Sri Lanka innings struggle despite Kamindu Mendis fifty
In the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20 2025, the Sri Lankan side posted only 133 for 8 after choosing to bat first in Abu Dhabi. Their hopes of a strong total collapsed early, as wickets fell rapidly in the powerplay. Although runs came at a brisk rate, Shaheen Afridi’s pace removed both openers and left the innings under pressure.
Kamindu Mendis tried to rebuild with patience and control. His composed 50 from 44 balls stood as the only real resistance. Moreover, partnerships with Wanindu Hasaranga and Chamika Karunaratne allowed the innings to recover slightly. As a result, Sri Lanka moved from 58 for 5 to a total that looked respectable, even if far from competitive.
Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf shine with the ball
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the contest from the start. Shaheen Afridi wickets set the tone, and he finished with figures of 3 for 28. Furthermore, his lethal yorker removed Kamindu Mendis after a crucial knock. Haris Rauf also tightened the screws in the death overs, ensuring Sri Lanka had no late surge.
Hussain Talat increased the pressure by dismissing Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka in consecutive deliveries. Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed bowled a miserly spell, conceding only eight runs in four overs while also removing Hasaranga. Therefore, Sri Lanka’s middle order never found any stability, and the innings stayed under Pakistan’s control.
Kamindu Mendis delivers a lone warrior act with a solid fifty against Pakistan! 💪🔥 One-man show in the middle!
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) September 23, 2025
📸 Getty #KaminduMendis #SLvsPAK #AsiaCup2025 #SriLankaCricket #OneManShow #CricketHighlights #WicketBuzz #CricketFans #InForm #FiftyClub pic.twitter.com/5eHN4aZZMn
Pakistan in control heading into chase
Momentum never shifted after the powerplay. Between overs six and 16, Sri Lanka managed only 44 runs. Consequently, their innings lacked rhythm, as Pakistan’s bowling changes and sharp fielding disrupted every attempt at acceleration. Even in the final overs, boundaries were scarce, and the innings closed well below the original 180-run target.
In this Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20 2025 clash, Pakistan carried all the momentum. With only 133 required to win, their batting line-up stood in a commanding position. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers still needed to find something extraordinary to pull off a comeback.
