Pakistan produced an all-round version to beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in their super four-in-law of the Asia Cup 2025 In the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday. If they chase 134, the men in the green cross the finish line with 12 balls, thanks to brilliant Batting by Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz after losing early Wickets.
Sri Lanka, asked to hit first, never really found rhythm in their innings. Shahen Shah Afridi removed Kusal Mendis shortly thereafter for a duck and pathum Nissanka. The Cameo of Kusal Perera was demolished by Haris Rauf and Captain Charith Asalanka followed quickly. After this, Dasun Shanaka fell on the first ball to Hussain Talat.
The only fight came from Kamindu Mendis, who anchored the innings with a 50 out of 44 balls. His partnerships with Wanindu Hasaranga (15) and Chamika Karunaratne (17*) ensured that Sri Lanka reached 133 for 8 in their assigned 20 overs. Afridis 3 for 28 and the double strike of Talat was important, while Abrar Ahmed was impressive and only took eight runs in four overs.
The pursuit of Pakistan started in a high tone when Sahibzada Farhan hit two sixes in a 15-ball 24, while Fakhar Zaman made 17 before both fell to Maheesh Theekshana in the sixth. When Hasaranga added the wickets of Saim Ayub and skipper Salman Agha, Pakistan looked in trouble for 57.
The game turned around when Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz stabilized the chase. Talat’s 32 out of 30, while Nawaz played an unbeaten 38 out of 24 balls, three borders and three Sixes Hamerd. Their partnership ensured that Pakistan did not panic despite the losing of Mohammad Haris in the 12th.
With 26 required of the last four overs, Talat set a few boundaries of Hasaranga to wave the momentum back with the way of Pakistan. Nawaz then hit the consecutive four of Thushara and Chameera to close the deal. The duo combined 58 runs and led Pakistan to 138 for 5 to 18 overs.
Who said what?
Hussain Talat, player of the game
It is difficult because it is hot. The circumstances were not easy. I took the time. With the circumstances you can’t fully, even if you want to play aggressive cricket. The captain and coach spoke with me. The plan was to and attack. But I supported my gut feeling. I wanted to take some time and then felt that the boundaries would come. There was a lot of humidity. My energy was low. At the end we decided that he would go for the big shots. I worked a lot on my bowling with my bowling coach. I had to support my plan B.. When I come two good overs, I knew my team would benefit.
Salman Agha, Pakistan (winning captain)
I always smile. I can’t say it’s a perfect game. We have lost four wickets in 3 overs. Apart from that, it was a perfect game. We have to stop this. Our field coach worked very hard with him. We called him Rockstar. Our players have done extra on the field. Shaheen has bent really well. He is an asset to us. He is a match winner. We play so many all -rounders that the game nowadays requires that. I have known Talat for several years. Really happy for him. Nawaz as a seizure has so much potential. I hope both can continue. Abrar has bent well. When we are in a difficult situation, I go to him. I hope he can continue this for many more seasons for Pakistan.
Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka (losing captain)
If you lose 5 wickets for the 10th, it will be difficult. The surface was good. They really went well in the first 8-9 overs. We just scored 133. But we did not give up and fought very hard. Hasaranga is a superstar in white ball cricket.
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