By Himadullah Sohoo 
Pakistan overcame a dramatic collapse to edge Sri Lanka by five wickets in Abu Dhabi, keeping their Asia Cup campaign on track. A calm and calculated unbeaten partnership of 58 off 41 balls between Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz rescued Pakistan after a middle-order stutter, ensuring the chase of 134 was completed with 12 balls to spare.
Afridi’s Early Strikes Set the Tone
Electing to bowl first, Pakistan’s pace attack made immediate inroads. Shaheen Shah Afridi was at his menacing best, swinging the new ball to remove Kusal Mendis for a golden duck and later dismissing Pathum Nissanka. He finished with 3 for 28, while Haris Rauf added two wickets to keep Sri Lanka under constant pressure.
Sri Lanka’s innings hinged on Kamindu Mendis, who battled for a resilient 50 off 44 balls. But with wickets tumbling around him, Sri Lanka could only muster 133/8 in 20 overs. Talat also chipped in with the ball, dismissing Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka in quick succession to stall Sri Lanka’s middle order.
Collapse Tests Pakistan’s Resolve
The chase started brightly as Sahibzada Farhan (24) and Fakhar Zaman (17) added 45 inside six overs. But Sri Lanka’s spinners turned the game on its head. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga struck in quick bursts, reducing Pakistan to 57/4. When Dushmantha Chameera sent back Mohammad Haris, the scoreline read 80/5 and Sri Lanka sensed a famous win.
Talat and Nawaz Take Control
At that tense stage, Talat and Nawaz combined composure with timely aggression. Talat anchored with 32 off 30*, while Nawaz’s counter-attacking 38 off 24*, including three sixes, swung the match firmly back in Pakistan’s favour. Their calm approach neutralised Sri Lanka’s threat before Nawaz finished matters in style, sealing victory with two overs left.
What It Means
The result leaves Sri Lanka’s hopes hanging by a thread, with their qualification now reliant on Bangladesh upsetting India. For Pakistan, this was a gritty win that highlighted their bowling depth and middle-order resilience — qualities crucial in tournament cricket.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka 133/8 (Kamindu Mendis 50, Afridi 3/28, Talat 2/18)
Pakistan 138/5 in 18 overs (Nawaz 38, Talat 32, Theekshana 2/24, Hasaranga 2/27)**
Pakistan won by 5 wickets (12 balls remaining)