Salman Agha’s Pakistan will play against Charith Asalanka’s Sri Lanka in a crucial super four match of the Asia Cup 2025 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, today, September 23.
Both teams are under pressure after losing their opening Super Four games. Pakistan fell to India by six wickets, while Sri Lanka lost to Bangladesh by four wickets. Another defeat could end the tournament hopes for either side.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Why does this match matter to both teams?
Today’s super four match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is a must-win for both sides. The losing team will likely not reach the final.
Pakistan needs a win to bounce back after recent defeats, including two losses to India, while Sri Lanka is also under pressure after losing to Bangladesh. A victory tonight keeps a team’s chances alive, but a loss puts them on the back foot, making it very hard to qualify for the final in this tight points race.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Head-to-head record
Pakistan and Sri Lanka share a long and competitive cricket rivalry across all formats. In T20Is, both the teams have faced each other 23 times, with Pakistan winning 13 matches and Sri Lanka 10.
In Asia Cup T20s, Pakistan leads overall, but Sri Lanka has the recent momentum, including their win in the 2022 Asia Cup final.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Weather and pitch report
The weather in Abu Dhabi will be clear, very warm and quite humid. The temperature will drop to around 31°C. Winds will blow from the north-northwest at 10–15 mph, and the humidity will be about 75%.
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium has hosted seven Asia Cup 2025 games so far. The average first-innings score is around 165. Teams batting first have won four out of the seven matches, suggesting a slight advantage for the batters. However, bowlers are expected to play a key role on Tuesday, especially if they can keep wickets intact during the middle overs.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Predicted playing XIs
Pakistan (PAK): Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Sri Lanka (SL): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (C), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara