Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan, Sri Lanka Face Off in Must-Win Clash
By Parth Dhall | Sep 22, 2025 | 07:11 pm
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are gearing up for a crucial encounter in Match 3 of the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup Super 4 stage. The match is scheduled to take place at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday, September 23.
Both teams head into the game on the back of defeats in their opening Super 4 matches—Sri Lanka lost narrowly to Bangladesh, while Pakistan suffered a six-wicket defeat against India. With both sides having only one or two games left to secure a spot in the final, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A loss for either team could potentially end their Asia Cup campaign.
Match Details
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
- Time: 8:00 pm IST
- Broadcast: Live on Sony Sports Network (India)
- Streaming: Available on SonyLIV app and website
Pitch Report and Conditions
The pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium is expected to favor seam bowlers early on, as witnessed in the recent India-Oman game. The dry surface will also aid spinners later in the innings, making spin bowling a key factor. According to Cricbuzz, the average first-innings score in T20 Internationals at this ground hovers around 140 runs, suggesting a balanced contest between bat and ball.
Recent Form and Tournament Scenario
Sri Lanka entered the Asia Cup on a strong note, winning all their group-stage matches while chasing successfully. However, their momentum took a hit with the defeat to Bangladesh in the Super 4 opener. Pakistan, on the other hand, started the Super 4 phase with a setback after losing to India, though they had earlier secured two wins out of three group matches.
With only the top two teams from the Super 4 stage advancing to the final, both Pakistan and Sri Lanka cannot afford another loss, making this a high-pressure, must-win encounter.
Head-to-Head Stats
This will be the first T20I meeting between Pakistan and Sri Lanka since 2022. Historically, the two sides have faced off 23 times in the format, with Pakistan holding a slight edge with 13 wins to Sri Lanka’s 10.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan: 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: 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 in the previous match with a fine 58 against India. Nonetheless, his strike rate of 101.54 in the Asia Cup indicates a need for quicker scoring to set the tone early.
Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is also in focus, as he is on the verge of surpassing Shadab Khan to become Pakistan’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals.
For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka has been in good touch, registering two half-centuries in his last four T20 matches. Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has maintained an impressive economy rate and is yet to concede more than 30 runs in this tournament, making him a critical bowling asset for his team.
Fan Poll
Do you think Wanindu Hasaranga will take two or more wickets in this match? Cast your vote and share your predictions!
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