Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 5 wickets in crucial Asia Cup clash
Pakistan chase 134 with 12 balls to spare in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI – Pakistan kept their Asia Cup 2025 campaign alive with a determined five-wicket victory over defending champions Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday night.
Chasing a modest target of 134, the Green Shirts reached 134 for 5 in 18 overs, guided home by an unbeaten stand between Mohammad Nawaz and Hussain Talat.
Pakistan prevail in a closely-contested game! ✌️
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 23, 2025
Having lost their way briefly in the middle overs, ???????? did incredibly well to keep a calm head and chase down the target & get a W against their name. ????#PAKvSL #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 #ACC pic.twitter.com/hWFvjlMMoc
The contest was billed as a virtual semifinal, with both sides entering the game on the back of defeats in their opening Super Four fixtures. Pakistan’s loss to India had left them in a precarious position, while Sri Lanka were equally desperate to rebound after being outplayed by Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka’s batting
Pakistan opted to bowl after winning the toss, and their decision immediately paid dividends. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck twice in the opening overs, removing Kusal Mendis for a duck and Pathum Nissanka for 8. His new-ball spell dismantled Sri Lanka’s top order, forcing them into early retreat.
The pressure mounted further when Kusal Perera was caught behind for 15, leaving the Islanders reeling at 43 for 3. Skipper Charith Asalanka (20) and Dasun Shanaka (0) both fell in quick succession, while Wanindu Hasaranga could only manage 15 before being undone by Abrar Ahmed’s spin.
The innings was steadied briefly by Kamindu Mendis, who fought hard with a measured 50, the only substantial contribution in an otherwise fragile batting effort. Chamika Karunaratne provided late resistance with 17 not out from 21 deliveries, but Sri Lanka could muster just 133 for 8 from their 20 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers shared the spoils: Afridi claimed 3 wickets for 25, Talat impressed with 2 for 22, Haris Rauf snatched 2 scalps, and Abrar chipped in with one.
Pakistan’s chase
In reply, Pakistan began with intent. Sahibzada Farhan struck 24 before departing to Matheesha Pathirana, but it was Fakhar Zaman’s lively 47 that anchored the chase. His knock, filled with crisp boundaries, ensured momentum despite wickets falling at intervals.
Saim Ayub (2), captain Salman Ali Agha (5) and Mohammad Haris (15) fell cheaply, raising Sri Lankan hopes of a late comeback. Yet Pakistan’s middle order steadied itself at the right time.
Mohammad Nawaz, calm and calculated, played a composed unbeaten 38, while Hussain Talat, adding to his earlier bowling success, remained not out on 32. Their partnership closed the game out in style, guiding Pakistan past the finish line with 12 balls to spare.
Asia Cup Super Four
The result puts Pakistan firmly back in contention for a spot in the Asia Cup final, with their fate now depending on continued consistency in their remaining Super Four fixtures. They next face Bangladesh in what is shaping into another must-win encounter.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. Their batting collapse under pressure has left them vulnerable in the standings, and with India still to come, their qualification path has become increasingly complicated.
The Asia Cup 2025 Super Four concludes on 26 September, with the final set for 28 September. With all four teams still mathematically in the hunt, the competition remains finely poised, promising more tense encounters in the coming days.