PAK vs SL Match Preview – In what promises to be a high-stakes encounter, former champions Pakistan and Sri Lanka will lock horns in a virtual knockout match of the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025. Both teams, having lost their opening Super Four fixtures, find themselves in a precarious position where another defeat would all but end their hopes of reaching the final. The cricketing giants will face off at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, September 23rd, in a contest that is expected to be a thriller.
Pakistan, after a promising start to the tournament, were handed a comprehensive defeat by arch-rivals India in their first Super Four game. Despite a strong batting performance that saw them post a competitive total, their bowlers failed to make an impact against a formidable Indian batting lineup. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, went down to a spirited Bangladeshi side in a closely contested match. Having been unbeaten in the group stage, the loss would have been a wake-up call for the island nation. With their backs against the wall, both teams will be desperate to register a win and keep their campaign alive.
PAK vs SL Match Details
PAK vs SL Head-to-Head in T20Is
PAK vs SL Pitch Report
The wicket at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is expected to be a balanced one, offering something for both batsmen and bowlers. The pitch is known to have a good covering of grass, which should assist the pacers with the new ball. As the game progresses, the surface tends to slow down, bringing the spinners into play, who could prove to be crucial in the middle overs. The average first innings score in T20s at this venue is around 160-170. With the dew factor likely to come into play in the second innings, the captain winning the toss might be inclined to bowl first.
PAK vs SL Weather Report
The weather in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday is expected to be hot and humid, typical for this time of the year. There is no threat of rain, so a full, uninterrupted match is on the cards. The temperature will be in the mid-30s (in Celsius) during the day and will cool down slightly in the evening. The high humidity will test the fitness of the players from both sides.
PAK vs SL Squads
Pakistan (PAK): Sahibzada Farhan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Agha Salman (C), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris (WK), Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Muhammad Wasim, Hassan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Salman Mirza, Hasan Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem
Sri Lanka (SL): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera (WK), Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu-Mendis Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Nuwanidu Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana
PAK vs SL Possible Playing11
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman (C), Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (C), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana
PAK vs SL Match Prediction
This is a tough match to call, with both teams desperate for a victory. Pakistan’s strength lies in their potent pace attack, led by the fiery Shaheen Afridi and the ever-reliable Haris Rauf. Their batting, while inconsistent, has shown flashes of brilliance. For them to succeed, their top order will need to provide a solid platform.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, boasts a well-rounded side. Their batting has depth, and in Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, they have two world-class spinners who can exploit the Abu Dhabi conditions. Their recent loss to Bangladesh might have dented their confidence, but they have the players to bounce back strongly.
Given the do-or-die nature of the contest, the team that handles the pressure better will likely emerge victorious. Sri Lanka’s balanced squad and the prowess of their spinners might just give them a slight edge over a Pakistan side that has shown some vulnerability under pressure.
Prediction: Sri Lanka to win a close contest.
