Abu Dhabi: Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan, reeling from early setbacks in the Super 4s, will be eager to secure their first win in this crucial stage of the Asia Cup when they clash here on Tuesday.
Defending champions Sri Lanka, who had stormed through the group stage unbeaten, were jolted by a four-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in their Super 4 opener. The loss not only disrupted their rhythm but also ended an impressive eight-match winning streak in T20 Asia Cup cricket.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have been grappling with off-field controversies that have overshadowed their inconsistent performances. Their struggles continued with a heavy defeat to arch-rivals India on Sunday, marking their second loss to the Men in Blue in this tournament.
Currently, India and Bangladesh sit atop the Super 4 standings with two points each, India leading on superior net run rate. Sri Lanka and Pakistan occupy third and fourth positions respectively. With little margin for error, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha and his side face a must-win clash under mounting pressure.
The absence of senior stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan has left a glaring void in Pakistan’s batting lineup, exposing weaknesses in both technique and temperament. Against India, top-order batters Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, and Saim Ayub offered a brief spark, compiling 90/1 for a promising start. Ayub, in particular, showed signs of form after three consecutive ducks, but the innings fizzled, underlining Pakistan’s struggle to maintain momentum.
The bowling department has also struggled. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, effective against lower-ranked teams like Oman and UAE, was unable to trouble a dominant Indian batting lineup.
Sri Lanka, despite their unbeaten group stage, have their own challenges. A fragile middle order remains a concern, although Dasun Shanaka’s counterattacking innings at No. 5 against Bangladesh offered some encouragement. Pathum Nissanka, the star of the group stage with consecutive fifties, has hit a rough patch, but Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara are in good touch and could provide stability.
In bowling, pacer Nuwan Thushara has impressed, currently fourth on the tournament’s wicket-takers list with six scalps. Spin ace Wanindu Hasaranga, along with Dushmantha Chameera, Charith Asalanka, and Shanaka, have also been key contributors.
The squad has received a boost with the return of promising all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, who rejoined after a brief absence following his father’s death, adding both depth and morale.
Teams (from):
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.
Match start: 8 pm IST.
