Pakistan all-rounder Hussain Talat defended his value to the side by emphasizing his utility in the middle order, which he felt only a handful of players in world cricket were capable of handling effectively. In the must-win Asia Cup 2025 game against Sri Lanka, Talat played a decisive role, scoring an unbeaten 32 runs to anchor the chase and also delivering with the ball by taking 2 for 18 in three overs.
His all-round performance at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi ensured that the Men in Green
secured an emphatic five-wicket victory, avoiding the threat of elimination. After the match, he noted that batting in the T20I middle order was the most difficult aspect of the format, underlining the demands of performing under pressure in that position.
"We keep saying that if we need a middle order player they need to know how to be both aggressive and have the ability to anchor. But the chances of failure with that kind of cricket are high. Unfortunately, if you don't perform a few games or series, the media and fans immediately go after you and you're out of the team suddenly,” said Talat at the press conference as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
"I think the middle order is the hardest place to play in T20 cricket because you're required to play all kinds of cricket. And because it's difficult, I think you should have more chances in that position. And players who can play in the middle order are very rare in Pakistan, perhaps four or five. And even they don't want to play there,” he added.
Given the difficult couple of days endured by both Talat and the rest of Pakistan’s middle order, their struggles were perhaps understandable. In the high-profile clash against India on Sunday, the turning point appeared to arrive when Talat walked out to bat in the 11th over. Until that stage, Pakistan had been progressing briskly at nine runs an over. However, following the dismissal of Saim Ayub and the unexpected promotion of Talat, the momentum shifted.
Talat, who had not featured in any matches during Pakistan’s month-long stay in the UAE prior to that game, looked out of rhythm. He managed only 10 runs from 11 deliveries, and during the seven overs that began with his arrival at the crease, Pakistan could add just 38 runs.
"We'd lost so no one was feeling good. The people wanted us to win, and we did what we could against India, too. But there was no extra pressure before today's game. There was plenty of criticism which we were trying to avoid and which isn't good for the team. But it was crucial to win today,” said Talat.
Pakistan, chasing a target of 134, made a rapid start by collecting 43 runs in the first five overs. However, the inning was soon destabilized when Maheesh Theekshana struck twice in a single over during the powerplay. His intervention sparked a collapse in which Pakistan lost four wickets for just 13 runs.
"The pitch was a bit sticky, but improved in the second innings. We lost a few wickets quickly and that put us under a lot of pressure. And then we were running out of batting pairs which required us to take the game deep,” he added.
The Lankan Lions strengthened their position when Dushmantha Chameera dismissed Mohammad Haris with a wild slog, leaving Pakistan at 80 for 5 and still requiring 54 runs for victory. Although the asking rate remained manageable, Talat opted for a more restrained approach, choosing to bat with circumspection at a time when such an option is seldom discussed in the T20 format.
"In the group, when we talk about batting, it's always about playing aggressive. But when I went in, a couple of wickets fell. My gut feeling was that the only way to win after that was to take the game deep. When Nawaz hit Hasaranga for two fours, he said he'd go for his shots and for me to anchor. And that worked nicely for both of us,” said the all-rounder.
Pakistan gradually overcame the threat posed by Theekshana and managed to find their rhythm. Mohammad Nawaz struck two boundaries off Wanindu Hasaranga, with Hussain Talat also following suit. Nawaz then took charge in the closing stages, clearing the ropes three times in the space of five deliveries. His late assault ensured Pakistan completed the chase in the 18th over.
"We're hopeful. We've been playing T20 cricket for four months or so now, since Bangladesh came to Pakistan in May. Players are being backed in this group; in the past, players used to play a couple of matches and then be omitted. Now they're getting an extended run like we see elsewhere in international cricket. We're two games away from the trophy, and we believe we can win it,” he concluded.
