Pakistan delivered a commanding performance to edge past Sri Lanka in their second Super 4s clash of the Asia Cup, leaving the hosts winless and teetering on the edge of elimination. Hussain Talat’s all-round brilliance, Shaheen Afridi’s incisive bowling, and a composed middle-order batting display guided Pakistan to a five-wicket victory with two overs to spare. Their unbroken 58-run partnership between Talat and Mohammad Nawaz proved decisive after restricting Sri Lanka to 133 for 8.
Middle Overs Prove the Turning Point
The match turned in Pakistan’s favor during the middle overs. While both sides lost three wickets each, Pakistan maintained control by slowing Sri Lanka’s scoring to just 35 runs off this phase, with only two boundaries coming. In contrast, Talat and Nawaz ensured Pakistan remained ahead of the required run rate, setting up a comfortable finish in the death overs.
Sri Lanka’s Struggle
Sri Lanka’s innings started poorly in the powerplay as Kusal Mendis fell for a first-ball duck to Shaheen Afridi. Despite Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka striking early boundaries and sixes, Afridi’s incisive bowling kept the scoreboard in check. Kamindu Mendis contributed a fighting 50, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals, leaving Sri Lanka at 70 for 5 halfway through their innings. Karunaratne and Kamindu added some late runs, helping the team reach 133, but it was too little, too late.
Pakistan’s Chase
Chasing 134, Pakistan lost early wickets in the powerplay but responded well. Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan provided initial impetus, with Farhan hitting consecutive sixes and a boundary in a lively over. Wickets fell in the middle overs, but Talat and Nawaz anchored the chase, steadily keeping Pakistan on track. Nawaz’s aggressive hitting in the death overs, including three sixes off Chameera, sealed the match with ease.
Key Performers
Shaheen Afridi’s early breakthroughs (3 for 28) set the tone, while Talat (32*) and Nawaz (38*) guided Pakistan home. For Sri Lanka, Kamindu Mendis’ 50 stood out, but Wanindu Hasaranga and other key batters struggled under pressure.
Brief Scores
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Sri Lanka: 133/8 (Kamindu Mendis 50; Shaheen Afridi 3-28, Hussain Talat 2-18)
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Pakistan: 138/5 in 18 overs (Mohammad Nawaz 38*, Hussain Talat 32*; Maheesh Theekshana 2-24, Wanindu Hasaranga 2-27)
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Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets.
What Lies Ahead
Sri Lanka now face a must-win scenario against India on September 26, though they could be eliminated earlier if India defeats Bangladesh on September 24. Pakistan, meanwhile, meet Bangladesh next on September 25, with the remainder of the tournament scheduled in Dubai.