Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign has hit a dangerous roadblock after suffering their second successive defeat, this time to Pakistan by five wickets in Abu Dhabi. The result leaves them dependent on other outcomes—most notably Bangladesh beating India—if they are to have any chance of making the final.
Pakistan Survive Early Wobbles
Chasing just 134 for victory on a ground where 180+ has often been par, Pakistan’s innings was anything but straightforward.
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A 43-run opening stand between Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman set a solid foundation.
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However, Sri Lanka struck back quickly as Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga triggered a collapse that left Pakistan reeling at 57 for 4.
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By the 12th over, Pakistan were precariously placed at 80 for 5, with Sri Lanka sensing an upset.
But a cool-headed partnership between Hussain Talat (32 off 30)* and Mohammad Nawaz (38 off 24)* sealed the game. Their unbroken 58-run stand off 41 balls showcased composure under pressure, capped by Nawaz’s trio of sixes off Dushmantha Chameera in the closing overs.
Sri Lanka’s Batting Woes Continue
For Sri Lanka, the game was effectively lost with the bat. After opting to bat, they managed just 133 for 8 in 20 overs.
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Kamindu Mendis (50 off 44) was the lone bright spot in an otherwise limp display.
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Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, dismissing Pathum Nissanka and setting the tone with 3 for 28.
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Talat chipped in with a double strike, removing Charith Asalanka (20) and Dasun Shanaka in the same over.
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Over the crucial middle phase, Sri Lanka mustered just 34 runs across 10 overs, undone by Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.
Turning Points
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Afridi’s early strikes – removed both openers to dent Sri Lanka’s confidence.
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Talat’s double-wicket over – broke the back of Sri Lanka’s counter-attack.
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Nawaz’s late hitting – sealed victory with calculated aggression.
What Next for Sri Lanka?
Two defeats leave Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup hopes hanging by a thread. Their batting frailties—slow scoring in the middle overs, poor shot selection, and over-reliance on one or two players—have repeatedly cost them.
Unless they find both form and fortune in the remaining fixtures, Sri Lanka may soon be packing bags instead of preparing for a final.
Final Scorecard
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Sri Lanka: 133/8 (20 overs) | Kamindu Mendis 50, Afridi 3-28, Talat 2-18
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Pakistan: 138/5 (18.3 overs) | Nawaz 38*, Talat 32*, Theekshana 2-24, Hasaranga 2-27
Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets
📌 Key Takeaway: Pakistan showed resilience despite stumbles, while Sri Lanka’s struggles with the bat have left their Asia Cup campaign hanging by a thin thread.
By Mozammil Awan | September 23, 2025
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