Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz Power Pakistan to Asia Cup Triumph

Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz were the architects of Pakistan's tense yet crucial five-wicket victory against Sri Lanka, keeping their Asia Cup final aspirations alive. The Pakistani duo stabilized the innings with an unbeaten 58-run partnership after early setbacks, ensuring a successful chase of the 134-run target.

Electing to field after winning the toss, Pakistan's bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi's 3-28, placed early pressure on Sri Lanka, dismissing both openers and reducing them to 80-6. Sri Lanka struggled but managed to post 133-8 thanks to Kamindu Mendis's determined 50, amid a top-order collapse.

Pakistan initially raced to 45 without loss, but Sri Lanka's spinners clawed back, reducing Pakistan to 57-4. Talat and Nawaz then played a calm game, gradually leading the recovery. Nawaz's three sixes off Dushmantha Chameera in the 18th over sealed the victory with two overs remaining.

(With inputs from agencies.)