Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2025 Asia Cup Super Four: Pakistan Wins by 5 Wickets | Match Highlights

At Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium on September 23, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in an exciting Super Four match of the 2025 Asia Cup. With this crucial victory, Pakistan maintained their chances of advancing to the final, while Sri Lanka suffered their second straight defeat, further limiting their prospects.

Quick Match Snapshot

Standout Performers

Pakistan

• Shaheen Shah Afridi:

  • 🔹 4 overs, 3/28

  • 🔹 Early wickets reduced Sri Lanka to 23/2

• Hussain Talat:

  • 🔹 32 runs off 30 balls

  • 🔹 2 wickets in 3 overs

  • 🔹 All-round match-winning contribution

• Mohammad Nawaz:

  • 🔹 38* off 24 balls

  • 🔹 Finished the game with a six

Sri Lanka

• Kamindu Mendis:

  • 🔹 Scored 50 off 44 balls

  • 🔹 Anchored a faltering innings

• Wanindu Hasaranga:

  • 🔹 4 overs, 2/27

  • 🔹 Effective with the ball but couldn’t prevent defeat

Turning Points

• Shaheen Afridi’s Fiery Start:
  🔸 Struck early blows, putting Sri Lanka on the back foot at 23/2

• Mendis’ Resistance:
  🔸 Scored a gritty fifty, but lacked support from others

• Pakistan’s Mini-Collapse:
  🔸 Lost 4 wickets in quick succession, making the chase tense

• Talat-Nawaz Partnership:
  🔸 A steady and composed stand of 58 runs that sealed the win

• Winning Six by Nawaz:
  🔸 Finished the match in style with a six, 12 balls to spare

In-Depth Match Analysis

Sri Lanka’s Batting Woes

• Poor shot selection and top-order collapse hurt them early.

• Shaheen Afridi’s sharp spell meant they were only 23/2 in the Powerplay.

• Only Kamindu Mendis showed resilience with his 50 off 44.

• Lack of partnerships meant they could only muster 133/8 in 20 overs.

Pakistan’s Bowling Excellence

• Afridi led the attack with 3 wickets.

• Nawaz kept things tight in the middle overs.

• Abrar Ahmed and the seamers kept the pressure up throughout the innings.

Pakistan’s Chase – From Shaky to Steady

• Early wickets rocked the chase; at one stage, Pakistan were 80/4 in 13 overs.

• Talat and Nawaz stepped up with a calm 58-run stand.

• Nawaz’s finishing flair ensured the game didn’t drag to the final over.

Player of the Match: Hussain Talat

• Contributed with both bat and ball.

• His economical bowling and timely runs stabilized the chase.

• Recognized for his calm under pressure and all-round impact.

Takeaways from the Match

• 🔹 Pakistan’s playoff hopes stay alive with a must-win completed.

• 🔹 Sri Lanka need to win their last two to stay in contention.

• 🔹 Pakistan’s bowlers adapted brilliantly, and the middle order showed grit.

• 🔹 Sri Lanka must fix their top-order fragility and seek more batting depth.

Final Thoughts

• This was a classic example of how key moments dictate outcomes in T20 cricket.

• With the Super Four stage heating up, both teams now face tougher challenges.

• Pakistan will gain confidence from this comeback, while Sri Lanka must regroup quickly.

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