KEY POINTS
- Pakistan trump Sri Lanka in a nervy chase by 5 wickets to remain in contention for a spot in the final
- Sri Lankan bowlers struck early, but couldn’t defend a modest 133 as Pakistan chased it down with 12 balls to spare
- Kamindu Mendis’s 50 and Shaheen Afridi’s 3-wicket haul were standout performances in a tense Super Four clash
ABU DHABI: In a must-win Super Four clash of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 5 wickets with 12 balls to spare, thanks to a calm and calculated partnership between Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday night.
Chasing a modest target of 134, Pakistan found themselves in early trouble at 57 for 4 as Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Maheesh Theekshana (2/24) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2/27), struck quickly to remove the top order. But it was the composed fifth-wicket stand between Talat and Nawaz that turned the tide.
After Mohammad Haris fell in the 12th over, Pakistan were still in a tricky position at 80 for 5. From there, Talat (32 off 30) and Nawaz (38 off 24)* stitched together an unbeaten 58-run partnership that stabilized the innings and took the game away from Sri Lanka.
Nawaz played the aggressor’s role, smashing 3 fours and 3 sixes, while Talat anchored the chase with maturity. Their partnership not only sealed the win but also boosted Pakistan’s chances of reaching the final.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 133/8 after being put in to bat. Kamindu Mendis was the standout performer with a steady 50 off 44 balls, while the rest of the batting lineup struggled against a disciplined Pakistan bowling unit.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 28, supported by Haris Rauf (2/37) and Hussain Talat (2/18). Abrar Ahmad bowled one of the economical spell of 1-8 in the allotted 4 overs.
Despite the low total, Sri Lanka had their moments in the field, but their bowlers couldn’t defend the score in the face of a clinical Pakistan finish.
With this win, Pakistan remain in contention for a spot in the Asia Cup final, while Sri Lanka’s road to qualification becomes more complicated.
