Pakistan Stun Sri Lanka to Keep Asia Cup Hopes Alive

Pakistan pulled off a dramatic five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Monday, keeping their Asia Cup 2025 dreams alive in a match filled with tension, twists, and unforgettable moments.

Toss and Early Drama

Winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha opted to field first, confident that the early evening conditions and a dry Abu Dhabi pitch would favor his bowlers. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, made two changes, bringing in Chamika Karunaratne and Maheesh Theekshana, while Matheesha Pathirana was sidelined due to illness.

From the first over, Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi made an impact, dismissing Kusal Mendis for a golden duck. Early wickets continued to tumble as Pathum Nissanka also fell cheaply, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 18/2.

Amid the early collapse, Kamindu Mendis emerged as Sri Lanka’s savior, crafting a determined 50 off 44 balls. However, wickets continued to fall around him, including Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka, leaving Sri Lanka with a modest total of 133/8 in 20 overs. Afridi finished with 3 wickets for 28 runs, while Hussain Talat picked up two vital strikes in the middle overs.

Pakistan’s Rocky Chase

Pakistan began their chase strongly, with Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman putting together a brisk 45-run opening stand in five overs. But Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought back. Maheesh Theekshana removed Farhan, followed by the dismissals of Fakhar and captain Salman Ali Agha. Pakistan slumped to 80/5, and the momentum seemed to swing firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Talat and Nawaz: The Calm Under Pressure

The game was rescued by a composed partnership between Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz. Their unbroken 58-run stand steadied Pakistan and chipped away at the target. Nawaz’s timely boundaries and final six in the 18th over secured the win, finishing on 38 not out, while Talat contributed a steady 32 not out.

“This was a game where patience mattered most,” Talat said after the match. “We stayed calm and focused on every delivery. That’s what made the difference.”

Key Moments

• Shaheen Afridi’s early strikes set the tone for Pakistan’s dominance with the ball.

• Kamindu Mendis’ fightback gave Sri Lanka some hope but was ultimately insufficient.

• Middle-order collapse in Pakistan’s innings created suspense and drama.

• Talat and Nawaz’s finishing partnership turned the tide and secured victory.

Implications for Asia Cup 2025

With this win, Pakistan remain in contention for the final alongside India and Bangladesh. Sri Lanka, after consecutive losses, are eliminated. Pakistan now face Bangladesh on September 25, a match that will decide who progresses to the final and potentially sets up a high-stakes clash with India.

Quick Scorecard

Sri Lanka 133/8 (20 overs) – Kamindu Mendis 50, Shaheen Afridi 3/28, Hussain Talat 2/12
Pakistan 134/5 (18 overs) – Mohammad Nawaz 38*, Hussain Talat 32*, Maheesh Theekshana 2/25
Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Hussain Talat