Abrar Ahmed delivered a historic performance in the Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2025 against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, September 23. The Pakistan spinner produced the most economical four-over spell by a spinner in T20I Asia Cup history.
The 27-year-old claimed one wicket while conceding just eight runs in his four overs, finishing with a remarkable economy rate of 2.0. His prized scalp was Wanindu Hasaranga, as Abrar kept Sri Lanka’s batters in check with his sharp variations.
With this feat, the leg-spinner surpassed former Indian great Harbhajan Singh’s record. Harbhajan had set the previous mark during the Asia Cup 2016 against the UAE, where he returned figures of 1/11 in four overs.
Most Economical Four-Over Spells by Spinners in Asia Cup T20Is
- Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan) – 1/8 vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2025
- Harbhajan Singh (India) – 1/11 vs UAE, Asia Cup 2016
- Nasum Ahmed (Bangladesh) – 2/11 vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2025
Sri Lanka Set 134-Run Target for Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 Super Four Clash
In Super Four match 3 of the Asia Cup 2025, Sri Lanka managed to post 133/8, setting Pakistan a target of 134 runs. Pakistan skipper Salman Agha won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that paid off immediately.
The Pakistan pace attack ripped through Sri Lanka’s top order from the very first over, with Shaheen Afridi removing Kusal Mendis for a golden duck. Within just eight overs, Sri Lanka were reduced to 58/5. Key batters struggled to get going—Pathum Nissanka (8), Kusal Perera (15), Charith Asalanka (20), and Dasun Shanaka (0) all fell cheaply.
Kamindu Mendis stood tall with a fighting half-century (50), anchoring the innings and pushing the total past the 130 mark. Afridi starred with the ball, finishing with three wickets, while Haris Rauf and Hussain Talat chipped in with two each.
Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan entered this clash under pressure, having lost their opening Super Four matches—Sri Lanka to Bangladesh by four wickets, and Pakistan to India by six wickets.