Abrar Ahmed and Wanindu Hasaranga stole the spotlight during the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, not just with their performances but also with their playful celebrations. The lighthearted moment began when Abrar clean bowled Hasaranga and cheekily imitated the Sri Lankan star’s trademark celebration.
Later, Wanindu Hasaranga returned the favour by mimicking Abrar’s signature style after taking a catch and a wicket, much to the amusement of fans. While the fun exchanges went viral, Pakistan’s clinical bowling effort was the real story of the match. Skipper Salman Agha’s decision to field first proved spot on as his bowlers dismantled Sri Lanka’s top order.
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Shaheen Shah Afridi struck in his very second ball and followed up with another key scalp in his next over, removing Pathum Nissanka. Haris Rauf added to the misery by dismissing Kusal Perera, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 18/2.
How did hasaranga catch this?😵😵
Pakistan’s 2nd wicket down$SIXR @SIXR_cricket pic.twitter.com/MELRrzdrhY— AAD 🪧 DEGEN (@aad2degen) September 23, 2025
Hasaranga COOKED Fraud Abrar again
COOK HIM KING pic.twitter.com/gtP3sY6IqQ
— Sensei Kraken Zero (@YearOfTheKraken) September 23, 2025
Hussain Talat joined the party, claiming two crucial wickets in a single over, including skipper Dasun Shanaka. By the halfway mark, Sri Lanka were tottering at 58/5. Abrar Ahmed further tightened the screws with a brilliant spell of 1 for 8 from four overs, choking the scoring rate and applying relentless pressure in the middle phase.
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Charith Asalanka tried to push back with a brisk 20, but Pakistan’s bowlers never let the momentum shift. The lone resistance came from Kamindu Mendis, who fought hard with a gritty 50 off 44 balls, striking three fours and two sixes. His partnership with Hasaranga briefly steadied the innings, but Abrar broke it just when it threatened to blossom.
Shaheen Afridi then returned to finish the job, dismissing Mendis in the 19th over and wrapping up with figures of 3 for 28, as Sri Lanka were restricted to 133/8.
