The Asia Cup 2025 Super Four is heating up, and the pressure is on. On Tuesday, September 23, Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in Match 3 of the Super Four stage at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (8:00 PM IST). With both teams losing their opening Super Four matches, this is nothing short of a do-or-die clash.
Pakistan: Searching for Stability
Pakistan entered the Super Four after finishing second in Group A with two wins from three matches. Their only defeat in the group came against arch-rivals India, who again humbled them in the Super Four opener.
While big wins earlier showcased their strength, concerns remain over inconsistent batting and lack of penetration in bowling. Shaheen Afridi has been striking with the bat, but Pakistan need him more with the ball.
Sri Lanka: Strong Start, But Stumbling
Sri Lanka looked composed in Group B, topping the table unbeaten with strong chases led by Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka. However, their Super Four campaign began with a setback, falling short in a thriller against Bangladesh.
Their batting depth is solid, but doubts remain over their ability to defend totals — a factor that could haunt them again in Abu Dhabi.
Head-to-Head in T20Is
- Total Matches: 23
- Pakistan Wins: 13
- Sri Lanka Wins: 10
- Recent Record: Sri Lanka have won the last 5 T20Is against Pakistan (since 2019).
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi: Pitch Report
- Slow surface with some early movement for pacers.
- Spinners expected to dominate in the middle overs.
- Quick outfield rewards placement and timing.
- Par Score: Around 160–170.
- Dew factor favors chasing.
- Weather: Clear skies, no rain threat.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara.
(Possible change: Maheesh Theekshana might return for Sri Lanka as an extra bowler)
Top Run Scorers in PAK vs SL (Current Squads)
- Dasun Shanaka – 141 runs in 10 innings, SR 120.51, 1 fifty
- Kusal Perera – 122 runs in 4 innings, SR 132.60, 1 fifty
- Fakhar Zaman – 67 runs in 7 innings, SR 94.36
Top Wicket-Takers in PAK vs SL (Current Squads)
- Wanindu Hasaranga – 14 wickets in 5 matches, avg 9.07, econ 6.35
- Faheem Ashraf – 6 wickets in 4 matches, avg 12.00, econ 6.00
- Hasan Ali – 6 wickets in 4 matches, avg 19.66, econ 8.13
Pakistan Key Stats & Records
- Sahibzada Farhan: 132 runs in 4 innings (incl. 50 vs India).
- Haris Rauf vs Nissanka: Dismissed him once, conceded only 2 runs off 6 balls.
- Mohammad Haris vs leg-spinners: 40 runs off 28 balls, only dismissed once (SR 142.9).
- Abrar Ahmed: 19 wickets in 19 T20Is, econ 5.98.
- Fakhar Zaman: 700 T20I runs as opener, SR 138.33.
- At Abu Dhabi: Pakistan have won 7 of 10 T20Is (W/L ratio: 2.33).
Sri Lanka Key Stats & Records
- Pathum Nissanka: 146 runs in Asia Cup 2025 (avg 36.50, SR 148.98).
- Nuwan Thushara: 6 wickets in 2025 Asia Cup (avg 18.83).
- Thushara vs Fakhar Zaman: Dismissed him twice in T20 leagues.
- Nissanka vs left-arm pace: 308 runs at avg 77.00, SR 144.6.
- Kusal Mendis: 277 runs in Asia Cup T20 history (3 fifties).
- Hasaranga: 14 wickets vs Pakistan, 30 wickets in UAE.
- At Abu Dhabi: 5 wins in 8 T20Is (W/L ratio: 1.66).
Records That Could Be Broken
- Faheem Ashraf – needs 1 wicket for 50 T20I wickets.
- Shaheen Afridi – needs 2 wickets to become Pakistan’s 2nd-highest wicket-taker.
- Kusal Mendis – needs 6 runs to become Sri Lanka’s all-time leading T20I run-scorer.
Form Guide
- Sri Lanka: L W W W L
- Pakistan: L W L W W
In the Spotlight
- Haris Rauf: 5 wickets in just 2 T20Is vs SL, economy 6.85.
- Nuwan Thushara: Swing threat in powerplay but under pressure after Bangladesh clash.
Big Picture
Both sides arrive wounded, both sides desperate. Pakistan’s bowling hasn’t clicked, Sri Lanka’s batting depth is under the scanner. History favors Sri Lanka (5 straight wins over Pakistan), but conditions in Abu Dhabi tilt slightly towards Pakistan, who have a better T20I record here.
It’s simple: win and stay alive, lose and risk crashing out.
