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Mohammad Nawaz, Hussain Talat’s gritty knocks guide Pakistan to victory over Sri Lanka, keep final hopes alive
24htopnews | September 24, 2025 4:06 AM CST

New Delhi: Batting first in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi Sri Lanka managed only 133 runs. The team had a disastrous start losing Kusal Mendis in the first over without scoring. Captain Charith Asalanka scored 20 runs but he too was unable to hold the team together. Pakistan chased the target with a few shaky moments in between but Mohammad Nawaz and Hussain Talat ensured a composed finish to seal a 5-wicket win. Pakistani Bowlers Performance Shaheen Afridi was the most successful bowler for Pakistan taking 3 wickets for 28 runs in 4 overs. Hussain Talat and Haris Rauf took 2 wickets each. Abrar Ahmed also bowled economically taking 1 wicket for just 8 runs in 4 overs. Only Karunaratne (17*) and Kamindu Mendis (50) managed to survive for a short time in the Sri Lankan innings. Shanakas Unwanted Record Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka was once again dismissed without scoring. He was caught by wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris off the bowling of Hussain Talat. With this Shanaka achieved the unwanted record of most ducks in T20 International cricket with 14. Pakistans Innings and Early Setbacks Chasing the target Pakistan got off to a quick start but lost five wickets within 12 overs. Sahibzada Farhan (24) Fakhar Zaman (17) and Saim Ayub (2) were dismissed cheaply. Captain Salman Agha also returned to the pavilion after scoring just five runs. Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawazs Partnership Hussain Talat (32*) and Mohammad Nawaz (38*) batted brilliantly in difficult conditions. They displayed a perfect blend of patience and aggression to take the team to the target. Nawaz hit three fours and three sixes in just 24 balls. Pakistan reached 138/5 in the 18th over winning by five wickets. Sri Lankas Bowling For Sri Lanka Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga took two wickets each. Chameera also took one wicket. However the other bowlers failed to put pressure on Pakistan. Impact on the Points Table With this win Pakistan secured crucial points in the Super Four and strengthened their position in the race for the final. Meanwhile Sri Lanka suffered their second consecutive defeat severely impacting their chances. Story Highlights Dasun Shanakas 14th duck – a record for the most ducks in T20I cricket. Shaheen Afridis brilliance – dismantled the Sri Lankan top order with three wickets. Nawaz-Talats partnership – led Pakistan to victory after being in trouble at five wickets. Sri Lankas defeat – after a paltry 133 the teams chances of reaching the final are slim.


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