Asia Cup 2018: 3 reasons why Sri Lanka lost to Afghanistan

#2 Afghanistan's bowling performance

Nabi and Rashid Khan choked the Lankan middle order

Mujeeb Ur Rahman started the proceedings for Afghanistan bowlers and his line and length was immaculate. Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid Khan choked the Sri Lankan middle-order and the slow pitch didn't help the Lankan batsmen to get a hold on to the proceedings.

Shehan Jayasuriya didn't help matters for Sri Lanka. The spin duo of Mujeeb and Rashid had a great reputation in choking batsmen with their tight bowling and it was evident in this crucial encounter against the Lankans.

Sri Lankan batting which is adept at batting in such slow conditions never really fired and their failure to stitch together a partnership or two resulted in their defeat. Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib were on fire for most of their spells.