Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan, Sri Lanka Square Off in Must-Win Clash

By Parth Dhall | Sep 22, 2025 | 07:11 pm

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to face each other in Match 3 of the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup Super 4 stage. The high-stakes encounter will take place at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday, September 23.

Both teams are coming off defeats in their first Super 4 matches—Sri Lanka lost to Bangladesh while Pakistan succumbed to India. With both sides needing a win to stay alive in the tournament, this clash promises to be a thrilling contest.

Match Details

• Date & Time: Tuesday, September 23, 8:00 PM IST
• Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
• Broadcast: Live on Sony Sports Network (India)
• Streaming: Available on SonyLIV app and website

Pitch Report

As witnessed in the India vs Oman game earlier, the Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch is expected to initially assist the seam bowlers. The dry surface will also provide assistance to spinners as the match progresses. According to Cricbuzz, the average first-innings score in T20 Internationals at this venue is around 140 runs.

Recent Form and Tournament Scenario

Sri Lanka entered the Super 4 stage on a winning streak, successfully chasing targets in all their group matches. However, their momentum was halted by a narrow defeat against Bangladesh in the Super 4 opener.

Pakistan’s Super 4 campaign began on a disappointing note with a six-wicket loss to India. Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan had won two out of three group-stage matches.

With only the top two teams from the Super 4 qualifying for the final, both Pakistan and Sri Lanka cannot afford another loss in this must-win encounter.

Head-to-Head and Historical Context

This will be the first T20I meeting between Sri Lanka and Pakistan since 2022. Historically, the two teams have met 23 times in this format, with Pakistan holding a slight edge with 13 wins compared to Sri Lanka’s 10.

Probable Playing XIs

Pakistan (Probable XI):
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (captain), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Sri Lanka (Probable XI):
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wicket-keeper), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (captain), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Players to Watch

Pakistan: Opener Sahibzada Farhan impressed with a gritty 58 against India. Despite consistent run-scoring, his strike rate of 101.54 in the Asia Cup leaves room for acceleration. Shaheen Afridi is eyeing a personal milestone, as 111 career T20I wickets could see him surpass Shadab Khan to become Pakistan’s second-highest wicket-taker in this format.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka has been in excellent form with two half-centuries in his last four T20Is. Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been economical throughout the tournament, yet to concede more than 30 runs in any match and remains key to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.

Fan Poll

Will Wanindu Hasaranga take two or more wickets in this match? Cast your vote and join the conversation!

Stay tuned for updates and live coverage of this exciting Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

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