(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan and Sri Lanka Face Must-Win Clash in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI: Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be desperate to secure their first victory in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup when they meet in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
Defending champions Sri Lanka, who dominated the group stage unbeaten, stumbled in their opening Super Four match with a four-wicket loss to Bangladesh, ending an impressive eight-match winning streak in the tournament.
Pakistan, meanwhile, enter the contest under immense pressure. Off-field controversies and two defeats to arch-rivals India have left the Men in Green struggling to find momentum.
The Points Table Battle
India and Bangladesh currently lead the Super Four standings with two points each, with India ahead on net run-rate. Sri Lanka and Pakistan sit third and fourth, making this game a do-or-die contest.
A win will keep qualification hopes alive, while the losing side will be left relying on other results and net run-rate permutations.
Pakistan’s Struggles and Hopes
Against India, Pakistan’s top order — Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, and Saim Ayub — provided a strong start, reaching 90-1. Saim, who had endured three consecutive ducks earlier, showed signs of form.
However, the innings collapsed in the middle overs, exposing Pakistan’s familiar batting woes.
“I think the way we batted against India, the boys are very confident,” Sahibzada told reporters. “It’s a do-or-die match, and God willing, we will do better against Sri Lanka.”
The bowling unit has also struggled, with Abrar Ahmed unable to replicate his earlier success. Pakistan will need a sharper, disciplined effort to contain Sri Lanka’s batting.
Sri Lanka’s Concerns
Despite their dominance in the group stage, Sri Lanka’s middle order remains fragile. While Dasun Shanaka impressed with a counterattacking knock against Bangladesh, consistency is still missing.
Pathum Nissanka, who starred with back-to-back fifties earlier, has dipped in form, though Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara look steady at the crease.
“All we know is that it’s a must-win game for us,” Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka said. “We lost badly to Bangladesh, but we need to move forward. Winning the next two games can take us to the finals.”
Bowling Units in Spotlight
Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara has been impressive, standing as the tournament’s fourth-highest wicket-taker with six wickets. He will be supported by Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, and Shanaka, who have all chipped in with crucial spells.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Dunith Wellalage has rejoined the squad following a brief absence due to his father’s passing, a boost that could strengthen the team both emotionally and tactically.
High Stakes in Abu Dhabi
With both teams under pressure, the clash in Abu Dhabi promises high-intensity cricket. For Pakistan, it’s about finding stability and focus. For Sri Lanka, it’s about regaining rhythm after a rare stumble.
The winner will stay firmly in contention for a place in the Asia Cup final, while the loser risks watching their hopes slip away.
