Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2025: The Asia Cup 2025 continues to deliver high-octane drama, and Tuesday’s Super Four showdown between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi was no exception. With elimination looming for the loser, Pakistan held their nerve to clinch a tense five-wicket victory, keeping their hopes alive in the competition.
Sri Lanka’s Journey: From Group Stage Dominance to Super Four Struggles
Sri Lanka had been flawless in the group stage, marching through unbeaten. However, their dream run hit a bump in the Super Four when Bangladesh turned the tables on them. Despite the setback, the islanders still remain one of the tournament’s strongest contenders though cracks in their middle order have become increasingly evident.
Dasun Shanaka provided some resistance at No. 5 against Bangladesh, offering a much-needed counterattack, but overall consistency has been missing. Pathum Nissanka, who had lit up the group stage with back-to-back half-centuries, has been unable to carry that momentum forward into the tougher phase of the competition.
On the bowling front, Sri Lanka has plenty to cheer about. Nuwan Thushara’s fiery pace has fetched him six wickets so far, placing him among the tournament’s top performers. Wanindu Hasaranga’s guile with spin, combined with contributions from Dushmantha Chameera, Shanaka, and captain Charith Asalanka, has kept them competitive.
Pakistan’s Struggles: Batting and Bowling Misfires
Pakistan entered this game under pressure, having under-delivered across departments. Their bowling, usually their biggest strength, had been surprisingly lackluster. Shaheen Shah Afridi, the spearhead of the attack, had struggled to find early breakthroughs. Their spinners, expected to dominate on UAE’s turning pitches, failed to leave an impact.
Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who impressed earlier in the tournament against lower-ranked sides like Oman and the UAE, looked ineffective against India’s high-quality batting line-up. He missed his lengths and was punished heavily.
The batting unit has not fared much better. While openers Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, and Saim Ayub had set the tone against India with a promising 90/1, the middle order could not capitalize. Their final score of 171/5 was far too modest against a strong Indian chase.
Super Four Highlights: Pakistan Clinch a Vital Win
Pakistan turned things around in style against Sri Lanka, delivering a balanced performance to secure a 5-wicket victory. The match had plenty of twists and standout moments.
Key Highlights
- Final Result: Pakistan (138/5 in 18 overs) beat Sri Lanka (133/8 in 20 overs) by 5 wickets.
- Sri Lanka Innings: Scored 133/8. Kusal Mendis top-scored with 50, while Pakistan’s bowlers dominated — Shaheen Afridi (3/28) and Hussain Talat (2/18) were particularly effective.
- Shaheen Afridi’s Impact: The left-arm pacer struck in the opening over, dismissing Kusal Mendis for a golden duck and sending shockwaves through Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. He went on to claim three wickets, dismantling the top order.
- Hussain Talat’s Double Blow: Delivered back-to-back strikes in the middle overs, sparking a collapse that left Sri Lanka reeling.
- Sri Lankan Resistance: Despite the early damage, Kusal Mendis fought back with a gritty half-century. However, a lack of partnerships meant Sri Lanka could not post a commanding total.
- Pakistan’s Chase: Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman laid a solid foundation. Though Pakistan lost three wickets in quick succession to Hasaranga and Theekshana, the target proved too modest, and they crossed the finish line with 12 balls to spare.
Tactical Takeaways
- Pakistan’s Revival with the Ball: After failing to fire in earlier matches, Pakistan’s pace duo of Afridi and Talat rediscovered rhythm at just the right time. Early wickets reduced pressure, allowing spinners to bowl with freedom.
- Sri Lanka’s Death-Overs Problem Persists: Once again, they failed to accelerate in the final overs. Despite holding wickets in hand, the run rate stagnated, leaving their bowlers little to defend.
- Batting Depth Matters: Pakistan’s middle-order wobble showed that finishing strength is still a work in progress. But with the openers contributing steadily, they managed to keep the chase on track.
Player of the Match: Shaheen Shah Afridi
Shaheen’s return to form could not have come at a better time. His triple strike not only broke Sri Lanka’s backbone but also injected confidence back into Pakistan’s bowling attack. For a bowler under scrutiny after indifferent performances, this was a statement spell.
What This Means for the Tournament
- Pakistan: The win keeps them in contention for a place in the final. More importantly, it addresses some glaring concerns around their bowling unit, giving them momentum for upcoming games.
- Sri Lanka: The defeat is a setback, but they remain a dangerous side. If their middle order can find consistency and their bowlers maintain discipline, they are still capable of making a comeback.
Final Thoughts
The Pakistan-Sri Lanka clash was a timely reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in T20 cricket. Pakistan, written off by many after their loss to India, roared back with discipline and intent. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will need to reflect on their recurring batting issues, particularly their inability to convert starts into match-winning totals.
As the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage heats up, every game becomes a virtual knockout. Fans can expect more twists, nail-biting finishes, and individual brilliance as the battle for the final intensifies.
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