Asia Cup 2025 Super Four Pakistan Edge Sri Lanka by 5 Wickets in Abu Dhabi Thriller
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 5 wickets in a tense Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash at Abu Dhabi. Kamindu Mendis’ fighting fifty lifted Sri Lanka to 133/8, but Mohammad Nawaz and Hussain Talat held nerves to chase the target in the final over. Full scorecard, analysis, and fan reactions.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka — Asia Cup 2025 Super Four Match: Pakistan Hold Nerve in Tight Chase
Date: 23 September 2025
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Result: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 5 wickets (chasing 134 with two balls to spare)
Full Scorecard
Sri Lanka Innings — 133/8 (20 Overs)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kusal Mendis | 50 | 44 | 4 | 1 | ~113.6 |
| Pathum Nissanka | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | ~28.6 |
| Kusal Perera | 6 | 8 | 1 | 0 | ~75.0 |
| Charith Asalanka (c) | 20 | 19 | 1 | 0 | ~105.3 |
| Dasun Shanaka | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | ~60.0 |
| Kamindu Mendis | 13 | 11 | 2 | 0 | ~118.2 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 15 | 8 | 1 | 1 | ~187.5 |
| Chamika Karunaratne | 5 | 7 | 1 | 0 | ~71.4 |
| Maheesh Theekshana | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | ~50.0 |
| Dushmantha Chameera | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | ~133.3 |
| Nuwan Thushara | 12 | 6 | 1 | 1 | ~200.0 |
| Extras | 15 | — | — | — | — |
Bowling for Pakistan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: 4-0-28-3
- Hussain Talat: 4-0-18-2
- Abrar Ahmed: 4-0-30-1
- Haris Rauf / others: economical overs and key wickets at crucial times
Pakistan Innings — 138/5 (18.0 Overs)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | 24 | 15 | 2 | 1 | ~160.0 |
| Fakhar Zaman | 17 | 13 | 2 | 0 | ~130.7 |
| Saim Ayub | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | ~111.1 |
| Hussain Talat | 32* | 20 | 3 | 1 | ~160.0 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 38* | 25 | 2 | 2 | ~152.0 |
| Extras | 17 | — | — | — | — |
Fall of Wickets: Early wickets put pressure but the lower order held firm
Player of the Match: Mohammad Nawaz (for finishing the game and key batting under pressure)
Match Summary & Key Moments
- Sri Lanka’s Modest Total
After the toss, Sri Lanka batted first and struggled from early on. They lost wickets in clusters — early dismissals of Nissanka and Perera inside the powerplay. The game appeared to tilt in Pakistan’s favor when Sri Lanka were 58/5. However, Kamindu Mendis’s 50 provided some resistance, and small contributions from others allowed them to post 133/8. - Pakistan’s Nervy Chase
Chasing a modest total, Pakistan got off to steady start with Farhan and Zaman laying a foundation. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, especially Hasaranga and Theekshana, then applied pressure in the middle overs, taking wickets and slowing scoring. Pakistan’s middle/lower order, in particular Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz, then built the match-winning partnership, steering Pakistan over the line with two balls to spare. - Bowling Attacks & Turning Overs
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s early breakthroughs putting Sri Lanka under tension. Hussain Talat’s spells with the ball (and later batting) turned it into a close finish. Pakistan’s bowlers stuck to good lengths and managed to stem Sri Lankan scoring when it counted.
Pre-Match Context
- Both teams were under pressure: Sri Lanka needed a win to keep hopes alive for the final, while Pakistan needed the victory to stay in the frame for the final match.
- Pitch in Abu Dhabi expected to assist spinners and slow bowlers in middle overs; teams likely to plan with cautious starts and attacking end overs.
- Squads were mostly settled; Pakistan trusted their pace attack, Sri Lanka relied on their spin depth (Hasaranga, Theekshana) and experienced batters to rescue from collapse.
Tactical Analysis: What Worked & What Didn’t
What worked for Pakistan:
- Early breakthroughs by Shaheen Afridi helped put Sri Lanka on back foot.
- Keeping calm during middle overs slump — when they lost quick wickets, Talat and Nawaz steadied the ship.
- Efficient finishing under pressure.
What failed for Sri Lanka:
- Poor opening — losing top order early made the task difficult.
- Lack of big partnerships — after fall of early wickets, they didn’t have enough depth with the bat to push the score toward 160+.
- Spinners were promising but couldn’t prevent Pakistan’s lower order from finishing well.
Fans’ Reaction
- Pakistani fans: Relief and joy. Many praised Nawaz and Talat for holding nerve when the game looked tricky. Messages focused on their resilience and how this win keeps final hopes alive.
- Sri Lankan fans: Frustration over falling wickets early. Praise for Kamindu Mendis’s fifty but disappointment over inability to capitalize.
- Neutral observers: Appreciated the close finish. Some commented this match highlighted how crucial temperament and partnerships are in T20.
Impact on Tournament
- Pakistan’s win boosts their chances to reach the final, contributes positively to net run rate.
- Sri Lanka’s chances for final qualification dim significantly; need other results to go their way.
- The result raises intensity in remaining Super Four games — every match and every over matters.
Tactical Lessons & Player Highlights
- Mohammad Nawaz emerges as a finisher under pressure — his innings will be remembered.
- Hussain Talat shows value as dual-role player (batting + bowling).
- For Sri Lanka, Kamindu Mendis showed grit in adversity; his fifty was crucial, though came when the match already swung.
- Bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed for Pakistan demonstrated that tight bowling in powerplay + death overs still wins matches.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s narrow five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in this Super Four encounter was an instance of nerves meeting opportunity. While Sri Lanka’s early collapse meant their total was modest, their fightback through Kamindu Mendis made it competitive. Pakistan’s chase had moments of tension, but steady contributions down the order enabled them to emerge victorious.
This match underscores that in Asia Cup 2025, it is not always the highest total that wins but composure under pressure. Pakistan stay alive; Sri Lanka face a steeper path ahead.
