Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Highlights, Asia Cup 2025: Talat, Nawaz take PAK over the line in must-win encounter

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Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Highlights, Asia Cup 2025, PAK vs SL: Mohammad Nawaz and Hussain Talat guided Pakistan to a vital 5-wicket victory in their must-win clash, remaining unbeaten and sealing the win with 12 balls to spare. Sri Lanka’s spin duo Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana used turn and clever variations to lead Sri Lanka's fightback, but it wasn't enough.

Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan provided Pakistan with a solid start, setting the tone for their moderate run chase. They were 43/0 in 5 overs. Earlier, Kamindu Mendis fought hard with a composed knock to take Sri Lanka to 133/8, while Shaheen Afridi spearheaded Pakistan’s attack, rattling the batting order with three crucial wickets. Hussain Talat delivered a double strike off consecutive balls, sparking a collapse that left Sri Lanka reeling at five wickets down. Shaheen Afridi jolted Sri Lanka early, claiming both openers to establish Pakistan's control from the start. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha elected to bowl first in the must-win Super 4 clash, while Sri Lanka brought back spinner Maheesh Theekshana to strengthen their bowling attack. The competition in the Asia Cup is heating up, as Pakistan and Sri Lanka are desperate to register their first wins in the Super Four stage at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Both teams started the stage with crushing defeats, and now they will face each other to keep their final hopes alive. India and Bangladesh are tied on two points apiece, but Suryakumar Yadav’s side sits on top of the table thanks to a stronger net run rate. Sri Lanka follows in third place, while Pakistan find themselves at the bottom of the standings.

Sri Lanka sailed through the group stage without a defeat, but their winning run came to an end in the Super 4, where Bangladesh turned the tables and avenged their earlier loss. They continue to remain among the frontrunners for the title, and the same holds true as they gear up to face Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s middle order still looks vulnerable, though Dasun Shanaka’s counterpunch at No. 5 against Bangladesh was a big positive. Pathum Nissanka, who had been their star with consecutive fifties in the group stage, has struggled to carry that form forward.

In the bowling department, pacer Nuwan Thushara has impressed, currently standing as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with six scalps.

Spin wizard Wanindu Hasaranga, along with Dushmantha Chameera, Charith Asalanka, and Shanaka, have also contributed effectively across matches.

On the other hand, Pakistan bowlers have failed to make much of an impact in the tournament with Shaheen Shah Afridi proving underwhelming with the new ball. Their spinners, too, failed to capitalise on the spin-friendly conditions in the UAE. The bowling unit, too, has struggled. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who found success against lower-ranked teams like Oman and the UAE, failed to find the right lengths against a dominant Indian batting line-up and was taken to the cleaners.

The batting department has been equally underwhelming, with the middle-order struggling to keep the scoreboard moving in the second half of their innings. Against India, top order batters Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub offered a glimmer of hope, stitching together 90/1 to hand a promising start. However, the middle-order faltered miserably and they posted 171/5, which was definitely below par against a power-packed Indian batting line-up.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Highlights, Asia Cup 2025 Super Four:

- Pakistan (138/5 in 18 overs) beat Sri Lanka (133/8) by 5 wickets in Super Four game in Abu Dhabi.

- Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana spun a web of control, triggering a mini-collapse as Pakistan lost three wickets.

- Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman gave Pakistan a steady platform in their moderate chase.

- Sri Lanka score 133/8 (K Mendis 50; S Afridi 3/28, H Talat 2/18) in 20 overs vs Pakistan in Super Four game in Abu Dhabi.

- Hussain Talat delivered a double strike off consecutive balls, sparking a collapse.

- Shaheen Afridi rocked Sri Lanka from the outset, removing both openers to put Pakistan firmly in command.

- Shaheen Afridi dismissed Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis for a golden duck in the opening over.

- Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bowl first against Sri Lanka.