ICC CRICKET SCHEDULE
Menu

PAK v SL: Pakistan finds themselves in a crucial situation as they take on Sri Lanka and it is expected that there will be multiple changes to the playing 11

Sri Lanka and Pakistan are both seeking their first Super Four win in the T20 Asia Cup 2025 after suffering early losses. Sri Lanka’s eight-match winning streak ended with a defeat to Bangladesh, while Pakistan is under pressure following two losses to India and internal team issues. India and Bangladesh lead the table, leaving Sri Lanka and Pakistan in a must-win scenario. Sri Lanka's middle order remains a concern, but key players like Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, and the returning Dunith Wellalage offer hope. Pakistan, led by Salman Agha, will need a strong showing to stay in the tournament.

After suffering early setbacks in the Super Four round of the T20 Asia Cup 2025, both Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be eager to register their first win in this crucial stage when they face off on Tuesday. Sri Lanka had comfortably ended the group stage undefeated, but fell to a four-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in their first Super Four match. This defeat not only disrupted their momentum but also ended their impressive eight-match winning streak in the T20 Asia Cup.

Meanwhile, off-field issues within the Pakistan team have dominated the headlines, overshadowing their mediocre performances on the field. They are in disarray after suffering another crushing defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India on Sunday, their second loss to the Men in Blue this tournament.

Must Read - Asia Cup 2025-India National Team must be wary of Pakistan this time, needs to avoid the error of the 2022 Asia Cup in the Super4

India and Bangladesh have two points each, while Suryakumar Yadav's team leads the table thanks to a superior net run rate. Sri Lanka and Pakistan are in third and fourth place, respectively. With no room for improvement in the near future, Pakistan captain Salman Agha and his team are now facing a do-or-die situation under immense pressure.

Sri Lanka, despite their strong run, are grappling with their own problems. A fragile middle order is a cause for concern, although Dasun Shanaka's counter-attacking innings at No. 5 against Bangladesh provided some relief. Pathum Nissanka, who scored two consecutive half-centuries in the group stage, is now going through a rough patch.

However, Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara appear to be in good form and could provide the necessary stability. Spin wizard Wanindu Hasaranga, along with Dushmantha Chameera, Charith Asalanka, and Shanaka, have also made effective contributions in matches.

Emerging all-rounder Dunith Vellalalage, whose father passed away last week, has returned to the team after a short break. His return could boost both morale and depth.

Probable Playing 11's of both sides

Pakistan's probable playing XI: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka's probable playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (captain), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Welalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara.

Do Read - Is Pakistan National Team going to pull off another boycott stunt in today’s game against India? The name of the referee become a point of frustration

Aryan Malik
Written by Aryan Malik