Asia Cup 2025 live streaming: Pakistan keep Finals hopes alive with crucial win over Sri Lanka
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka in a must-win clash at the Asia Cup 2025, keeping their Super Four campaign alive and boosting hopes of securing a place in the tournament’s final.
Sri Lanka (Image Credit: ICC)
Last Updated: 12.30 AM, Sep 24, 2025
Pakistan kept their Asia Cup 2025 campaign alive with a gritty five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the Super Fours stage. In a match where bowlers dictated terms, Pakistan’s attack strangled Sri Lanka to a modest total before their batters did just enough to complete the chase under lights.
Sri Lanka, batting first, never found the rhythm they needed. Openers struggled to handle the swing of Shaheen Afridi, while the introduction of spin further dented their scoring rate. Despite Kamindu Mendis’s fighting half-century, the lack of partnerships meant Sri Lanka could only reach a below-par 133 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Abrar Ahmed with his variations, ensured constant pressure by picking wickets at regular intervals.
When it came to the chase, Pakistan too faced their share of challenges. The early dismissals of Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan gave Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope. However, the middle order showed resilience, with Hussain Talat (32*) playing a steady hand and Mohammad Nawaz (38*) contributing crucial runs. Instead of chasing aggressively, Pakistan relied on rotating the strike and capitalizing on loose balls, eventually crossing the line with five wickets in hand.
Pakistan’s discipline outshines Sri Lanka’s struggles
What stood out in this contest was Pakistan’s discipline with both bat and ball. The bowlers adapted quickly to the conditions, mixing pace and spin smartly to dry up runs. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, allowed pressure to dictate their batting, committing errors at key stages. In contrast, Pakistan’s chase, though not flashy, was calculated. By avoiding panic and keeping wickets in hand, they managed to outlast Sri Lanka’s spirited bowling.
This victory not only boosts Pakistan’s points tally but also their confidence heading into the final stages of the tournament. Sri Lanka will be left disappointed, knowing that a few stronger partnerships with the bat could have turned the result in their favor. For Pakistan, the win reinforces their reputation as a team capable of grinding out results even when conditions don’t allow free-flowing cricket.
Who said what?
Charith Asalanka: If you lose 5 wickets before the 10th over, it will be hard. The surface was good. They bowled and fielded really well in the first 8-9 overs. We just scored 133. But we didn't give up and fought really hard. Hasaranga is a super star in white ball cricket.
Salman Ali Agha: I always smile. Can't say it is a perfect game. We lost four wickets in 3 overs. Apart from that, it was a perfect game. We need to stop these. Our fielding coach has been working really hard with him. We have named him Rockstar. Our players have been doing extra on the field. Shaheen has been bowling really well. He is an asset for us. He is a match-winner. We play so many all-rounders as the game nowadays demands that. I know Talat for several years. Really happy for him. Nawaz as a batter has so much potential. Hope both can continue. Abrar has been bowling well. Whenever we are in a difficult situation, I go to him. Hope he can continue like this for many more seasons for Pakistan.