**Nuwan Thushara Claims His 3rd Four-Wicket Haul in T20Is**
*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 18, 2025, 11:13 PM*
Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara delivered a spectacular performance against Afghanistan in Match 11 of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 held in Abu Dhabi. Thushara recorded an impressive four-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 4/18 from his four overs, playing a crucial role in restricting Afghanistan to 169/8 in their 20 overs.
Opening the bowling for Sri Lanka, Thushara struck early. He picked up two wickets in his second over, dismissing opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who attempted an aggressive shot, and bowling out Karim Janat. Continuing his fine form, Thushara took the wicket of Sediqullah Atal with a superb delivery during the powerplay. He then sealed the deal by taking a wicket off the first ball of the 17th over, wrapping up a memorable bowling display.
**Impressive Stats**
This four-wicket haul marks Thushara’s third in T20 Internationals and his fifth overall in T20 cricket. He now has 35 wickets from 25 T20Is at an average of 18.28. In total T20 matches, Thushara has claimed 169 wickets from 127 games at an average of 19.71, including two five-wicket hauls and five four-wicket hauls.
**Notable Achievements**
This was Thushara’s second four-wicket haul against Afghanistan in T20Is, with eight wickets in three matches at an outstanding average of 10.37 versus the Afghans. Additionally, he has become only the second Sri Lankan pacer to secure a four-wicket haul in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup, following Pramod Madushan’s feat against Pakistan in 2022.
Nuwan Thushara’s consistent wicket-taking ability continues to be a vital asset for Sri Lanka in the shortest format of the game.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/nuwan-thushara-shines-versus-afghanistan-in-t20-asia-cup/story
