Pakistan had won the toss and put Sri Lanka to bat first. The Sri Lankan batting line collapsed against Pakistan’s fiery bowling attack and managed only 133 runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs.

Chasing the modest target, Pakistan got off to a decent start with Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan adding 45 runs. But momentum shifted quickly as Farhan fell for 24 and Zaman followed soon after with 17.

Saim Ayub could add only 2 runs while captain Salman Ali Agha was dismissed cheaply for 5. Mohammad Haris also went for 13 runs, leaving Pakistan under pressure.

The rescue came from Hussain Talat, who smashed 32 runs, and Mohammad Nawaz, who played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 38 runs, steering Pakistan home with confidence.

For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga grabbed 2 wickets each, while Dushmantha Chameera picked up one.

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s batting started poorly as Kusal Mendis fell for a duck and Pathum Nissanka for 8, both to Shaheen Afridi. Kusal Perera added 15 before falling, while captain Asalanka made 20. Wanindu Hasaranga contributed 15, and Kamindu Mendis was the standout with a solid 50. Chamika Karunaratne added an unbeaten 17 as Sri Lanka finished with 133.

Pakistan’s bowlers dominated: Shaheen Afridi bagged 3 wickets, Haris Rauf and Hussain Talat picked up 2 each, while Abrar Ahmed took 1 wicket.

Pakistan’s win was not without drama. The top order collapsed but Nawaz and Talat carried the team with calm and power. Sri Lanka’s early batting failure cost them dearly despite Kamindu Mendis’ fifty. The Abu Dhabi crowd witnessed a classic Asia Cup clash filled with twists, tension, and heroics.