Pakistan kept their Asia Cup 2025 hopes alive with a five-wicket win over defending champions Sri Lanka in a must-win Super Four clash at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday.

Asked to bowl first, Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi ripped through Sri Lanka’s top order, dismissing Kusal Mendis for a duck and Pathum Nissanka for eight inside his first two overs.

Despite a brief recovery to 53 runs by the end of the powerplay, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained tight control. Hussain Talat made an instant impact, striking twice in his opening over to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 58/5 in the eighth over.

Kamindu Mendis stood firm as wickets tumbled around him. He notched a fighting half-century off 44 balls, striking three boundaries and two sixes. His resistance ended in the penultimate over when Afridi returned to claim his wicket, finishing with figures of 3/26.

Haris Rauf and Hussain Talat picked up two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed chipped in with one as Sri Lanka were restricted to a modest 133/8.

Pakistan’s reply was far from smooth, as their batters struggled against Sri Lanka’s spinners. Mohammad Nawaz top-scored with 38 runs, while Hussain Talat added an unbeaten 32 to cap off his all-round display.

The chase saw moments of tension, but Nawaz’s composed batting and Talat’s finishing touches ensured Pakistan crossed the line with five wickets in hand.

The win gives Pakistan vital points in the Super Four stage, though their qualification for the final still hinges on results and net run rate (NRR).

Pakistan’s campaign became complicated after their earlier loss to India, where despite posting 171/5, they failed to defend the target. India chased it down in 18.5 overs, giving them a significant NRR boost.

--Agencies