In a tense Tremendous 4 conflict on the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, Pakistan chased down a modest goal of 134 runs to ship a large blow to Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2025 ambitions. Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz performed a scintillating unbeaten partnership of 58 runs for the sixth wicket in simply 41 balls, guiding Pakistan to a snug victory with 12 balls and 5 wickets to spare. This marked Pakistan’s first T20I win over Sri Lanka in eight years. Regardless of the defeat, Sri Lanka nonetheless retain a theoretical likelihood of reaching the ultimate, requiring Bangladesh to win each of their remaining matches, a victory in opposition to India themselves, and a big internet run-rate swing to surpass each India and Pakistan.
Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz rescue Pakistan in center overs
After shedding momentum with 4 wickets falling in a span of 4 overs, Pakistan discovered themselves struggling in opposition to the spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga. Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan, who initially offered stability, fell to express bowling and sensible fielding, leaving Pakistan’s hopes hanging by a thread. At this crucial juncture, Talat and Nawaz took cost with a mix of calm rotation and calculated aggression. Singles have been well rotated to maintain the scoreboard ticking, whereas boundaries have been punished each time free deliveries appeared. Nawaz’s drives by means of cowl and sweeping photographs over high quality leg relieved the mounting stress, whereas Talat’s timing and footwork ensured he rotated strike successfully.
Sri Lanka tried a number of tactical modifications, together with bringing again Dushmanta Chameera and adjusting Hasaranga’s strains, however Pakistan’s pair was unflappable. Their partnership not solely steadied the innings but additionally shifted the momentum, steadily reducing the required run charge. With every over, Pakistan inched nearer to the goal, leaving Sri Lanka scrambling for breakthroughs that by no means got here. The duo’s partnership was a masterclass in dealing with stress and studying the sport state of affairs. Nawaz’s aggression complemented Talat’s composure completely, and the partnership’s crescendo culminated in Pakistan crossing the road with authority
Additionally WATCH: Asia Cup 2025: Abrar Ahmed mimics Wanindu Hasaranga’s iconic celebration after taking his wicket throughout PAK vs SL conflict
Shaheen Afridi’s early strikes put Sri Lanka underneath stress
Earlier, Pakistan’s pacers set the tone by dismantling the Sri Lankan prime order. Shaheen Afridi struck early, eradicating in-form Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka to depart Sri Lanka reeling at 18 for 2. A quick resistance from Charith Asalanka and Kusal Perera added some stability, however successive breakthroughs by Talat and Haris Rauf diminished Sri Lanka to 58 for 5. Kamindu Mendis fought valiantly with a 50 off 44 balls, constructing a 43-run partnership with Chamika Karunaratne, however the early harm had already crippled the innings.
Pakistan’s disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and skill to take well timed wickets ensured that Sri Lanka by no means had the momentum to put up a difficult complete. Shaheen’s early breakthroughs have been essential in establishing the platform for Pakistan’s middle-order heroes to shine. The disciplined strains and lengths of the pacers, mixed with intelligent variations from the spinners, highlighted Pakistan’s tactical nous and execution underneath stress. This efficiency additionally uncovered Sri Lanka’s vulnerabilities in dealing with disciplined tempo upfront and controlling the chase in crunch conditions. Finally, Pakistan’s bowlers set the stage for the memorable sixth-wicket stand, making certain their aspect stayed alive within the Asia Cup and considerably dented the defending champions’ confidence.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
Good efficiency from Hussain Talat tonight👏🏻 With the BAT & BOWL✅#cricket pic.twitter.com/XqsCdwjiyh
— Laraib Fatima🦋 (@Laraib_Fatiima) September 23, 2025
Pakistan managed to carry off an excellent fightback from Sri Lanka to recover from the road in tense recreation in Abu Dhabi. A useful sixth wicket partnership between Hussain Talat & Mohammad Nawaz retains their hopes of reaching the ultimate alive… #PAKvSL
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) September 23, 2025
Nicely performed Shaheen Afridi🫶🏻
Nicely performed Hussain Talat 🫶🏻
Nicely performed Muhammad Nawaz 🫶🏻
Hero’s of the day for Pakistan 🇵🇰 #AsiaCup2025 #PakistanCricket— Majid Majeed (@majidmajeed83) September 23, 2025
Talat & Nawaz steers Pakistan to tense victory with preventing stands! Nawaz brings victory with a sixer!! pic.twitter.com/H6TUzlsJdM
— Ehsan Qureshi (@EhsanQureshi_1) September 23, 2025
That was shut at one stage. Kudos to Muhammad Nawaz and Hussain Talat for saving the match.
Good battle by Sri Lankans. Better of luck for the long run.
— MD Umair Khan (@MDUmairKh) September 23, 2025
Nice win Pakistan, nonetheless there are areas the place we have to enchancment. Total sensible win. Good luck for subsequent one 😉
— Ayesha Masroor (@AyeshaMasroor56) September 23, 2025
After 8 years, Pakistan has WON in opposition to Sri Lanka in a T20I match!
The cult have been in opposition to Hussain Talat and even Nawaz; they’ve completed the sport for his or her crew.
They’re changing into a means higher aspect. Gone are the times once we will get first spherical exit. Runs from Saim and… pic.twitter.com/OxquOcJzA1— Basit Subhani (@BasitSubhani) September 23, 2025
Shukar hai aaj Be taught nahi, Win tha Congratulations 👏🥳🎉
Crew Pakistan 🇵🇰🏏😍 #PakvsSL pic.twitter.com/7SKFKbswDG— Blue Sapphire (@Bluesap26) September 23, 2025
Essential win for Pakistan 🇵🇰 #Asiacup #SLvsPAK
— Imran Shaikh (@imranshaikh026) September 23, 2025
Pakistan retains their closing hopes alive!#PAKvSL #AsiaCup2025 #T20I #cricket pic.twitter.com/yguxEP5GVP
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 23, 2025
Additionally WATCH: Asia Cup 2025: Faheem Ashraf takes an absolute blinder to dismiss Kusal Perera throughout PAK vs SL conflict
