PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 started with high stakes in Abu Dhabi. Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, faced a desperate Sri Lanka side. Both teams needed a win in this Super Fours clash. The match unfolded on September 23, 2025, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first. This decision set the tone for a gripping contest.
Sri Lanka posted 133/8 in 20 overs. Kamindu Mendis scored a fighting 50. But Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Shaheen Afridi with 3/28, kept them in check. In reply, Pakistan chased 138/5 in 18 overs. A mid-innings wobble saw them at 80/5. But Hussain Talat (32*) and Mohammad Nawaz (38*) added an unbroken 58. Nawaz’s three sixes in the 18th over sealed the deal.
This PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 result boosted Pakistan’s campaign. Sri Lanka now teeters on elimination. They need Bangladesh to beat India today for any hope. Fans loved the drama. On-field banter between Abrar Ahmed and Wanindu Hasaranga added spice. Abrar mimicked Hasaranga’s celebration after dismissing him. Hasaranga hit back with similar gestures after key wickets.
What made this match special? Let’s dive deeper. Read on for innings breakdowns, stats in tables, and more PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 highlights.
Share your thoughts: Who was the real hero – Afridi’s bowling or Nawaz’s finish? Comment below!
Match Overview and Final Result
PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours was a must-win for both. Played under lights in Abu Dhabi, it drew global attention. Pakistan entered after a loss to India. Sri Lanka was winless in Super Fours. The pitch offered early swing but flattened out.
Final result: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 5 wickets. Sri Lanka 133/8 (20 overs); Pakistan 138/5 (18 overs). This victory ended Sri Lanka’s 5-match T20I winning streak against Pakistan since 2018. Last PAK win over SL was in 2017 at Lahore.
Toss and Team Lineups
Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss. He opted to bowl, citing moisture for seamers.
Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara.
Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
No surprises in lineups. Pakistan relied on pace; Sri Lanka on spin duo Hasaranga-Theekshana.
Brief Scores
Here’s the scorecard summary in table form for easy reading.
| Team | Score | Overs | Key Batsmen | Key Bowlers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 133/8 | 20 | Kamindu Mendis 50 (44), Charith Asalanka 20 (19) | Shaheen Afridi 3-28, Hussain Talat 2-18 |
| Pakistan | 138/5 | 18 | Mohammad Nawaz 38* (24), Hussain Talat 32* (30) | Maheesh Theekshana 2-24, Wanindu Hasaranga 2-27 |
Fall of wickets for Sri Lanka: 1-1 (Mendis, 0.2), 18-2 (Nissanka, 2.2), 43-3 (Perera, 5.2), 58-4 (Asalanka, 7.2), 58-5 (Shanaka, 7.3), 80-6 (Hasaranga, 12.1), 123-7 (Kamindu, 18.4), 130-8 (Chameera, 19.4).
Pakistan: 45-1 (Farhan, 5.3), 46-2 (Zaman, 5.5), 50-3 (Ayub, 6.4), 57-4 (Agha, 8.1), 80-5 (Haris, 11.1).
Did the toss decide the game? Pakistan made the most of it. For more on Asia Cup 2025 schedule, check our internal guide here.
Watch official highlights on YouTube for visual thrills.
Poll: Was bowling first the right call? Vote in comments!
Sri Lanka Innings: Early Promise Fades into Collapse
Sri Lanka’s batting in PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 showed flashes but crumbled under pressure.
They aimed for 160+ but settled for 133/8. Regular wickets hurt their momentum.
Powerplay (Overs 1-6)
Sri Lanka started aggressively. But losses set them back.
Phase: 53/3, RR 8.83, 4s/6s: 4/4.
Kusal Mendis fell first ball to Afridi, caught at midwicket. Nissanka (8) and Perera (15) hit sixes. Afridi edged Nissanka behind. Perera miscued Rauf to mid-on. Asalanka smashed boundaries, including a free-hit six. But early strikes left them vulnerable.
Middle Overs (Overs 7-15)
This phase killed Sri Lanka’s hopes. Pakistan squeezed hard.
Phase: 35/3, RR 3.88, 4s/6s: 2/0.
Talat’s over was game-changing. Asalanka top-edged to deep square. Shanaka nicked first ball – golden duck. Hasaranga (15) cut a four but Abrar bowled him. Only 17 runs in 5 overs post-powerplay. At 10 overs: 70/5. Dot balls piled up. Abrar conceded just 8 in 4 overs – brilliant economy.
Death Overs (Overs 16-20)
Kamindu fought back. But too little, too late.
Phase: 45/2, RR 9.00, 4s/6s: 4/1.
Kamindu hit boundaries off Talat and Rauf. Scored 13 off Ashraf’s over with a four and six. Reached 50 off 43 balls. Fell lbw to Afridi on review. Karunaratne (17*) added a four. Sri Lanka crossed 100 in 16.1 overs. But 133 felt short on a 183-average venue.
Key stats table:
| Phase | Runs/Wkts | RR | Boundaries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplay | 53/3 | 8.83 | 4×4, 4×6 |
| Middle | 35/3 | 3.88 | 2×4, 0x6 |
| Death | 45/2 | 9.00 | 4×4, 1×6 |
Partnerships: Kamindu-Karunaratne 43 runs highest. No big stands.
What if no middle collapse? Sri Lanka might have reached 150+. Full scorecard on Cricbuzz here.
Pakistan’s Bowling Masterclass: Discipline and Variety
Pakistan’s attack shone in PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025. Mix of pace and spin worked wonders. They exploited conditions. Fielders backed them up sharply. Shaheen Afridi led with 3/28. His swing troubled openers.
Shaheen Afridi’s Impact
Afridi’s Shaheen Afridi wickets Asia Cup tally grew. First ball: Mendis out. Nissanka edged a heave. Kamindu lbw in death. Figures: 4-0-28-3, ECO 7.00. Match-winner, as Agha called him “asset”.
Hussain Talat’s Surprise Package
Talat’s 2/18 in 3 overs turned the game. Double wicket: Asalanka and Shanaka.
ECO 6.00. Backed his “gut feeling” per post-match.
Abrar Ahmed’s Economy
Abrar: 4-0-8-1, ECO 2.00. Best by Pakistan spinner in Asia Cup T20.
Bowled Hasaranga. Banter ensued – mimicked celebration.
Others: Rauf 2/37, Ashraf 0/34, Agha 0/5.
Bowling table:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Afridi | 4 | 0 | 28 | 3 | 7.00 |
| Faheem Ashraf | 4 | 0 | 34 | 0 | 8.50 |
| Haris Rauf | 4 | 0 | 37 | 2 | 9.25 |
| Salman Agha | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5.00 |
| Hussain Talat | 3 | 0 | 18 | 2 | 6.00 |
| Abrar Ahmed | 4 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 2.00 |
Tactics: Early swing, middle spin squeeze. 60+ dots. Fielding coach “Rockstar” credited.
Is Afridi the top T20 pacer? Fans think so. Link to his profile here.
Pakistan Innings: From Stumble to Steady Chase
Pakistan’s chase in PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 had nerves. But they cruised home.
Target 134 on good pitch. Started strong, slipped, then recovered.
Powerplay (Overs 1-6)
Positive start despite pace threat.
Phase: 48/2, RR 8.00, 4s/6s: 3/2.
Farhan (24) smashed two sixes off Thushara. Zaman (17) struggled post-helmet blow.
Theekshana struck twice: Farhan caught, Zaman miscued – Hasaranga’s one-handed grab.
Middle Overs (Overs 7-15)
Wickets fell, but rate held.
Phase: 56/3, RR 6.22, 4s/6s: 6/0.
Hasaranga bowled Ayub (2), lbw Agha (5) on review. Haris (13) bowled by Chameera.
Talat hit boundaries. Nawaz fours off Hasaranga, Thushara. At 10 overs: 71/4.
Needed 47 off 42. Past 100 in 14.1.
Death Overs (Overs 16-18)
Explosive finish.
Phase: 34/0, RR 11.33, 4s/6s: 2/3.
Asalanka tight (4 runs). Hasaranga leaked 12 – Talat two fours. Nawaz three sixes off Chameera. Game over.
Key stats table:
| Phase | Runs/Wkts | RR | Boundaries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplay | 48/2 | 8.00 | 3×4, 2×6 |
| Middle | 56/3 | 6.22 | 6×4, 0x6 |
| Death | 34/0 | 11.33 | 2×4, 3×6 |
Partnerships: Talat-Nawaz 58* off 41 – record for 6th+ in Asia Cup T20 chases.
Compare to 2022 final: SL won. Now roles reversed. What if more wickets? Close call. External video of Nawaz sixes here.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Effort: Fight Without Enough Firepower
Sri Lanka bowled with heart in PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025. But low total hurt. Pacers swung early. Spinners struck mid-innings. Theekshana 2/24, Hasaranga 2/27 starred.
Theekshana’s Double Strike
Theekshana’s powerplay over: Two wickets. Farhan and Zaman out.
ECO 6.00. Lifted spirits.
Hasaranga’s Threat
Hasaranga vs Pakistan record: 16 wickets at 9.62, ER 6.41. Bowled Ayub, lbw Agha. Mocked Abrar back after catch. Superstar, per Asalanka.
Chameera 1/31, leaked in death. Thushara 0/29, others supportive.
Bowling table:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuwan Thushara | 3 | 0 | 29 | 0 | 9.70 |
| Dushmantha Chameera | 4 | 0 | 31 | 1 | 7.80 |
| Maheesh Theekshana | 4 | 0 | 24 | 2 | 6.00 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 4 | 0 | 27 | 2 | 6.75 |
| Charith Asalanka | 2 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 5.50 |
| Chamika Karunaratne | 1 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 11.00 |
Tactics: Pace early, spin middle. Reviews wasted. Asalanka proud of fight at 80/5. Could better death bowling win? Unlikely with 133.
Hasaranga stats here.
Standout Performances and Turning Points
Heroes emerged in PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025.
Player of the Match: Hussain Talat
Talat’s all-round: 2/18 & 32*. Cautious bat, key wickets.
“Worked on bowling,” he said. Gut feeling paid off.
Other Heroes
Afridi: 3 wickets, early damage.
Kamindu: 50, lone SL fighter.
Nawaz: 38*, three sixes. Potential unlocked.
Abrar: Economy king, banter star.
Pivotal Moments
Talat’s double-wicket over: 43/3 to 58/5.
Theekshana’s strikes: 45/0 to 46/2.
Talat-Nawaz stand: From 80/5 to win.
Banter: Abrar-Hasaranga hugs post-match. Friendly rivalry.
Reviews: PAK successful on Kamindu; SL wasted.
Fan view: “Drama at Abu Dhabi!”
Who was MVP? Talat for us. Agree?
Stats, Records, and Deep Analysis
PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 packed stats.
Key Statistics
SL’s 133/8: Lowest vs PAK in Asia Cup T20.
Talat-Nawaz: Highest 6th+ stand in chases.
Hasaranga vs PAK: 16 wkts, SR 9.
Abrar: Best ECO (2.00) for PAK spinner.
Points table post-match:
| Team | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|
| India | 2 | +0.689 |
| Pakistan | 2 | +0.226 |
| Bangladesh | 2 | +0.121 |
| Sri Lanka | 0 | -0.590 |
Records Broken
PAK ended SL’s streak.
SL lost 5 wkts pre-10 overs – rare.
Nawaz’s sixes: Quickest finish.
Tactical Breakdown
PAK: All-rounders depth (Talat, Nawaz).
SL: Aggressive but reckless.
Fielding: PAK sharp, SL missed chances.
Cricket match analysis 2025: PAK adaptable, SL fragile.
Predict finals: PAK vs IND? Comment!
Tournament Implications and Reactions
Asia Cup 2025 tournament implications huge.
Impact on Standings
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup highlights: PAK alive for final.
SL on brink – need BAN win over IND today. Then beat IND on 26th.
PAK vs BAN on 25th in Dubai. Win secures spot.
Quotes from Players and Captains
Talat: “Humidity tough, but backed plan B.”
Asalanka: “Lost 5 early, hard. Proud of fight. Hasaranga superstar.”
Agha: “Not perfect, but win. Shaheen match-winner. Happy for Talat, Nawaz.”
Fans: “Rate Talat-Nawaz batting?” “Can’t believe Haris order!” Your prediction for next games?
Explore Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours Preview
Conclusion: Pakistan’s Resilience Shines
PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 was thrilling. Pakistan’s 5-wicket win showcased depth. Bowling restricted SL. Batting overcame scare. SL fights but needs miracles. Key takeaway: All-rounders win T20s. Share this recap! For India vs Bangladesh preview, see here. Follow IPL Star for more. Official Asia Cup site here.
FAQs on PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours Match Recap
1. What was the final result of the PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours match?
In the PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours match on September 23, 2025, Pakistan cruised to a 5-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Sri Lanka scored 133/8 in 20 overs, while Pakistan chased 138/5 in 18 overs, thanks to an unbroken 58-run partnership between Hussain Talat (32*) and Mohammad Nawaz (38*). This result pushed Sri Lanka to the brink of elimination in the tournament.
2. Who won the Player of the Match in PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025?
Hussain Talat was awarded Player of the Match in the PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours clash. His all-round performance included 2/18 with the ball, dismissing key batsmen like Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka, and an unbeaten 32* off 30 balls during the chase. Talat’s contributions were pivotal in Pakistan’s victory and Sri Lanka’s near-elimination.
3. What were the key highlights of Pakistan’s bowling in PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025?
Pakistan’s bowling masterclass in the PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 match recap featured Shaheen Afridi’s 3/28, including early strikes on Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka. Hussain Talat took 2/18, while Abrar Ahmed’s economical 1/8 stifled Sri Lanka’s middle overs. This disciplined effort restricted Sri Lanka to 133/8, highlighting Pakistan’s strategy that led to their triumph.
4. How did Sri Lanka perform in their innings during PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025?
Sri Lanka’s innings in the PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours started promisingly with 53/3 in the powerplay but collapsed to 133/8. Kamindu Mendis scored a gritty 50 off 44 balls, but regular wickets, including a double strike by Talat, led to a middle-overs drought (35/3 at 3.88 RR). This underperformance left them on the brink of elimination.
5. What was the turning point in the PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 match?
The major turning point in the PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 match recap was Hussain Talat’s double-wicket over, reducing Sri Lanka from 43/3 to 58/5. Later, Pakistan’s chase wobbled at 80/5, but Talat and Nawaz’s 58* partnership, capped by Nawaz’s three sixes off Chameera, sealed the win and crushed Sri Lanka’s hopes.
6. Who were the top performers for Sri Lanka in PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025?
In the PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours, Kamindu Mendis top-scored with 50, providing a lone fight. Wanindu Hasaranga took 2/27 and made a stunning catch, while Maheesh Theekshana claimed 2/24. Despite these efforts, Sri Lanka’s batting frailties led to their second loss, putting them on elimination’s edge.
7. How did Mohammad Nawaz contribute to Pakistan’s victory in PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025?
Mohammad Nawaz played a crucial finishing role in the PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 match, scoring an unbeaten 38* off 24 balls with three sixes and three fours. His aggressive partnership with Talat turned a tense chase into a cruise, ensuring Pakistan’s 5-wicket win and boosting their Super Fours standings.
8. What are the tournament implications after PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025?
Post the PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours match recap, Pakistan strengthened their final chances with a key win, next facing Bangladesh on September 25. Sri Lanka, winless after two games, is on the brink of elimination and needs Bangladesh to beat India on September 24, followed by their own victory over India on September 26.
9. What records were broken in the PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 match?
The PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 saw several records: Talat-Nawaz’s 58* is the highest 6th-wicket or lower stand in Men’s T20 Asia Cup chases. Pakistan ended Sri Lanka’s 5-match T20I winning streak against them. Abrar Ahmed’s 1/8 marked the best economy by a Pakistan spinner in the tournament.
10. Where can I watch highlights of PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025?
Highlights of the PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours match, including Nawaz’s explosive finish and Afridi’s wickets, are available on official platforms like YouTube (search “Asia Cup 2025 PAK vs SL highlights”) or Cricbuzz. For full recaps and analysis, visit sites like ESPNcricinfo or our blog for in-depth coverage of Pakistan’s victory.