'Lost 4 wickets in 3 overs, apart from that it was perfect': Salman Agha after Pakistan win

Pakistan skipper Salman Agha struck a dramatic note after his team’s five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, declaring that Shaheen Shah Afridi was an “asset” and a true “match-winner” for the side. The win not only revived Pakistan’s campaign but also kept alive the tantalising possibility of a blockbuster India vs Pakistan final.

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Pakistan’s bowlers strangled Sri Lanka to 133/8, with Afridi, who went wicketless against India, leading the charge. The left-arm pacer claimed three wickets in a fiery spell of 3/28. Hussain Talat (2/18) and Haris Rauf (2/37) also chipped in, while Kamindu Mendis fought a lone battle for Sri Lanka with a fighting 50 off 44 balls.



Chasing the target, Pakistan made a strong start with Sahibzada Farhan (24) and Fakhar Zaman (17) adding 45 for the first wicket. But the innings collapsed to 80/5, undone by Wanindu Hasaranga (2/27) and Maheesh Theekshana (2/24). Just when Sri Lanka sensed an upset, Mohammed Nawaz (38* off 24) and Hussain Talat (32* off 30) dug deep, adding 58 runs for the sixth wicket to seal victory with two overs to spare.

Salman admitted the contest was far from flawless. “Cannot say it is a perfect game. We lost four wickets in 3 overs. Apart from that, it was a perfect game. Our fielding coach (Shane McDermott) has been working really hard with us. We have named him Rockstar. Shaheen has been bowling really well. He is an asset to us. He is a match-winner,” the skipper said.

He also praised Nawaz and Talat: “Nawaz, as a batter, has so much potential. Hope both can continue. I know Talat for several years. Really happy for him. Abrar has been bowling well. Whenever we are in a difficult situation, I go to him.”



Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka rued the early collapse. “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,” he admitted. Still, he found positives, hailing Kamindu Mendis’ fifty and Hasaranga’s all-round efforts.

With this result, Pakistan climbed to second place in the Super Fours table with two points, while Sri Lanka slumped to the bottom with two losses. The road to the final remains wide open, with India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh all in contention.

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