Four-time champions Sri Lanka have thumped newcomers Afghanistan by 129 runs to reach the final of the Asia Cup in Dhaka.

The Islanders scored a challenging 6-253 with in-form Kumar Sangakkara hitting a solid 76 before they bowled their rivals out for a paltry 124 in 38.4 overs.

Sri Lanka won all their three matches to gain 12 points, leaving them to play a meaningless last game against hosts Bangladesh on Thursday before having a tilt at the title.

Afghanistan, who gave a good account of themselves by beating Bangladesh by 32 runs in their second match, found Sri Lanka’s pace-cum spin attack too hot to handle and only captain Mohammad Nabi (37), Asghar Stanikzai (27) and Noor Ali Zadran (21) were among the run takers.

Nabi hit a six and three boundaries off 43 balls before he fell leg-before to spinner Chaturanga de Silva in the 33rd over.

Mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis took 3-11 in his seven overs while Thisara Perera chipped in with 3-29 in his full quota of ten overs.

Paceman Suranga Lakmal (2-30) and left-armer de Silva fetched 2-29 to complete the rout.

Only Nabi and Najibullah Zadran (11) could stay longer to put 48 runs for the sixth wicket before Afghanistan lost their last five wickets for a mere three runs.

Pakistan meet hosts Bangladesh on Tuesday and need to win to meet Sri Lanka in Saturday’s final.

Defending champions Pakistan have won two of their three matches, beating Afghanistan and India and going down to Sri Lanka.