In a tense Super Four clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, Pakistan chased down a modest target of 134 runs to deliver a massive blow to Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup ambitions. Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz played a scintillating unbeaten partnership of 58 runs for the sixth wicket in just 41 balls, guiding Pakistan to a comfortable victory with 12 balls and five wickets to spare. This marked Pakistan’s first T20I win over Sri Lanka in eight years. Despite the defeat, Sri Lanka still retain a theoretical chance of reaching the final, requiring Bangladesh to win both of their remaining matches, a victory against India themselves, and a significant net run-rate swing to surpass both India and Pakistan.
Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz rescue Pakistan in middle overs
After losing momentum with four wickets falling in a span of four overs, Pakistan found themselves struggling against the spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga. Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan, who initially provided stability, fell to precise bowling and brilliant fielding, leaving Pakistan’s hopes hanging by a thread. At this critical juncture, Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz took charge with a blend of calm rotation and calculated aggression. Singles were smartly rotated to keep the scoreboard ticking, while boundaries were punished whenever loose deliveries appeared. Nawaz’s drives through cover and sweeping shots over fine leg relieved the mounting pressure, while Talat’s timing and footwork ensured he rotated strike effectively.
Sri Lanka tried several tactical changes, including bringing back Chameera and adjusting Hasaranga’s lines, but Pakistan’s pair was unflappable. Their partnership not only steadied the innings but also shifted the momentum, gradually lowering the required run rate. With each over, Pakistan inched closer to the target, leaving Sri Lanka scrambling for breakthroughs that never came. The duo’s partnership was a masterclass in handling pressure and reading the game situation. Nawaz’s aggression complemented Talat’s composure perfectly, and the partnership’s crescendo culminated in Pakistan crossing the line with authority
Shaheen Afridi’s early strikes put Sri Lanka under pressure
Earlier, Pakistan’s pacers set the tone by dismantling the Sri Lankan top order. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, removing in-form Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 18 for two. A brief resistance from Charith Asalanka and Kusal Perera added some stability, but successive breakthroughs by Hussain Talat and Haris Rauf reduced Sri Lanka to 58 for five. Kamindu Mendis fought valiantly with a 50 off 44 balls, building a 43-run partnership with Chamika Karunaratne, but the early damage had already crippled the innings.
Pakistan’s disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and ability to take timely wickets ensured that Sri Lanka never had the momentum to post a challenging total. Shaheen’s early breakthroughs were crucial in setting up the platform for Pakistan’s middle-order heroes to shine. The disciplined lines and lengths of the pacers, combined with clever variations from the spinners, highlighted Pakistan’s tactical nous and execution under pressure. This performance also exposed Sri Lanka’s vulnerabilities in handling disciplined pace upfront and controlling the chase in crunch situations. Ultimately, Pakistan’s bowlers set the stage for the memorable sixth-wicket stand, ensuring their side stayed alive in the Asia Cup and significantly dented the defending champions’ confidence.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Brilliant performance from Hussain Talat tonight👏🏻 With the BAT & BOWL✅#cricket pic.twitter.com/XqsCdwjiyh
— Laraib Fatima🦋 (@Laraib_Fatiima) September 23, 2025
Pakistan managed to hold off an outstanding fightback from Sri Lanka to get over the line in tense game in Abu Dhabi. An invaluable 6th wicket partnership between Hussain Talat & Mohammad Nawaz keeps their hopes of reaching the final alive… #PAKvSL
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) September 23, 2025
Well done Shaheen Afridi🫶🏻
Well done Hussain Talat 🫶🏻
Well done 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 fighting stands! Nawaz brings victory with a sixer!! pic.twitter.com/H6TUzlsJdM
— Ehsan Qureshi (@EhsanQureshi_1) September 23, 2025
That was close at one stage. Kudos to Muhammad Nawaz and Hussain Talat for saving the match.
Good fight by Sri Lankans. Best of luck for the future.
— MD Umair Khan (@MDUmairKh) September 23, 2025
Great win Pakistan, still there are areas where we need to improvement. Overall brilliant win. Good luck for next one 😉
— Ayesha Masroor (@AyeshaMasroor56) September 23, 2025
After 8 years, Pakistan has WON against Sri Lanka in a T20I match!
The cult were against Hussain Talat and even Nawaz; they have finished the game for their team.
They are becoming a way better side. Gone are the days when we will get first round exit. Runs from Saim and… pic.twitter.com/OxquOcJzA1— Basit Subhani (@BasitSubhani) September 23, 2025
Shukar hai aaj Learn nahi, Win tha Congratulations 👏🥳🎉
Team Pakistan 🇵🇰🏏😍 #PakvsSL pic.twitter.com/7SKFKbswDG— Blue Sapphire (@Bluesap26) September 23, 2025
Crucial win for Pakistan 🇵🇰 #Asiacup #SLvsPAK
— Imran Shaikh (@imranshaikh026) September 23, 2025
Pakistan keeps their final hopes alive!#PAKvSL #AsiaCup2025 #T20I #cricket pic.twitter.com/yguxEP5GVP
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 23, 2025
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