That’s all from Abu Dhabi in this year’s Asia Cup, but the action continues in Dubai on Wednesday, 24th September, when India take on Bangladesh. An Indian win will see them through to the final and eliminate Sri Lanka from finals contention even before their last Super Four game, while a Bangladesh victory would keep the island nation alive. If India prevail, it would set up a virtual semi-final on Thursday, 25th September, between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The first ball of the India-Bangladesh game will be bowled at 2.30 pm GMT, with our build-up starting well in advance. Until then, take care and goodbye!

The skipper of Pakistan, Salman Agha, says that he always smiles but can’t call this a perfect game, as they lost four wickets in quick succession. Apart from that, he feels that it was nearly perfect, with the boys stepping up and performing well. Adds that the guys are putting in the hard work, doing extra on the field, and it is clearly paying off. Praises Shaheen Afridi, calling him an asset and a match-winner who has been bowling exceptionally well since the USA tour. On Hussain Talat’s all-round impact, Salman says this is exactly why they back all-rounders, and he is delighted to see him deliver. Speaking about Mohammad Nawaz, the skipper points out his immense batting potential and hopes he continues to show consistency. On Abrar Ahmed, he says that the spinner has been outstanding whenever the team is in a tough spot. He also mentions Abrar’s cheeky celebration mimicking Hasaranga, saying it was all in good spirit, and the two gelled well after the match. Salman concludes by stressing that Abrar is a rare talent and he expects greater things for him in the future.

The captain of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka, says that after losing 5 wickets inside the first 10 overs, it was always going to be tough. Mentions that the surface looked really good, and it was not ideal to lose those wickets in the first half. Admits that Pakistan bowled and fielded well in that phase. Shares that he is happy with the fight shown by his team. Praises Wanindu Hasaranga by calling him a superstar of white-ball cricket.

Hussain Talat is adjudged the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his impressive all-round performance. Says that the team had prepared well for the hot and humid conditions, and he made sure to take his time before playing his shots. Adds that playing in the UAE was something they had discussed in team meetings, and he is pleased to have contributed to the win. Talking about his partnership with Mohammad Nawaz, Talat shares that he was feeling drained due to the humidity and asked Nawaz to go hard at the other end, which worked perfectly. On his bowling, he mentions that he has been working closely with the bowling coach and feels that even if he delivers two good overs for his team, he considers that a success.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka went too hard, too soon. The surface was far better than the 133 they eventually ended up with, but they just did not give themselves time and kept taking risks. Reduced to 58/5 inside the 8th over, and then 80/6, they were in deep trouble. Kamindu Mendis was tasked with arresting the slide, and his partnership with Chamika Karunaratne brought some stability. Mendis’ third T20I half-century gave his bowlers something to work with. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi struck twice in the Powerplay, though it came at a cost. The middle overs were bossed by Abrar Ahmed, who conceded just 8 runs from his 4 overs while also picking up a wicket.

Seeing a partnership developing, Charith Asalanka was forced to bring Dushmantha Chameera back into the attack, and he delivered by breaking the flourishing stand. At 80/5 with 54 more needed, Mohammad Nawaz joined Hussain Talat at the crease. Sri Lanka were counting on Wanindu Hasaranga’s two remaining overs, but Nawaz attacked Hasaranga effectively, and Talat followed suit. Those two overs, which Sri Lanka had pinned their hopes on, ended up being expensive and effectively sealed the fate of the game.

In pursuit of 134, Pakistan got off to a brisk start. While Fakhar Zaman looked unsettled after taking a knock on the head, Sahibzada Farhan took charge and eased the early nerves with a flurry of boundaries. At 45/0, things seemed firmly under control before a sudden collapse saw them slip to 57/4 in no time. Given the platform laid by the openers and the modest target, there was no real scoreboard pressure. This chase was always going to be more about handling the nerves than the numbers.

A stutter along the way, but Pakistan get the job done and collect their first points in the Super Four stage. This win snaps their losing streak against the island nation in this format, having lost the previous five meetings. For Sri Lanka, it is now two defeats in a row in the Super Four stage. They are not out of finals contention just yet, but they are not far from it either. The road ahead for Charith Asalanka and his men is looking increasingly steep.

Hussain Talat replenishes himself with fluids and the physio has also made his way out. It seems like Talat is experiencing cramps. Hussain is back up on his feet and ready to resume. Dushmantha Chameera (3-0-13-1) returns to the attack.