Pakistan produced an all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by five wickets in their Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours match on Wednesday at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Chasing 134, the men in green crossed the line with 12 balls remaining, due to excellent playing from Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz after losing early wickets.
Sri Lanka, when assigned to bat first, struggled to find a rhythm in their innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Kusal Mendis for a duck, followed by Pathum Nissanka. Haris Rauf cut Kusal Perera’s cameo short, and captain Charith Asalanka quickly followed suit. Dasun Shanaka then fell to Hussain Talat’s opening ball.
The only fight came from Kamindu Mendis, who opened the innings with a 50 off 44 balls. His partnerships with Wanindu Hasaranga (15) and Chamika Karunaratne (17*) helped Sri Lanka score 133 for 8 in their allocated 20 overs. Afridi’s 3 for 28 and Talat’s twin strike were crucial, while Abrar Ahmed was outstanding, surrendering only eight runs in four overs.
Pakistan’s chase began on a high note as Sahibzada Farhan struck two sixes in a 15-ball 24, while Fakhar Zaman made 17 before both fell to Maheesh Theekshana in the sixth over. When Hasaranga added the wickets of Saim Ayub and skipper Salman Agha, Pakistan looked in trouble at 57 for 4.
The game turned when Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz stabilized the chase. Talat’s 32 off 30, while Nawaz played an unbeaten 38 off 24 balls, hammering three boundaries and three sixes. Their partnership ensured Pakistan did not panic despite losing Mohammad Haris in the 12th over.
With 26 required off the final four overs, Talat smashed a couple of boundaries off Hasaranga to swing momentum back Pakistan’s way. Nawaz then hit successive fours off Thushara and Chameera to all but seal the deal. The duo added 58 runs together, guiding Pakistan to 138 for 5 in 18 overs.
Who Said What?
Hussain Talat, Player of the Match
It is difficult as it is hot. The conditions were not easy. I took my time. The conditions don’t allow you to go full fledged even if you want to play aggressive cricket. The captain and coach talked to me. The plan was go to and attack. But I backed my gut feeling. I wanted to take some time and then felt the boundaries will come. There was a lot of humidity. My energy was low. At the end, we decided he will go for the big shots. I was working on my bowling quite a lot with my bowling coach. I had to back my plan B. If I bowl two good overs, I knew my team will benefit.
Salman Agha, Pakistan (Winning Captain)
I always smile. Can’t say it is a perfect game. We lost four wickets in 3 overs. Apart from that, it was a perfect game. We need to stop these. Our fielding coach has been working really hard with him. We have named him Rockstar. Our players have been doing extra on the field.Shaheen has been bowling really well. He is an asset for us. He is a match-winner. We play so many all-rounders as the game nowadays demands that. I know Talat for several years. Really happy for him. Nawaz as a batter has so much potential. Hope both can continue. Abrar has been bowling well. Whenever we are in a difficult situation, I go to him. Hope he can continue like this for many more seasons for Pakistan.
Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka (Losing Captain)
If you lose 5 wickets before the 10th over, it will be hard. The surface was good. They bowled and fielded really well in the first 8-9 overs. We just scored 133. But we didn’t give up and fought really hard. Hasaranga is a super star in white ball cricket.
India
