Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in the Super 4 round of the Asia Cup 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Sri Lanka managed to score 133/8 in 20 overs. Kamindu Mendis’ hard-fought half-century helped Sri Lanka reach a respectable total. Shaheen Afridi (3/28 in 4 overs) and Hussain Talat (2/18 in 3 overs) kept things tight and did not allow the Sri Lankan batters to play freely.

In reply, Pakistan chased down the target with the help of an unbeaten 58-run partnership between Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz. Their stand rescued Pakistan after a dramatic batting collapse while chasing a modest target of 134. With this win, Pakistan kept its hopes of reaching the final alive.

Pakistan Collapse After Strong Start

Chasing 134 on a ground where teams batting first usually score around 183, Pakistan began confidently. Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman added 43 runs in the first five overs, giving their team a perfect start.

However, Sri Lanka hit back strongly. Pakistan lost four wickets for just 14 runs, slumping to 57 for 4 by the ninth over. When Mohammad Haris was bowled by Dushmantha Chameera in the 12th over, Pakistan were struggling at 80 for 5 and still needed 54 runs.

At this stage, Talat and Nawaz steadied the innings. Without taking big risks, they rebuilt patiently and later accelerated. Nawaz’s attacking shots in the final overs, including three sixes off Chameera, sealed victory with seven balls to spare.

Talat finished unbeaten on 32 off 30 balls, while Nawaz remained not out on 38 from 24 deliveries.

Afridi Leads Early Charge

Earlier, Pakistan made good use of the conditions after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf found sharp movement with the new ball.

Afridi struck in his very first over when Kusal Mendis clipped one to short midwicket. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera briefly counter-attacked, finding early boundaries, but Afridi removed Nissanka soon after.

Perera also fell in the final over of the powerplay, miscuing a shot off Haris Rauf. Sri Lanka ended the first six overs at 53 for 3, with Afridi taking two of those wickets. He later completed his spell with three wickets in total.

Talat Triggers Middle-Over Collapse

Despite losing three early wickets, Sri Lanka kept attacking. Charith Asalanka, batting fluently on 20 from 19 balls, attempted a pull shot but top-edged it to deep square leg.

The very next ball, captain Dasun Shanaka edged behind, giving Talat a double strike in one over. He finished with 2 for 18 in three overs, sparking a dramatic slowdown in Sri Lanka’s scoring.

Between overs six and 16, Sri Lanka managed just 34 runs, as Pakistan bowlers completely controlled the middle phase.
Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed was particularly economical, conceding only eight runs in four overs and dismissing Wanindu Hasaranga.

Mendis Fights Alone for Sri Lanka

While wickets kept falling around him, Kamindu Mendis fought hard for Sri Lanka. He scored a gritty 50 off 44 balls, holding the innings together.

However, no other batter provided meaningful support. As a result, Sri Lanka were restricted to 133 for 8, well below the par score for the venue.