In a game already brimming with intensity, it was the spicy spin battle between Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed and Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga that added unexpected fireworks, and little a touch of humour and a whole lot of sportsman spirit, to the Asia Cup 2025 clash in Abu Dhabi.
With the bat and ball flying around, fans were also treated to a cheeky exchange of celebrations between two of the game’s craftiest wrist-spinners, complete with mocking moves, flying wickets, and eventually, a warm embrace.
It all kicked off when Abrar Ahmed, delivering a miserly spell of 1/8, sent Hasaranga packing in the first innings. With Sri Lanka struggling at 80/6, Abrar couldn’t help but celebrate with Hasaranga’s own trademark gesture, the folded arms pose that the Lankan star made famous.
At that point, it looked like harmless fun. Pakistan were on top, Sri Lanka were reeling, and the fans were loving it. But cricket has a long memory. And so does Hasaranga.
When Pakistan cruised to 43/0 in their chase of 134, the result looked academic. But the Lankan leggie turned the match on its head. First, he pulled off a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Sahibzada Farhan, then got into rhythm with the ball, removing Saim Ayub and trapping Salman Ali Agha lbw, all in quick succession.
Every time a wicket fell, Hasaranga responded with Abrar’s own crossed-arms celebration, this time turning to the Pakistani dugout with a grin. Abrar, ever the sport, was seen smiling too, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth.
What started as banter quickly became the subplot of the night, with fans on Twitter declaring it the “true rivalry of the match.”
But as cricket often reminds us, it’s a gentleman’s game at heart.
After Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz calmly took Pakistan home with five wickets in hand, and virtually knocked Sri Lanka out of the tournament, the two spinners met at the post-match handshake with laughter and a hug, ending their on-field duel with mutual respect.
