Pakistan tightened their grip on the DP World Asia Cup Super Fours with a composed five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, chasing 134 with two overs to spare.

After electing to field, Pakistan’s attack struck in the opening over when Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Kusal Mendis for a duck. Afridi then removed Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis to finish with 3 for 28, spearheading a pace unit that claimed seven of the eight wickets to fall. Hussain Talat provided the perfect foil, returning 2 for 18 and maintaining a tight line through the middle overs. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed’s 1 for 8 from four overs, including 16 dot balls, added further squeeze.

Sri Lanka never fully recovered from losing three wickets inside the powerplay. The lone bright spot was a 43-run partnership between Kamindu Mendis and Chamika Karunaratne, which steadied the innings. Mendis compiled a patient 50 from 44 balls, but with 60 dot deliveries in total, the hosts were restricted to 133/8.

Pakistan’s reply began briskly with 45 runs from the opening stand of Sahibzada Farhan (24) and Fakhar Zaman (17). Wanindu Hasaranga (2/27) sparked a brief wobble at 57/4, yet the game swung decisively when Hussain Talat (32 off 30) and Mohammad Nawaz (38 off 24) added 58 in 41 balls. Their composed partnership ensured Pakistan crossed the line at 138/5 in 18 overs.

For his decisive all-round impact tight bowling figures and a match-winning partnership Hussain Talat was named Player of the Match.

The victory keeps Pakistan firmly in contention for a spot in the Asia Cup final, while Sri Lanka must regroup quickly to keep their hopes alive.