As Pakistan and Sri Lanka faced off in a must-win Asia Cup Super Four match in Abu Dhabi, both teams gave it all they got in the first innings to stay alive in the race for the final. Sri Lanka, batting first at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, were restricted to 133/8 in their 20 overs. Shaheen Afridi was Pakistan’s best man with the ball, setting the tone with three wickets, while Haris Rauf and Hussain Talat chipped in with two each. Abrar Ahmed bowled with amazing control and picked up the wicket of Wanindu Hasaranga, conceding just 8 runs in his four overs. The biggest talking point, however, came when Abrar dismissed Hasaranga. The spinner trapped the Sri Lankan star and then sent him off with Hasaranga’s own trademark celebration. Abrar crossed his arms over his chest, shook them in his trademark style and stared at the batter, imitating the move that Hasaranga usually performs after taking wickets.Watch Abrar Ahmed’s wicket celebration here The moment instantly went viral online, with fans taking delight in the added spice in what was already a tense affair. For Sri Lanka, Chamika Karunaratne held on in the end with an unbeaten 17, while Asalanka (20) and Kamindu Mendis (50) tried to keep the innings together. But the early wickets meant they could only manage a below-par total.
Poll
Who was the standout bowler in the match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first. Their stunning effort with the ball left Sri Lanka with little to defend as both teams look to secure a place in the Asia Cup 2025 final.
