In a crucial Super Fours match of the T20 Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan secured a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, enhancing their chances for a finals berth. The match, held in Abu Dhabi, saw both teams aware that a loss could lead to elimination.

Pakistan’s chase of 134 began smoothly with openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman contributing 45 runs. Farhan scored 24 runs off 15 balls before being dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana, followed shortly by Zaman. Despite facing a challenging position with quick wickets from Sri Lankan bowlers, all-rounders Hussain Talat and Muhammad Nawaz steadied the innings. Talat scored 32 runs off 20 balls, while Nawaz’s 38 runs off 24 helped secure the win with two overs to spare.

Earlier, Pakistan’s decision to bowl first paid off as Shaheen Shah Afridi took key wickets, including that of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, finishing with figures of 3-28. Sri Lanka managed 133-8, with Kamindu Mendis scoring a fifty.

The win places Pakistan second on the points table with a net run rate of 0.226, while Sri Lanka faces near elimination with zero points and an NRR of -0.59. For Sri Lanka to advance, they need significant wins in their upcoming matches against India and Bangladesh.



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