Pakistan beat Sri Lanka as Nawaz, Talat seal nervy 5-wicket win in Super 4

Sri Lanka’s hopes of advancing in the Asia Cup hang by a thread after their second straight defeat

A composed, unbroken stand of 58 off 41 balls between Mohammad Nawaz and Hussain Talat rescued Pakistan from a precarious position, as they managed to chase down a modest target of 134 to win by 5 wickets against Sri Lanka in the Super Four of the Asia Cup.

Set a target of 134, Pakistan’s chase faltered early, collapsing from 43 for 0 after five overs to 57 for 4 by the ninth over at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

By the 12th over, they were 80 for 5, but Talat (32* off 30) and Nawaz (38* off 24) steadied the ship and guided their team across the line without more drama.

Earlier, Talat made a significant impact with the ball, claiming two wickets in an over, dismissing Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka.

Shaheen Shah Afridi also struck twice in the powerplay, finishing with figures of 3 for 28 as Sri Lanka lost their top three for just 53 runs in the first six overs.

Pakistan tightened their grip, restricting Sri Lanka to only 63 runs in the final 10 overs. Kamindu Mendis top-scored with 50 off 44 balls, but it was a solitary highlight in a lacklustre Sri Lankan performance.

With their second loss, Sri Lanka now rely on Bangladesh to defeat India to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.