Abu Dhabi, Sep 23 (NationPress) In a remarkable display of bowling, Pakistan, spearheaded by pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-28), successfully restricted Sri Lanka to a mere 133/8 in 20 overs during a crucial Super 4 match of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

With both teams needing a victory following their initial losses in the Super 4 stage, the pressure was on. Pakistan, after winning the toss, opted to field first and immediately displayed their intent.

Despite the wicket appearing favorable for batting, Shaheen Afridi struck on his second delivery of the match. Alongside Haris Rauf and Hussain Talat, who both bowled excellently, they had Sri Lanka in dire straits at 58/5. Spinner Abrar Ahmed made a significant impact as well, with impressive figures of 1-8 in four overs, as Pakistan maintained dominance throughout the middle overs.

Kamindu Mendis fought back valiantly with a half-century (50 off 44, 3x4, 2x6), pushing Sri Lanka to a modest total of 133/8, which may not suffice in the end.

Initially, Sri Lanka faltered, with Shaheen Afridi claiming a crucial wicket on the second ball of his opening over, catching the opener off a delivery that unexpectedly slowed after pitching, leading to a catch by Hussain Talat.

Afridi continued his assault in his second over, dismissing the dangerous Pathum Nissanka (8 off 7, 1x6) with a simple catch for Mohammad Haris. Following that, Haris Rauf trapped Kusal Perera with a well-angled delivery, and Sri Lanka found themselves in a precarious position.

At the end of the Power-play, the score stood at 53/3, with Charith Asalanka (20 off 19, 2x4, 1x6) trying to stabilize the innings. However, it only worsened for Sri Lanka as Hussain Talat took two wickets in consecutive balls during the eighth over, dismissing Dasun Shanaka, who had previously scored a fifty in their earlier Super 4 match against Bangladesh. They were left at a troubling 58/5.

Although the pitch was conducive for batting, a combination of excellent seam bowling from Pakistan and the Sri Lankan batters' poor performance led to their downfall.

Wanindu Hasaranga managed to avoid a hat-trick ball but soon fell to Abrar Ahmed, leaving Sri Lanka at 80/6. Mendis's efforts included a partnership of 43 runs with Chamika Karunaratne for the seventh wicket before Afridi claimed his wicket in the 19th over, following a successful DRS appeal.

Ultimately, Sri Lanka could only muster 133/8, putting them in a difficult position for victory.

Brief 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) against Pakistan.