Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Match 15 - Who Said What?

Pakistan produced an all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by five wickets in their Super Fours clash of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday. Chasing 134, the men in green crossed the finish line with 12 balls to spare, thanks to brilliant batting from Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz after losing early wickets.

Sri Lanka, asked to bat first, never really found rhythm in their innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Kusal Mendis for a duck and Pathum Nissanka shortly after. Kusal Perera’s cameo was cut short by Haris Rauf, and captain Charith Asalanka followed soon. Following this, Dasun Shanaka fell to the first ball to Hussain Talat.

The only fight came from Kamindu Mendis, who anchored the innings with a 50 off 44 balls. His partnerships with Wanindu Hasaranga (15) and Chamika Karunaratne (17*) ensured Sri Lanka reached 133 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Afridi’s 3 for 28 and Talat’s double strike were important, while Abrar Ahmed was impressive, conceding just eight runs in four overs.

Pakistan’s chase began on a high note as Sahibzada Farhan struck two sixes in a 15-ball 24, while Fakhar Zaman made 17 before both fell to Maheesh Theekshana in the sixth over. When Hasaranga added the wickets of Saim Ayub and skipper Salman Agha, Pakistan looked in trouble at 57 for 4. 

The game turned when Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz stabilized the chase. Talat’s 32 off 30, while Nawaz played an unbeaten 38 off 24 balls, hammering three boundaries and three sixes. Their partnership ensured Pakistan did not panic despite losing Mohammad Haris in the 12th over.

With 26 required off the final four overs, Talat smashed a couple of boundaries off Hasaranga to swing momentum back Pakistan’s way. Nawaz then hit successive fours off Thushara and Chameera to all but seal the deal. The duo added 58 runs together, guiding Pakistan to 138 for 5 in 18 overs.

Who Said What?

Hussain Talat, Player of the Match

It is difficult as it is hot. The conditions were not easy. I took my time. The conditions don't allow you to go full fledged even if you want to play aggressive cricket. The captain and coach talked to me. The plan was go to and attack. But I backed my gut feeling. I wanted to take some time and then felt the boundaries will come. There was a lot of humidity. My energy was low. At the end, we decided he will go for the big shots. I was working on my bowling quite a lot with my bowling coach. I had to back my plan B. If I bowl two good overs, I knew my team will benefit.

Salman Agha, Pakistan (Winning Captain)

 I always smile. Can't say it is a perfect game. We lost four wickets in 3 overs. Apart from that, it was a perfect game. We need to stop these. Our fielding coach has been working really hard with him. We have named him Rockstar. Our players have been doing extra on the field. Shaheen has been bowling really well. He is an asset for us. He is a match-winner. We play so many all-rounders as the game nowadays demands that. I know Talat for several years. Really happy for him. Nawaz as a batter has so much potential. Hope both can continue. Abrar has been bowling well. Whenever we are in a difficult situation, I go to him. Hope he can continue like this for many more seasons for Pakistan.

Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka (Losing Captain)