ABU DHABI: Pakistan secured a thrilling five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours at Zayed Cricket Stadium, thanks to an all-round performance from Hussain Talat.
Chasing 134, Pakistan stumbled to 80-5 after quick strikes from Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga. Openers Sahibzada Farhan (24) and Fakhar Zaman (17) gave a steady start, but the middle order faltered. Hussain Talat (32* off 30) and Mohammad Nawaz (38* off 24) then staged a match-winning 58-run stand, with Nawaz’s back-to-back sixes sealing the chase in 18 overs.
Earlier, Shaheen Afridi’s fiery spell (3-24) and Talat’s double strike dismantled Sri Lanka, restricting them to 133-8. Kamindu Mendis fought back with a gritty 50 off 44 balls, but lacked support as Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals.
With this victory, Pakistan boosted their chances of reaching the Asia Cup final, while Sri Lanka failed to capitalise on key moments in the high-pressure encounter.
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