Pakistan skipper Salman Agha had high praise for his team’s key players after securing a vital win against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Super Four stage. He called fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi a true asset and highlighted all-rounder Mohammed Nawaz’s huge potential as a batter.
In a straightforward chase of just 134 runs, Pakistan reached the target with two overs to spare, keeping their Asia Cup campaign on track. A crucial 58-run sixth-wicket partnership between Hussain Talat and Nawaz turned the game around after an early wobble. Shaheen starred with the ball earlier, grabbing three wickets in four overs to rattle Sri Lanka.
This victory puts Pakistan second in the Super Four standings with one win and one loss for two points. Sri Lanka, who topped the group stage without a defeat, now sit at the bottom after two straight losses.
Agha admitted the match wasn’t flawless. “We lost four wickets in the first three overs, so I can’t call it perfect,” he said. “But aside from that, everything clicked. Our fielding coach Shane McDermott— we’ve nicknamed him Rockstar—has been pushing us hard, and the players are stepping up.”
He singled out Shaheen for special mention. “Shaheen’s bowling really well. He’s an asset and a match-winner for us.” Agha also lauded the all-rounders. “The modern game needs versatile players like them. I’ve known Talat for years, and I’m thrilled for him. Nawaz has so much potential with the bat—hope they keep delivering. Abrar Ahmed’s been solid too; I turn to him in tough spots, and I want him contributing for Pakistan for years.”
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka pointed to their top-order collapse as the downfall. “Losing five wickets before the 10th over makes it tough,” he said. “The pitch played well, but Pakistan bowled and fielded sharply in the first 8-9 overs. At 57/4 and then 80/5, they were in trouble, which gave us hope. We only managed 133, but our fight and spirit were something to be proud of.”
Asalanka gave a shoutout to star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who snared two wickets and chipped in with 15 runs off 13 balls. “Hasaranga’s always been a superstar in white-ball cricket. He’s done so much for Sri Lanka and keeps giving his best.”
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first. Their bowlers dominated, reducing Sri Lanka to 80/6. Kamindu Mendis fought back with a gritty 50 off 44 balls—including three fours and two sixes—to help his side reach 133/8 in 20 overs. Shaheen finished with 3/28, while Hussain Talat took 2/18 and Haris Rauf claimed 2/37.
In the run chase, openers Sahibzada Farhan (24 off 17, with a four and two sixes) and Fakhar Zaman (17 off 19, two fours) added 45 runs. But spinners Hasaranga (2/27) and Maheesh Theekshana (2/24) sparked a collapse to 80/5. Talat (32 not out off 30, four boundaries) and Nawaz (38 not out off 24, three fours and a six) then steadied the ship with their match-saving stand.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
