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| @Hussain Talat celebrating after taking a wicket vs Sri lanka in Asia Cup 2025 |
This occurred on the 23 September 2025, during crucial Super Four game of the Asia Cup (2025) in Abu Dhabi, as Pakistan contrived to beat Sri Lanka by 5 wickets in an exciting T20 game.
This was not just a significant victory to the Pakistan tournament hopes but also full of tension, twists and personal grits.
Match Context & Stakes:
The two teams went into this match aware of what was at stake. On the Super 4 stage, each and every point or net run rate might make the difference between who qualifies and who does not. This was a must-win especially to Pakistan who needed to keep their hopes alive.
The defeat would have practically terminated their campaign. Sri Lanka, however, were at a crossroads as well, a loss here would drive them nearer to annihilation.
It was held in the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
(Sri Lanka Innings) Batting First:
Sri Lanka came to bat first and scored 133 8 (in 20 overs).
Their times had their quota of trouble, broken with wickets between.
Some notable events and contributions:
- Kamindu Mendis was the top scorer for Sri lanka with 50 runs in 44 balls making an attempt to hold the innings together.
- Sri Lanka lost early wickets Cheaply, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka were sent packing leaving them behind at the receiving end of the innings.
- Charith Asalanka and Kusal Perera had also contributed in the small portions but failed to establish a significant partnership.
- Frequent wickets still did not allow Sri Lanka to speed up in the second half. Their subordination could not provide much, and the scoreboard did not improve.
On the Bowling Side: Pakistan attack was disciplined
- Shaheen Shah Afridi wasbest performer who took 3 wickets for 28 runs in 4 overs.
- Hussain Talat, and even Haris Rauf, chipped in with wickets to maintain the pressure.
In this way, limiting Sri Lanka to 133/8 indicated that the Pakistani target was small but justifiable.
Pakistan’s Chase & Key Moments:
Pakistan began well but not without flaws in pursuit of 134. They began with intent:
Pakistan was given a sharp kick off by Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman. They assembled a 45 run opening score when both were struck down in rapid succession.
- Farhan scored 24 off 15 and was dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana in the 6th over.
- Zaman who was hit earlier by a bouncer from chameera. was dismissed soon after
Once all those wickets had fallen, Pakistan was no longer going forward. It was especially an issue with the spin of Wanindu Hasaranga:
- Hasaranga picked up 2 wickets for 27 runs in 4 overs and hit at the right time on two occasions.
- he dismissed Saim Ayub, Salman Agha and Mohammad Haris one by one, worsening the predicament of Pakistan.
- Through spin, Sri Lanka, momentarily appeared to be pressuring Pakistan.
At some point, Pakistan was on the edge of defeat by 54 runs with five wickets.
The lower middle order and all-rounders were now left to stabilize the ship.
Enter Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz:
- Talat struck a conciliatory blow with his knocker 32 off 20 balls - and the innings was settled down.
- Nawaz was more vigorous: 38 not out off 24 balls, and he brought the pursuit to a magnificent end with two huge sixes off Chameera in the last over.
- Their alliance played to the advantage of Pakistan. As the wickets were dropping here and there, the two turned strike about like clockwork, attacked loose balls, and held the needed rate of running down to reasonable levels.
Pakistan closed the win within 18 overs finishing at 138/5.
Final over, which was bowled by Chameera, resulted in giving the final runs as Nawaz was heroic.
The all-round performance (bowling, and batting) of Talat would further make him be named as the Player of the Match as it helped stabilize the Pakistan innings.
Turning Point and Tactical observations:
- Early wickets taking by pakistan
The move by Pakistan to bowl first bore fruits. To demoralize Sri Lanka, Afridi took away Kusal Mendis and Nissanka.
Frequent breakthroughs ensured that Sri Lanka did not develop a large scale alliance.
- Hasaranga: prow of Sri Lanka
The pressure continued to be put on Pakistan by Hasaranga in the pursuit. His two wicket strike shook Pakistan at the time they were on the offensive.
- Middle collapse by Pakistan
The fact that the 3-4 wickets were lost during a short time was a real threat. But lower order Pakistan was not to give way.
- Talat–Nawaz partnership
Their cool manner when faced by pressure turned the tide. They maintained the scoreboard going and disrupted the momentum of Sri Lanka.
- Finishing flair by Nawaz
The last over demonstrated that it was not only that Pakistan were simply surviving, but they also had the courage to pick up pace when necessary. The match was concluded with the big hits off Chameera.
- Survival in the tournament: This victory made Pakistan alive with the hopes of making it to the final of the Asia Cup.
- The defeat of Sri Lanka: This loss was a huge setback to the journey of Sri Lanka in the tournament; they had a serious blow to their chances of reaching the final.
- Momentum change: The nature of the victory that is, Pakistan came back after getting into trouble mid-innings, would give the team a lift as they head in to their final matches.
- Key performances: The composure under pressure by Shaheen, early breakthroughs, and Talat and Nawaz were all important. These personal performances reveal the quality and strength in the Pakistani team.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 133/8 in 20 overs (Kamindu Mendis 50; Shaheen Afridi 3- 28, Hussain Talat 2-18) lost to Pakistan 138/5 in 18 overs (Mohammad Nawaz 38, Hussain Talat 32; Maheesh Theekshana 2-24, Wanindu Hasaranga 2-27) by 5 wickets.