Abu Dhabi is set for a tense showdown today as Pakistan and Sri Lanka meet in what is virtually a knockout clash of the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage.
Both teams head into the match on the back of bruising defeats. Pakistan were dismantled by arch-rivals India, while Sri Lanka faltered against a resurgent Bangladesh. Another slip-up here could all but end the loser’s campaign, leaving only a mathematical lifeline.
Pakistan’s woes run deep after their latest collapse. The batting reshuffles against India failed badly, exposing a lack of clarity and confidence at the crease. Hassan Nawaz is tipped to return to the XI, while Sri Lanka are likely to bring back spinner Maheesh Theekshana to exploit Pakistan’s batting frailties.
History favors Pakistan with 13 wins compared to Sri Lanka’s 10, but the recent record tells a different story. Since October 2019, Sri Lanka have beaten Pakistan in five consecutive T20Is. Adding to Pakistan’s concerns is Wanindu Hasaranga, who has haunted them with 14 wickets in just five games at an astonishing average of 9.07.
For Sri Lanka, openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have been among the tournament’s top scorers, while Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan, despite being consistent, is under fire for a slow strike rate. The duel between top-order batters could set the tone, but the real battle might hinge on how Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf handle the new ball against Sri Lanka’s attacking mindset.
For Babar Azam’s side, this is about more than survival — it’s about restoring belief after a humiliating defeat. For Sri Lanka, it’s about proving they can still rise under pressure. Either way, by tonight, one campaign will be hanging by a thread.
