Asia Cup 2025 : Abrar Ahmed mimics Wanindu Hasaranga’s iconic celebration after taking his wicket during PAK vs SL clash

Table of Contents

Pakistan’s bowlers maintained a stranglehold on Sri Lanka during their must-win Asia Cup 2025 Super Four encounter at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and one moment stood out both for its brilliance and its comedy. With Sri Lanka searching for momentum after a shaky start, Wanindu Hasaranga looked to inject some intent. But in the 12th over, Abrar Ahmed produced a delivery straight from a bowler’s dream and followed it up with a celebration that left players, commentators, and spectators chuckling.

The dismissal itself was a piece of art. Abrar looped the ball invitingly on a fuller length just outside off, the seam tilted perfectly to disguise his intent. Hasaranga, convinced he had picked the trajectory, went hard for a heave across the line in typical fashion. What he failed to read, however, was the subtle wrist work, a cleverly disguised googly that dipped late and spun sharply past his slog. Hasaranga swung with full force but made no contact, and in a split second, the stumps were rattled, the bails lighting up in dramatic fashion. It was the kind of dismissal that highlights a leg-spinner’s guile, leaving the batter completely deceived and the fielders erupting in joy.

But what truly stole the show was what came next. Abrar, brimming with confidence, decided to mimic Hasaranga’s trademark celebration right there on the field. Though his attempt at replicating the Sri Lankan all-rounder’s flamboyant style was slightly exaggerated and awkward, it brought sheer comic relief to a pressure-filled contest. Hasaranga, who trudged off with 15 from 13 balls, could only watch the imitation with a grim smile as Pakistan’s camp erupted in laughter. The light-hearted moment, however, underscored a serious shift in momentum, Sri Lanka were reeling at 80/6, their middle order in tatters, and Pakistan in full command.

— Blablabla (@Bhaukal_ba1) September 23, 2025

Also WATCH: Asia Cup 2025: Faheem Ashraf takes an absolute blinder to dismiss Kusal Perera during PAK vs SL clash

In a must-win Super Fours clash, Pakistan’s bowling attack put on a commanding display, limiting Sri Lanka to a total of 133/8 in their 20 overs. After winning the toss and electing to field, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by the formidable trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Hussain Talat, ripped through Sri Lanka’s top and middle order, putting them on the back foot from the outset.

The early damage was done by Shaheen, who set the tone by dismissing both openers, including the dangerous Kusal Mendis for a duck on the second ball of the innings. His fiery spell concluded with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 28 runs. The pressure was maintained by Rauf, who picked up two key wickets, including that of Kusal Perera with the help of a sensational diving catch by Faheem Ashraf. Talat also contributed significantly, taking two wickets in quick succession to dismantle Sri Lanka’s middle order.

Despite the collapse, Sri Lanka’s innings was salvaged by a valiant effort from Kamindu Mendis, who played a gritty knock to score a half-century. His resilient innings gave Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope and a fighting chance. However, the consistent pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers, including a very economical spell from Abrar (1 wicket for just 8 runs in 4 overs), prevented Sri Lanka from posting a more competitive total.

Also READ: Asia Cup 2025: BJP hits back at Haris Rauf’s fighter-jet celebration