In an electrifying showdown in Abu Dhabi, Pakistan invigorated their aspirations of reaching the Asia Cup final by clinching a thrilling five-wicket victory against Sri Lanka.
Having already suffered through disappointing and contentious defeats to arch-rivals India, Pakistan found themselves teetering at 80-5 while chasing a target of 134.
However, a spirited partnership of 58 runs between Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz breathed life back into their campaign.
Talat finished on 32* off 30, while Nawaz struck 38* off 24, while for Sri Lanka the wickets were spread between Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera.
Talat had earlier made his initial impact with the ball, in a double-wicket over, removing both Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka. It had followed a powerplay that saw Shaheen Shah Afridi pick up two wickets in the powerplay – he would end with three in total – as Sri Lanka lost their top three for the addition of 53 in the first six overs.
From that point on Pakistan strangled Sri Lanka’s innings, as they only mustered 63 runs across the final ten overs. Kamindu Mendis’ 50 off 44 was the lone bright spot in an otherwise forgettable innings.
The result means that Sri Lanka have lost two games, and are now dependent on Bangladesh beating India to keep their hopes of making the final alive.