Abu Dhabi, Sep 24 (NationPress) A stellar all-round display by Hussain Talat (2-18, 32 not out), who partnered with Mohammad Nawaz (38 not out) for an unbeaten 58-run stand, propelled Pakistan to a five-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in a tightly contested, low-scoring match during the Super 4 stage of the Men's T20 Asia Cup. Pakistan chased down Sri Lanka's modest total of 133/8, finishing at 138/5 with 12 balls to spare.

This win revitalized Pakistan's chances of reaching the final after a disappointing six-wicket loss to India just days prior.

The bowling unit, which was under extreme pressure from Indian openers, rebounded impressively, limiting the Sri Lankan batters effectively. Under the leadership of pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-28), Pakistan restricted Sri Lanka to 133 runs in their allotted 20 overs at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Despite the pitch appearing favorable for batting, Afridi made an early impact, dismissing the first Sri Lankan opener on just his second delivery. With support from Haris Rauf and Talat, Pakistan had Sri Lanka reeling at 58/5. Abrar Ahmed also contributed significantly, maintaining a tight line with figures of 1-8 in four overs.

Kamindu Mendis fought back with a half-century (50 off 44, 3x4, 2x6), helping Sri Lanka reach a total of 133/8, a score that proved insufficient despite a valiant effort from their bowlers, particularly Hasaranga.

As Pakistan began their chase, they faced challenging bowling from the Sri Lankans, with Dushmantha Chameera delivering a short ball that struck Fakhar Zaman on the helmet. Though Fakhar continued after a concussion scare, he struggled and was eventually dismissed by Hasaranga.

Scoring 17 off 19 balls, Fakhar, along with Sahibzada Farhan (24 off 15), managed to put together a 45-run partnership. However, the batting lineup faltered, losing wickets rapidly, with Hasaranga

At 80/5, things looked grim for Pakistan, but Talat (32 not out off 30, 4x4) and Nawaz (38 not out off 24, 3x4, 3x6) combined for a strong sixth-wicket partnership, ultimately leading Pakistan to victory with explosive hitting, including three sixes in the 18th over.

Earlier, Sri Lanka struggled at the start, losing key wickets early due to Afridi's exceptional bowling. Despite a brief resistance from Mendis, who partnered with Chamika Karunaratne for a 43-run seventh-wicket partnership, Sri Lanka could only muster 133/8, leaving them a significant challenge to defend.

Final scores: Sri Lanka 133/8 in 20 overs (Kamindu Mendis 50, Charith Asalanka 20; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-28, Hussain Talat 2-18, Haris Rauf 2-37) lost to Pakistan 138/5 in 18 overs (Mohammad Nawaz 38 not out, Hussain Talat 32 not out; Maheesh Theekshana 2-24, Wanindu Hasaranga 2-27) by five wickets.