Pakistan enlivened their hopes of reaching the final of the T20 Asia Cup 2025 with a convincing five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Super Fours clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Asia Cricket Cup 2025
Both teams entered the match knowing that a loss would all but end their chances of advancing to the final of the continental tournament, which is being hosted in the United Arab Emirates. Asia Cricket Cup 2025
The win gives Pakistan a vital boost in the Super Fours standings, while Sri Lanka now face an uphill battle to stay in contention. Asia Cricket Cup 2025
After being put into bat, Sri Lanka managed just 133 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs — a total that looked below par on a batting-friendly surface. The Pakistani bowlers maintained tight lines throughout the innings, with Shaheen Afridi picking three wickets while Haris Rauf and Hussain Talat claimed two wickets apiece.
Sri Lanka’s batting faltered under pressure, with no batter managing to anchor the innings. Charith Asalanka top-scored with a fighting 32, but regular wickets kept the run rate in check, preventing the defending champions from building momentum.
In response, Pakistan started strongly with openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman putting together a promising 45-run opening stand. Farhan looked aggressive early on, smashing 24 off just 15 deliveries, including three boundaries and a six, before falling to off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana in the sixth over. Asia Cricket Cup 2025
Zaman, who was struck on the helmet by a sharp bouncer from Dushmantha Chameera in the opening over, struggled to find fluency and was dismissed just two balls after Farhan — caught brilliantly by a diving Wanindu Hasaranga in the covers. Asia Cricket Cup 2025
Theekshana’s double-wicket over tilted the balance temporarily in Sri Lanka’s favor. Pakistan’s middle order then wobbled midway as leg-spinner Hasaranga weaved his magic, removing Saim Ayub and Salman Agha in quick succession. Mohammad Haris also fell cheaply to Chameera, reducing Pakistan to 80/5 and putting them under considerable pressure with 54 runs still required.
Asia Cricket Cup 2025
From then on, all-rounders Hussain Talat and Muhammad Nawaz steered Pakistan safely home with their clean hitting and energetic display of talent.
Talat smashed 32 off 20 balls while Nawaz plundered 38 off 24 deliveries he faced as Pakistan achieved the target with two overs to spare.
With this win, Pakistan lifted their net run rate and moved closer to securing a spot in the final, relative to the outcome of their remaining Super Fours fixture.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will need to win their next match massively and hope for favorable results elsewhere to keep their campaign alive.
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Asim Tanveer is a seasoned journalist working for TV and electronic and print media outlets. He has been working for some of the world’s leading news organizations including Associated Press (AP), Reuters, BBC, CNN, CNBC, Star TV, Voice of America and The New York Times for more than 30 years. He has won several awards for his live coverage of events that include a Reuters News Agency World Award and the Pride of Performance award in 1997.
