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List Of Records Broken By Kusal Mendis With His Match-Winning 74* vs Afghanistan

Soumyajit Dutta

Kusal Mendis [Source: @OfficialSLC/X.com]Kusal Mendis [Source: @OfficialSLC/X.com]

Sri Lanka sealed a commanding six-wicket win over Afghanistan in their Group B clash of the Asia Cup 2025, held on September 18. Chasing 170, the Charith Asalanka-led side cruised home with eight balls to spare, thanks to a spectacular unbeaten 74 off 52 balls from opener Kusal Mendis.

Despite losing Pathum Nissanka early in the third over, Mendis took charge of the innings, pacing his knock perfectly to guide Sri Lanka to victory. Along the way, he broke multiple records that highlighted his dominance in the contest.

1. Highest Individual Score in a Successful T20 Asia Cup Chase

Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 74 became the highest individual score in a successful chase in T20 Asia Cup history. He surpassed Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan, who had scored 71 off 51 balls against India in the 2022 edition, helping Pakistan chase down 182 runs.

2. Second-Highest Individual Score for Sri Lanka in T20 Asia Cup

Mendis’ knock now stands as the second-highest individual score for Sri Lanka in T20 Asia Cup history. He is only behind Tillakaratne Dilshan’s unbeaten 75 against Pakistan in 2016. Unlike Mendis, however, Dilshan’s effort came in a losing cause as Pakistan chased down 151 with contributions from Umar Akmal, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shoaib Malik.

3. Dominance Across the Ground

Mendis’ 74 displayed his full range of strokes. He scored 51 runs on the leg side and 23 on the off side, showcasing his strength in playing around the wicket. His hook shots off Fazalhaq Farooqi, slog sweeps against Noor Ahmad, and powerful sixes over mid-wicket underlined his versatility. Along with cuts and boundaries to mid-wicket, he showed remarkable control throughout the innings.

The ICC No. 12-ranked ODI batter and No. 17 in T20Is, Mendis once again proved his reliability as Sri Lanka’s batting pillar. His match-winning innings kept Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup hopes alive and secured their place in the Super 4 stage. The Lankans will next face Bangladesh on September 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.