Cricket

Pakistan Triumphs Over Sri Lanka by Five Wickets to Stay Alive in Asia Cup 2025

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Pakistan secured a crucial five-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the Super Fours clash of the Asia Cup 2025, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the tournament final. The Green Shirts chased down the 134-run target in Abu Dhabi with 12 balls to spare, overcoming early hiccups to claim a vital win.

The chase began steadily as openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman added 45 runs in the powerplay. Both, however, fell in quick succession to Maheesh Theekshana, leaving Pakistan vulnerable at the top. Farhan scored a brisk 24 off 15 balls, while Fakhar contributed 17 from 19 deliveries.

Sri Lanka tightened their grip when Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed Saim Ayub and skipper Salman Ali Agha, reducing Pakistan to 57/4 inside nine overs. A brief partnership between Mohammad Haris and Hussain Talat looked promising, but Haris was dismissed by Dushmantha Chameera, leaving Pakistan at 80/5 in the 12th over.

At that stage, Mohammad Nawaz and Hussain Talat displayed remarkable composure under pressure. Nawaz’s explosive 38 off 24 balls, studded with three sixes and three boundaries, and Talat’s steady 32 from 30 deliveries carried Pakistan to victory. The unbeaten sixth-wicket stand ensured Sri Lanka had no way back into the contest.

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 133/8 in their 20 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi set the tone with early strikes, removing Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka in quick succession. Hussain Talat’s double breakthrough pushed Sri Lanka further onto the back foot, while Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf added to the damage.

Despite the collapse, Kamindu Mendis anchored the innings with a determined half-century, scoring 50 off 44 balls. His resilience gave Sri Lanka a fighting total, though wickets fell regularly around him. Shaheen finished as Pakistan’s best bowler with 3/28, while Talat and Haris Rauf bagged two each.

The win boosts Pakistan’s momentum in the Asia Cup Super Fours, setting up a tense race for the final. With bowlers firing and middle-order grit shining through, the team has renewed belief in its campaign.