Pakistan may have secured two crucial points in the Super Four stage of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, but skipper Salman Ali Agha was far from satisfied with his side’s performance against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday night.
Chasing a modest 134 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Pakistan stumbled midway, losing four wickets in just 16 deliveries to slip from 45-0 to 57-4. Though the Men in Green eventually crossed the line with five wickets in hand, Agha was quick to highlight the recurring issue of losing wickets in clusters.
“Can’t say it was a perfect game. We lost four wickets in three overs — that’s something we need to stop. We’ve been doing it since Sharjah and it keeps hurting us,” Agha admitted at the post-match presentation.
Nawaz & Talat rescue the chase
The jitters were steadied by a composed partnership between all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz (38 off 24)* and *Hussain Talat (32 off 28)**, whose unbeaten 58-run stand dragged Pakistan home in the 19th over. Talat’s all-round show — economical bowling followed by a match-winning knock — earned him the Player of the Match award.
Agha praised the duo, stressing why Pakistan continues to back all-rounders in their playing XI.
“That is why we play so many all-rounders. The modern game demands flexibility, both with bat and ball. I’m really happy for Talat and Nawaz — they showed their potential,” the captain remarked.
Shaheen, Abrar shine with the ball
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowling set the tone. Shaheen Shah Afridi was electric with the new ball, removing both Sri Lankan openers before returning to dismiss Kamindu Mendis, who top-scored with 50. Agha lauded his spearhead, calling Shaheen an “asset and match-winner.”
Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed was equally effective, conceding just eight runs in his four overs and breaking the rhythm of the Lankan middle order.
“Abrar has been outstanding. He’s the bowler I turn to in tough moments. Hopefully he continues like this for Pakistan for many years,” Agha said.
Fielding uplift under McDermott
Pakistan’s fielding effort also drew praise, particularly Faheem Ashraf’s sharp catch off Haris Rauf to dismiss Kusal Perera. Agha credited fielding coach Shane McDermott, whom the squad has affectionately nicknamed “Rockstar.”
“He’s been working really hard with the boys. We’ve seen improvement because of the extra work being put in,” Agha noted.
The road ahead
While Pakistan’s five-wicket victory keeps their Super Four campaign alive, Agha’s candid admission reflects a team still searching for the complete performance. With tougher fixtures looming, Pakistan will need to tighten their batting if they are to push for a place in the Asia Cup 2025 final.
