Pakistan revived their chances of reaching the Asia Cup final with a narrow five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi.

Following back-to-back defeats to arch-rivals India, Pakistan stumbled in their chase of a modest 134, slumping to 80-5. However, a crucial 58-run stand between Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz steadied the innings and set up the win.

Requiring 46 runs from the final 40 deliveries, Nawaz broke the shackles by hitting Wanindu Hasaranga—who had earlier claimed 2-5 in his first two overs—for consecutive boundaries. Talat followed suit, striking two more fours off the leg-spinner when he returned for the 17th over.

That flurry of boundaries turned the equation from 26 needed off 24 balls to just 14 off 18. Nawaz then hammered three sixes to seal the win with 12 balls remaining, finishing unbeaten on 38, while Talat contributed an assured 32 not out.

Although a loss would not have mathematically knocked Pakistan out, it would have left their qualification hanging on other results—a situation Sri Lanka now face.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s bowlers put in a disciplined effort to restrict Sri Lanka to 133-8. Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-28, including the dismissal of Kusal Mendis off just the second ball of the match.

Sri Lanka managed 53 runs in the powerplay but paid the price for recklessness, losing three wickets. They were reeling at 58-5 when Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka fell on back-to-back deliveries in the eighth over.

Kamindu Mendis led a partial recovery with a well-made 50, but his departure—trapped lbw by Afridi in the penultimate over—denied Sri Lanka a flourish at the end.

India and Bangladesh, who both won their opening Super Four fixtures, are set to clash in Dubai on Wednesday. The top two teams from this stage will progress to Sunday’s final.

Source: BBC

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