🌍 Pakistan Wins, But Agha Remains Unsatisfied
Pakistan might have beaten Sri Lanka by five wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash in Abu Dhabi, but skipper Salman Ali Agha was quick to highlight flaws in his team’s performance. While the Green Shirts successfully chased down 134 runs, they stumbled badly in the middle overs, losing four wickets in quick succession.
Agha admitted at the post-match presentation:
“Cannot say it was a perfect game. We lost four wickets in three overs… we need to stop doing that.”
His remarks reflect a growing concern within the Pakistan camp: despite winning matches, the habit of collapsing in clusters continues to haunt their batting unit.
⚡ First Innings – Shaheen & Abrar Dominate Sri Lanka
Pakistan began the night with the ball, and it was once again Shaheen Shah Afridi who set the tone.
- Afridi struck twice in his opening overs, dismissing both Sri Lankan openers.
- He later removed Kamindu Mendis, who top-scored with 50 off 44 balls.
- Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s mystery spinner, bowled a stunning spell of 4 overs, 1 wicket, 8 runs conceded, halting Sri Lanka’s scoring momentum.
Sri Lanka never recovered from the early blows. Despite Mendis’ fighting half-century, they were restricted to 133/8 in 20 overs.
🏏 Pakistan’s Chase – Smooth Start, Sudden Collapse
Chasing 134, Pakistan’s openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman provided a brisk start, adding 45 runs inside the powerplay.
But in classic Pakistan fashion, things changed quickly:
- In just 16 deliveries, Pakistan lost four wickets, slumping to 57/4 in 8.1 overs.
- Salman Ali Agha himself was left frustrated on the sidelines as Sri Lanka clawed back into the contest.
- At 80/5, the game was wide open.
Then came the rescue:
- Mohammad Nawaz (38 off 24)* played a composed innings, smashing 3 sixes and 3 fours.
- Hussain Talat (32 off 30)* held his nerve, guiding Pakistan alongside Nawaz in an unbeaten 58-run partnership.
Pakistan eventually crossed the line with 12 balls to spare, but the stuttering chase raised valid concerns.
💬 Agha’s Honest Assessment – “We Need to Stop Losing Wickets in Clusters”
Unlike many captains who gloss over flaws after a win, Salman Ali Agha was brutally honest.
He highlighted the issue of repeated collapses:“We have been doing that since Sharjah and we need to stop that.”
- He emphasized the need for greater batting discipline in pressure situations.
- He praised the fielding effort, particularly Faheem Ashraf’s stunning catch off Haris Rauf’s bowling.
Agha’s candid comments show he wants Pakistan to raise their standards ahead of tougher Asia Cup and ICC tournament fixtures.
🌟 Standout Performers for Pakistan
Shaheen Shah Afridi 🦅
- 3 wickets including Kamindu Mendis.
- Once again proved why he is Pakistan’s big-match bowler.
Abrar Ahmed 🎯
- 4 overs, 1 wicket, 8 runs.
- Choked Sri Lanka’s middle overs, providing Agha with a reliable option.
Hussain Talat 🔥
- 32* with the bat, 1/24 with the ball.
- Deservedly named Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance.
Mohammad Nawaz 💪
- Top-scored with 38 not out off 24.
- Showed his value as a dependable finisher.
🧐 Cricketory Insights – Pakistan’s Strengths & Weaknesses
At Cricketory, we break down the hidden dynamics:
✅ Strengths Pakistan Showed
- Bowling depth: With Afridi, Rauf, Abrar, and Nawaz, Pakistan has wicket-taking options across phases.
- All-rounder advantage: Agha highlighted why Pakistan relies on all-rounders — they provide balance when top-order collapses occur.
- Improved fielding: Credit to coach Shane McDermott, whose impact was visible in sharper fielding efforts.
❌ Weaknesses Pakistan Must Fix
- Top-order collapses: The batting unit continues to crumble after strong starts.
- Overreliance on all-rounders: While Nawaz and Talat rescued the side, Pakistan needs consistency from its specialist batters.
- Middle-order inconsistency: Losing four wickets in 16 balls is a pattern Pakistan must break.
🏏 Sri Lanka’s Perspective – Missed Opportunities
Sri Lanka, despite being bowled out cheaply, had a real chance to steal the win when Pakistan slipped to 57/4. But their bowlers couldn’t sustain the pressure.
- Hasaranga and Theekshana picked early wickets but lacked support in the middle overs.
- Their batting collapse once again left them short on runs.
- Skipper Charith Asalanka admitted after the game that losing five wickets early made it impossible to compete.
🔮 Looking Ahead – What This Means for Pakistan
- Pakistan sits in a strong position in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four standings, but Agha’s concerns are valid.
To beat heavyweights like India in the final stages, Pakistan must:
- Avoid reckless batting collapses.
- Back their openers to convert starts.
- Ensure specialist batters shoulder responsibility instead of leaving it to all-rounders.
If these adjustments are made, Pakistan could be unstoppable.
❓ FAQs – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Salman Ali Agha’s Reaction
Q1: What did Salman Ali Agha say after Pakistan’s win over Sri Lanka?
A: He admitted the game was not perfect, criticizing Pakistan’s tendency to lose wickets in clusters.Q2: Who was the Player of the Match?
A: Hussain Talat, for his all-round performance (32* runs and key wickets).Q3: How many runs did Pakistan chase?
A: Pakistan chased 134 runs, winning by five wickets.Q4: Which players stood out for Pakistan?
A: Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Hussain Talat, and Mohammad Nawaz.Q5: What does this win mean for Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 chances?
A: It strengthens their position in the Super Four, but batting collapses remain a concern for knockout games.🏆 Final Thoughts – Win Secured, But Lessons Remain
Pakistan’s five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi was another reminder of their dual identity: a side with world-class bowling depth and all-rounder strength, yet haunted by sudden batting collapses. While Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz showed remarkable composure under pressure, Salman Ali Agha’s blunt post-match remarks underline a reality Pakistan must address before facing tougher opponents like India.
The Green Shirts are well-placed in the Super Four, but consistency will define whether they can lift the Asia Cup 2025 trophy. If Pakistan’s top order learns to convert starts and avoid reckless collapses, their lethal bowling attack combined with reliable finishers could make them the most dangerous team in the tournament.
For now, Pakistan fans can celebrate another win — but the bigger question lingers: can they overcome their old batting demons when it matters most?