Pakistan Keep Final Hopes Alive with Thrilling Win Over Sri Lanka
The Asia Cup Super Fours clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi turned out to be one of those nerve-wracking encounters that cricket fans live for. Both teams walked into this game with the knowledge that a loss could practically end their hopes of making it to the final. In the end, it was Pakistan who held their nerve and secured a five-wicket victory, keeping their journey alive in the tournament.
Sri Lanka were put in to bat first after Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl. That decision paid off right away, as Shaheen Shah Afridi struck with just the second ball of the match to dismiss Kusal Mendis. In his very next over, Afridi sent back Sri Lanka’s in-form opener, Pathum Nissanka. With the early damage done, the six-time champions were under pressure from the start. Kusal Perera and captain Charith Asalanka tried to steady things, but neither lasted long enough. The innings was later revived by Kamindu Mendis, who played a fighting knock, reaching his fifty off 44 balls. Thanks to his effort, Sri Lanka managed to reach 133 for 8 in their 20 overs. Afridi was the standout bowler for Pakistan with figures of 3 for 28, while Haris Rauf and Hussain Talat chipped in with two wickets each.
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Pakistan’s chase of 134 began on a strong note with openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman putting on 45 runs. Farhan looked aggressive and scored 24 off 15 balls before falling to Maheesh Theekshana. Fakhar Zaman soon followed, dismissed after being visibly unsettled by an early bouncer from Dushmantha Chameera. Suddenly, the momentum shifted as Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga took control. Hasaranga, in particular, caused plenty of trouble, removing Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, and Mohammed Haris in quick time. Pakistan went from cruising to stumbling, and at one stage, they still needed 54 runs with their top order back in the pavilion.
That’s when Hussain Talat and Muhammad Nawaz stepped up. Talat, who had been criticised for his performance against India earlier, answered back in style with a quickfire 32 off 20 balls. Nawaz provided the perfect support, striking an unbeaten 38 off 24 deliveries. The pair steadied the innings, and Nawaz sealed the win with two massive sixes, wrapping up the chase with two overs to spare.
For Pakistan, this win not only brought two crucial points but also a boost in their net run rate, moving them to second place on the table behind India. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, were pushed to the brink of elimination. Their only chance now rests on a complicated set of results, requiring other teams to lose heavily while they defeat India by a huge margin.
The night, however, belonged to Pakistan. Afridi’s fiery start and the calm finishing touch from Talat and Nawaz kept their campaign alive. With the tournament heating up, Pakistan’s confidence will be soaring as they prepare for their next challenge.
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