Twitter Reactions: Afghanistan punch Sri Lanka out of the Asia Cup 2018 with a 91-run win

Afghanistan has punched five-time champions Sri Lanka out of the Asia Cup 2018 with a 91-run win in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Opting to bat after winning the toss, Afghanistan were all out for 249 in 50 over on a pitch that looked to be on the slower side, making stroke-making difficult.

Rahmat Shah top-scored for the Afghans with a composed 72 off 90 balls, while pacer Thisara Perera was the most successful bowler for the Islanders with figures of five for 55.

In reply, Sri Lanka never looked settled against the Afghan spinners as they played poor shots, ran poorly between the wickets and not one batsman showed intent to be bowled out for 158 in 41.2 overs.

Twitter was relatively surprised by the result, with many commenting on Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket coinciding with Sri Lanka’s downfall.

Here are some of the reactions:

So Afghanistan ensure #IndvsSL se Aazaadi for the time being atleast by qualifying for the Super 4. A day of so much joy for the people in Afghanistan. Congratulations and enjoy @ACBofficials
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 17, 2018

Outstanding performance by @ACBofficials to defeat Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup and qualify for the Super 4. The more they play, the better they keep getting. Many congratulations to the Afghan boys.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) September 17, 2018

Well played @ACBofficials 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Sri Lanka have some serious thinking to do before next years World Cup!
— Dean Jones AM (@ProfDeano) September 17, 2018

Five time champions Sri Lanka are out of the #AsiaCup2018 even before one of the participating side (India) have played their first match. This is quite a unique situation in an international tournament!#AsiaCup #SLvAFG #AFGvSL
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) September 17, 2018

For his 72 that helped Afghanistan set an unreachable target for Sri Lanka, @RahmatShah_8 is the #SLvAFG Player of the Match! 👏#AsiaCup2018 pic.twitter.com/jXhOmVjAX2
— ICC (@ICC) September 17, 2018

Mass suicide by Sri Lanka: poorly thought out run chase, unforgivable run outs, terrible strokes. Nothing to take away from Afghanistan though. Grit in batting and marvellous bowling #AsiaCup
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) September 17, 2018

Sri Lanka crash out of the Asia Cup, with India yet to have even played a game#AsiaCup2018 #AFGvSL
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) September 17, 2018

Massive win for @ACBofficials , beating Sri Lanka. Their inspirational rise as a Cricketing nation continues. #AFGvSL
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 17, 2018

Afghanistan,inspirational performance,such a potent spin attack with Mujeeb and Rashid Khan! #AFGvSL
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) September 17, 2018

Sri Lanka out of #AsiaCup2018 even before India featured in a game. This is the first edition of Asia Cup for Sri Lanka without a game against India or Pakistan. #AsiaCup
— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) September 17, 2018

The minnow is out of the #AsiaCup2018 #SL https://t.co/TMQVTlOZCA
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) September 17, 2018

We dont only speak high, we DILLIVER
Love you #bluetigers
Congratulations Afghanistan @ACBofficials defeated @OfficialSLC in the first game of @ACCMedia1 in #AsiaCup2018 pic.twitter.com/XsHoHbsm6y
— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) September 17, 2018