was Kasun Rajitha's brilliance with the ball which earned him a four-for coupled with Dhananjaya de Silva and Dunith Wellalage getting two wickets apiece that added a new twist to the game. Though Rashid fought hard with his quickfire knock, the Lankan Lions restricted the rival side to 289 runs, thereby winning the game by two runs.

In the process, Sri Lanka became the fourth and final team to progress to the Super Four stage. They will meet team India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in the knockout rounds which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 6.