Pakistan produced a balanced performance to defeat Sri Lanka by five wickets in their Super Fours encounter of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. The men in green chased down a modest target of 134 with 12 balls remaining.
Early Strikes Put Sri Lanka on Backfoot
Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka never really settled into rhythm. Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Kusal Mendis for a duck before dismissing Pathum Nissanka. Haris Rauf ended Kusal Perera’s brief resistance, while skipper Charith Asalanka also departed cheaply. Hussain Talat then struck with his very first delivery to dismiss Dasun Shanaka.
Sri Lanka’s innings was held together by Kamindu Mendis, who scored 50 off 44 balls. Useful contributions from Wanindu Hasaranga (15) and Chamika Karunaratne (17*) pushed the total to 133/8. Afridi finished with 3/28, while Talat bagged two wickets. Abrar Ahmed was economical, conceding just eight runs from his four overs.
Pakistan’s Middle Order Seals the Chase
Pakistan began briskly through Sahibzada Farhan (24 off 15) and Fakhar Zaman (17), but both fell to Maheesh Theekshana in the same over. When Hasaranga dismissed Saim Ayub and Salman Agha, Pakistan slipped to 57/4.
The recovery came from Hussain Talat (32*) and Mohammad Nawaz (38*), who stitched a 58-run stand. Nawaz’s power-hitting – three fours and three sixes – ensured Pakistan crossed the line comfortably at 138/5 in the 18th over.
Captain’s Praise for Abrar Ahmed
Speaking after the match, skipper Salman Agha lauded leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed’s control. “I go to Abrar whenever we are in difficult situations. He always delivers for us,” said the captain.
The win marked Pakistan’s first in the Super Fours stage, keeping their campaign alive in the continental tournament.
Discussion about this post