Pakistan delivered a clinical all-round performance to outplay Sri Lanka in their second Super 4s clash of the Asia Cup 2025. A combination of Shaheen Afridi’s early breakthroughs, Hussain Talat’s all-round brilliance, and Mohammad Nawaz’s measured finishing ensured Pakistan’s comfortable five-wicket win with two overs to spare. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, now stand on the brink of elimination, having failed to register a single win in the Super 4s stage.
.@mnawaz94 seals it in style with three sixes! 💥
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 23, 2025
Pakistan clinch victory over Sri Lanka by five wickets 🏏#PAKvSL | #BackTheBoysInGreen | #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/aFxXB6FLLX
Shaheen Afridi’s Fiery Spell Shatters Sri Lanka’s Start
From the opening over, Pakistan seized control of the contest. Shaheen Afridi, in his trademark fashion, struck with his very first delivery to remove Kusal Mendis for a golden duck, flicking tamely to midwicket. The early jolt rattled Sri Lanka’s plans, and although Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka tried to counterattack with audacious sixes, Afridi returned to silence their charge. Nissanka’s attempted cross-batted stroke only resulted in a thin edge, and within the same over, Sri Lanka’s momentum evaporated.
Faheem Ashraf added to the misery, forcing Kusal Perera into a miscue straight to mid-on. Haris Rauf, too, struck with his sharp pace, making Sri Lanka’s powerplay a tale of fleeting boundaries followed by crippling setbacks. By the end of six overs, Sri Lanka were 53/3, having scored briskly but at the cost of key wickets.
Middle Overs: Talat and Abrar Tighten the Screws
If Afridi’s opening spell damaged Sri Lanka’s foundation, the middle overs completely dismantled their innings. Hussain Talat, who had already showcased his utility with the ball earlier in the tournament, struck twice in two deliveries. Charith Asalanka, who looked scratchy, mistimed a pull straight into the deep, and Dasun Shanaka edged the very next ball to the wicketkeeper. Suddenly, Sri Lanka were reeling at 58/5, their innings in tatters.
Abrar Ahmed then took over with guile and precision. Bowling with subtle variations, Abrar cleaned up Wanindu Hasaranga, who attempted to play across the line but was beaten comprehensively. His spell of 1 for 8 in four overs exemplified discipline and accuracy. During this period, Sri Lanka endured a 21-ball boundary drought, a stark reflection of Pakistan’s stranglehold. At the halfway mark, the score read 70/5, leaving Sri Lanka with little room for recovery.
Kamindu Mendis Fights a Lone Battle
Despite the collapse around him, Kamindu Mendis stood tall. The left-hander displayed grit, composure, and timing, resisting Pakistan’s relentless attack. He reached his half-century off 43 balls, striking boundaries off Talat, Rauf, and Ashraf to inject life into a sinking innings. Alongside Chamika Karunaratne, Kamindu lifted Sri Lanka past the 100-run mark, adding 28 runs in the final three overs.
However, Afridi returned in the 18th over to trap Kamindu leg-before, a decision confirmed on review. With his dismissal, Sri Lanka’s hopes of a late surge were extinguished, and they eventually limped to 133/8 in their 20 overs. While the tail did enough to give their bowlers something to defend, the total was clearly below par on a batting-friendly Dubai surface.
Pakistan’s Chase: A Stumbling Start
In pursuit of 134, Pakistan began brightly but were jolted by Sri Lanka’s spirited pacers. Dushmantha Chameera, steaming in with venom, struck Fakhar Zaman on the helmet and tested the openers with sharp bounce. Nuwan Thushara bowled with raw pace, troubling the batsmen with movement off the seam. Yet it was Maheesh Theekshana who made the decisive strikes, removing both openers—Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman—through miscued lofted shots.
At 48/2 in the powerplay, Pakistan were ahead in terms of run rate but could not afford complacency. Farhan’s cameo, which included consecutive sixes, had eased initial nerves, but Sri Lanka sensed an opening. Hasaranga soon raised their hopes further, bowling Saim Ayub with a leg-break that spun past the bat and trapping skipper Agha Salman lbw in his very next over. Pakistan suddenly found themselves 71/4 after 10 overs, the contest delicately poised.
Talat and Nawaz Take Charge
This was the moment when Pakistan’s middle order showcased maturity. Hussain Talat, having already delivered with the ball, anchored the chase with calmness, finding gaps and rotating strike. At the other end, Mohammad Nawaz counterattacked smartly, picking up boundaries against Hasaranga and Thushara to relieve the pressure. Their partnership grew steadily, absorbing Sri Lanka’s best efforts while ensuring the required rate stayed under control.
As the equation narrowed to 14 runs off 18 deliveries, Talat capitalised on loose deliveries, striking two fours in Hasaranga’s final over. With the finish line in sight, Nawaz took center stage. In a breathtaking display of power, he hammered three towering sixes off Chameera in the 18th over, sealing victory in emphatic style. Pakistan finished at 138/5 in 18 overs, with Talat unbeaten on 32 and Nawaz on 38.
Match Summary
- Sri Lanka 133/8 (20 overs): Kamindu Mendis 50, Shaheen Afridi 3/28, Hussain Talat 2/18, Abrar Ahmed 1/8
- Pakistan 138/5 (18 overs): Mohammad Nawaz 38*, Hussain Talat 32*, Maheesh Theekshana 2/24, Wanindu Hasaranga 2/27
- Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets with 12 balls remaining
Implications for the Tournament
This result leaves Sri Lanka teetering on the edge of elimination. With two consecutive losses in the Super 4s, they now depend heavily on other results, particularly India’s clash with Bangladesh, to keep their hopes alive. If India defeat Bangladesh, Sri Lanka’s final game against India may become a mere formality.
For Pakistan, however, this win provides not only crucial points but also confidence. Their balance, depth, and ability to absorb pressure highlight their credentials as serious contenders for the trophy. With Afridi leading the attack and the middle order clicking, they appear well-equipped to challenge India in what could be a blockbuster finale.
Key Takeaways
- Shaheen Afridi reaffirmed his status as Pakistan’s strike weapon, dismantling Sri Lanka’s top order with precision.
- Hussain Talat’s all-round performance stood out—contributing with wickets at key junctures and finishing unbeaten in the chase.
- Mohammad Nawaz’s explosive hitting ensured there were no last-minute jitters.
- Sri Lanka’s reliance on Kamindu Mendis underlined their frailty, as once again the middle order faltered under pressure.
- Pakistan’s ability to win even after losing early wickets reflects their growing maturity and resilience in crunch situations.
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32* with the bat, 2-18 with the ball 💥
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 23, 2025
Hussain Talat is the player of the match vs Sri Lanka 🌟#PAKvSL | #BackTheBoysInGreen | #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/h7SzE8HD5c
Conclusion
Pakistan’s emphatic victory over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s was a statement of intent. Afridi’s early breakthroughs, Talat’s all-round brilliance, and Nawaz’s fearless finishing highlighted the team’s balance and resilience. Sri Lanka’s campaign now hangs by a thread, reliant on other results to survive. For Pakistan, this win consolidates their momentum and strengthens their claim as one of the strongest contenders for the final showdown.
