SL vs PAK, Asia Cup 2025 highlights: Pakistan keep hopes alive with 5-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Super 4

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 highlights: Pakistan huffed and puffed but defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in a low-scoring Asia Cup Super Fours contest on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi. Chasing an under-par target of 134, Pakistan first raced to 45/0 in five overs only to slump to 80/5 in the next seven overs. Hussain Talat (32 not out) and Mohammad Nawaz (38 not out) then took them over the line.

Pakistan won with two overs to spare. Earlier, Kamindu Mendis scored a 44-ball 50 but Pakistan dominated the proceedings, keeping a tight leash on Sri Lankan batters. Shaheen Shah Afridi took 3/28 while pacer Talat struck twice in as many balls to leave Sri Lanka reeling. With this win, Pakistan kept the chances for a final alive while the Lankans are eliminated from the race for the summit clash.

After the Pakistan openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman gave them a flying start, Sri Lanka bounced back with four quick wickets within a span of four overs from Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. While Farhan (24) and Zaman (17) were dismissed for double digits, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha went back for single digits.

Meanwhile, it was Talat and Nawaz, who took them over the line with an unbroken 58-run stand. Earlier, opting to bowl first, Pakistan were off to a flying start after Shaheen dismissed Kusal Mendis for a golden duck on the second ball of the match. Pathum Nissanka followed suit in the third over, before Kusal Perera and Charith Asalanka tried to revive the Islanders.

Sri Lanka's biggest setback came in the eighth over when they lost Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka in consecutive deliveries. Wanindu Hasaranga too departed soon leaving the team at 80/6 in the 13th over. Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

While Pakistan remained unchanged, Sri Lanka made two changes. Dunith Wellalage and Matheesha Pathirana made way for Maheesh Theekshana and Chamika Karunaratne. “Matheesha Pathirana is unwell and will not be available for selection for today’s game against Pakistan,” a statement from Sri Lanka Cricket read on the match day.

“He did not take part in team practice sessions during the last two days and is currently under medical treatment,” it further added.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka playing XIs

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara