Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to face off in a crucial Super Fours match of the Asia Cup on Tuesday, September 23 at 6:30 PM local time (14:30 GMT) at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Both teams are seeking to secure their chances of advancing in the tournament after disappointing performances in their previous matches.
Pakistan are coming into this match on the back of two straight defeats. They had already lost to India and Sri Lanka in the Super Fours stage. However, on the flip side of the coin, Sri Lanka experienced the other extreme, losing their last match against Bangladesh by four wickets. The stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. They are fighting to stay hopeful for their place in the tournament final.
Historical Matchup and Recent Form
Though history favors Pakistan, as they have a slim lead over Sri Lanka in overall Test wins. They’re 13-2-8 against them in 23 meetings! Their recent form will come under the scanner as their last win in T20Is against Sri Lanka came way back in 2019. The recent struggles of Pakistan have put them under pressure as they look to regain their footing in the tournament.
Sri Lanka, even after their recent defeat, has continued to surprise opponents with their determination. On paper their batting depth looks powerful, with Pathum Nissanka in the form of his life. He has passed 30 runs in 16 of his past 25 T20I innings. After this game, he’ll be one of the players to watch the most closely as the US prepares for their next game.
Yet Wanindu Hasaranga has emerged as the biggest threat to Pakistan. In all, in just 5 matches this season, he has snared 14 wickets and chalked up 61 runs. His all-round match-winning abilities may prove to be the deciding factor between these two teams on the big day.
Team Updates and Predicted Lineups
Pakistan were happy to see a fit-again Fakhar Zaman return to the setup, having recovered from injury that ruled him out for several months. His addition, if healthy, would add some long-awaited thump in the top-half of the order. Your opposition team management has plans to field a real strong team. Look for performers such as Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub and captain Salman Agha, plus Mohammad Haris as wicketkeeper, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi or Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem.
The Sri Lankan team looks to be extremely well-prepared for the final. The XI might feature Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara/Janith Liyanage, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara.
This week’s matchup is even more important than usual! Depending on their NRR, the winner could finish as high as first place or as low as third place in the group. The team that loses will be staring an almost insurmountable task in their last group game to advance to the championship.
Implications for Tournament Progression
The result of this special fixture has enormous ramifications on the pitch and beyond for both sides. A loss could put either team’s chances of making it to the final in serious peril. The trailing team now needs to win their last game by a lot. Of course, they must hope for good results in other matches to stay in the tournament hunt.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have impressive track records in the Asia Cup. Pakistan has won it twice, while Sri Lanka has been victorious six times. This inheritance only deepens the existential stakes of their meetings, each match a do-or-die affair.
