Hasaranga vs Abrar: Celebration War Steals the Show in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Clash

The high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 encounter between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was not just about the bat and ball but also about a fiery battle of celebrations between two of the tournament’s most influential spinners — Wanindu Hasaranga and Abrar Ahmed.

It all started when Abrar Ahmed dismissed Hasaranga and cheekily mimicked the Sri Lankan’s signature celebration pose. The move instantly ignited the contest, with Hasaranga plotting his perfect comeback.

Not one to stay silent, the Lankan superstar struck back by bowling out Saim Ayub and immediately responded with Abrar’s own crossed-arms gesture. The moment electrified the atmosphere at the stadium, turning the clash into a personal duel within a bigger battle.

Sportsmanship Triumphs After the Duel

While the rivalry heated up the contest, it ended in the best possible way. After Pakistan’s victory, both Hasaranga and Abrar shared a warm hug during the post-match handshakes, exchanging smiles and laughs. The wholesome moment showed that despite fierce competition, mutual respect and sportsmanship remain at the heart of cricket.

Match Summary: Pakistan Survive Scare to Beat Sri Lanka

Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 133 runs on the board, with Kamindu Mendis top-scoring with a resilient 50. However, the top order collapsed early, with Nishanka dismissed for 8 and Kusal Mendis out for a duck.

Pakistan bowlers were clinical:

• Shaheen Afridi starred with 3 wickets from his 4 overs.
• Haris Rauf and Hussain Talat chipped in with 2 wickets each.

Chasing 134, Pakistan had early setbacks as Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman fell inside the powerplay. Saim Ayub’s poor tournament continued, scoring just 2 before Hasaranga sent him back.

At 44/3, Pakistan were under pressure, but a brilliant 58-run stand between Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz steadied the innings. Their composure in the middle overs sealed the chase with five wickets to spare.

What This Means for the Asia Cup 2025

The result officially ended Sri Lanka’s hopes of reaching the final, as the defeat knocked them out of contention. For Pakistan, the victory keeps them alive in the tournament — but only just. They now face a must-win clash against Bangladesh to keep their title defense hopes alive.

The match will be remembered not only for the twists and turns on the field but also for the spinners’ celebration battle that provided fans with entertainment, drama, and eventually, a heartwarming reminder of cricket’s spirit.