Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan Beat SL, Reach Final Stage

On 23 September, in the 15th match of the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4, Pakistan and Sri Lanka played in Abhi Dhabi. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 5 wickets. Shaheen Shah Afridi took 3 wickets. Sri Lanka's official eliminated from the tournament.

Match Summary

Shaheen’s bowling collapsed, and Sri Lanka's batters scored 133

Sri Lanka batted first and tried to set an average total after losing the toss. Their openers didn't give Sri Lanka a strong start; Kusal Mendis got a duck, and Pathum Nissanka hit 8 off 7. But in the middle overs, Charith Asalanka (c) scored 20 off 19, and Kamindu Mendis scored 50 off 44 in a huge inning, but Sri Lanka found it difficult to accelerate regularly. With Afridi emerging as the best bowler, they finally posted a respectable score of 133 in 20 overs

Pakistan's bowlers responded. Shaheen Afridi's early swing hampered the top order, taking 3 wickets, while Haris Rauf's pace further held back Sri Lanka, who took 2 wickets.

Nawaz and Talat's innings take the match out of Sri Lanka's hands

Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan gave Pakistan a strong start as they chased 134. Farhan offered steadiness at the other end while Fakhar played aggressively against the Sri Lankan seamers. Hussain Talat took over with a calm knock after they were dismissed. His collaboration with Mohammad Nawaz was essential to maintaining the pursuit's direction.

In an attempt to save the match, Sri Lanka's spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga both claimed 2-2 wickets while making significant breakthroughs in the middle overs. But Pakistan's batting depth was evident.

With Mohammad Nawaz's cameo and Talat's composure under duress, Pakistan crossed the finish line in the eighteenth over. Pakistan won by five wickets with a final score of 138/5.

Sri Lanka Eliminated From The Tournment, Pakistan Hoped To Reach The Final

After this loss, Sri Lanka is now officially knocked out of the Asia Cup 2025 tournament. After losing against Bangladesh by 4 wickets, they have now lost against Pakistan by 5 wickets.

The last match of Sri Lanka against India will be on 26th September. Now only aim ot end the tournament journey with a win.

On the other hand, this win over Sri Lanka allows them to reach the final loss against India by 4 wickets, having now won over Sri Lanka. The last match of the Pakistan Super 4 will be played against Bangladesh on 25th September.