Asia Cup 2025: Talat, Nawaz Guide Pakistan to Nervy Win Over Sri Lanka

A composed, unbeaten partnership between Mohammad Nawaz and Hussain Talat rescued Pakistan from a tense situation, securing a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in a low-scoring thriller at the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi. The win puts Pakistan in a strong position in the tournament, while Sri Lanka are now staring at the exit door after suffering their second straight defeat.

Chasing a modest 134, Pakistan appeared to be cruising at 43 for 0 in just five overs. However, a sudden collapse saw them stumble to 57 for 4 by the ninth over and then to 80 for 5 in the 12th. With Sri Lanka tightening the screws, the pressure was squarely on the middle order.

That’s when Talat and Nawaz stepped up. Their unbroken 58-run partnership off 41 balls steered Pakistan home with seven balls to spare. Talat remained steady with 32* off 30, while Nawaz was the aggressor, finishing with a brisk 38* off 24, including a flurry of boundaries that sealed the game.

Earlier, Talat had starred with the ball as well, removing Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka in a decisive over that shifted momentum in Pakistan’s favour. Shaheen Shah Afridi also impressed with the new ball, claiming 3 for 28, as Sri Lanka failed to capitalise on a decent powerplay.

Despite Kamindu Mendis’ valiant 50 off 44 balls, Sri Lanka’s innings never gathered steam. After scoring 53 in the powerplay, they managed only 63 runs in the final 10 overs, ending on 133 for 8. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling — particularly from Talat (2 for 18) and Abrar Ahmed (1 for 8 in 4 overs) — ensured the target remained within reach.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Maheesh Theekshana (2 for 24) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2 for 27), briefly brought them back into the contest, especially with quick wickets during the middle overs. A spectacular one-handed catch by Hasaranga to dismiss Fakhar Zaman gave the team hope, but it was short-lived.

The result leaves Sri Lanka’s hopes hanging by a thread. They now rely on Bangladesh defeating India to have any chance of qualifying for the final.

Match Summary:
Sri Lanka 133/8 (Kamindu Mendis 50, Afridi 3-28, Talat 2-18)
Pakistan 138/5 in 18.5 overs (Nawaz 38*, Talat 32*, Theekshana 2-24, Hasaranga 2-27)
Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Hussain Talat

With their backs against the wall, Sri Lanka must now hope for other results to go their way — while Pakistan will look to carry their momentum into the final stages of the tournament.