Pakistan Beats Sri Lanka in Asia Cup Super 4 Clash

Abu Dhabi: Pakistan chased down a modest target of 134 runs to defeat Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Super 4 match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Tuesday. The victory boosts Pakistan’s chances of reaching the final while leaving Sri Lanka on the brink of elimination.

Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz added a crucial 58-run partnership for the sixth wicket in 41 balls, guiding Pakistan to a comfortable win with 12 balls and five wickets to spare. Talat was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 32 and taking two key wickets. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s fiery bowling, claiming three wickets, also played a vital role.

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Pakistan restricted Sri Lanka to 133 for eight, with Kamindu Mendis top-scoring with 50 runs off 44 balls. Early breakthroughs by Shaheen Afridi and disciplined bowling from Pakistan pacers put Sri Lanka under pressure, and a collapse in the eighth over further weakened the defending champions’ innings.

Chasing the target, Pakistan started cautiously. Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan provided initial stability before a middle-order collapse left the team at 71 for four after ten overs. Talat and Nawaz then accelerated the scoring, taking advantage of loose deliveries from the Sri Lankan bowlers.

Sri Lanka, who went unbeaten in the group stage, have now suffered back-to-back defeats in the Super 4s, including a loss to Bangladesh. Their chances of reaching the final now depend on India losing their remaining games—a scenario that appears unlikely.

Pakistan will next face Bangladesh in their final Super 4 match on Friday, while Sri Lanka’s tournament hopes hang by a thread.