Hussain Talat’s Heroics Keep Pakistan in Asia Cup; Sri Lanka on Brink

  • September 23, 2025

In a highly competitive Super Four game held at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, Pakistan successfully pursued a target of 134 runs, seriously impacting Sri Lanka’s prospects in the Asia Cup 2025. Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz formed a remarkable unbroken partnership of 58 runs for the sixth wicket, achieving this in just 41 deliveries. Their efforts secured a comfortable victory for Pakistan with 12 balls to spare and five wickets remaining. This victory signifies Pakistan’s first triumph in a T20I against Sri Lanka in the last eight years. Despite this setback, Sri Lanka still holds a slim possibility of reaching the final, dependent on Bangladesh winning their two remaining matches, securing a win against India, and achieving a significant net run-rate improvement to surpass both India and Pakistan.

Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz rescue Pakistan in middle overs

Pakistan experienced a period of vulnerability as they lost four wickets within four overs, putting them under pressure against the spin bowling of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga. The initial stability provided by Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan was disrupted due to accurate bowling and exceptional fielding. Pakistan’s chances appeared precarious at this point. However, Talat and Nawaz combined careful defensive play with calculated aggressive strokes. They consistently rotated the strike to keep the score moving, while punishing any loose deliveries that came their way. Nawaz effectively drove through the covers and executed sweeping shots over fine leg to alleviate the increasing pressure, while Talat’s precise timing and footwork ensured the strike rotated efficiently.

Sri Lanka implemented several tactical adjustments, including reintroducing Dushmanta Chameera and modifying Hasaranga’s bowling angles, but the Pakistani duo remained composed. Their partnership not only stabilized the innings but also turned the tide, gradually reducing the required run rate. With each passing over, Pakistan moved closer to the target, leaving Sri Lanka desperately seeking a breakthrough. The duo’s partnership demonstrated exceptional ability to manage pressure and understand the game situation. Nawaz’s aggressive approach complemented Talat’s calm demeanor perfectly, and the partnership culminated in Pakistan achieving the target convincingly.

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Shaheen Afridi’s early strikes put Sri Lanka under pressure

Earlier in the match, Pakistan’s fast bowlers dominated, dismantling Sri Lanka’s top order. Shaheen Afridi made an early impact, dismissing the in-form Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 18 for two. Although Charith Asalanka and Kusal Perera briefly resisted and added some stability, successive breakthroughs by Talat and Haris Rauf reduced Sri Lanka to 58 for five. Kamindu Mendis displayed resilience with a half-century from 44 balls, forming a 43-run partnership with Chamika Karunaratne, but the initial damage had significantly weakened the innings.

Pakistan’s disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and timely wickets prevented Sri Lanka from establishing any momentum and posting a competitive total. Shaheen’s initial breakthroughs were instrumental in setting the stage for Pakistan’s middle-order batsmen to excel. The pacers bowled with consistent accuracy and length, while the spinners implemented clever variations, highlighting Pakistan’s tactical intelligence and execution under pressure. This performance also revealed Sri Lanka’s weaknesses in handling disciplined pace bowling and controlling the chase in crucial situations. Ultimately, Pakistan’s bowlers paved the way for the decisive sixth-wicket partnership, ensuring their team remained competitive in the Asia Cup and significantly impacted the defending champions’ morale.

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