Asia Cup 20205: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Playing XI Super 4 and match preview

The Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match number 3 sees Pakistan and Sri Lanka face each other at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The two teams meet for the first time since 2022 and find themselves in a crucial phase. Both sides suffered losses in their opening Super 4 clash. 

What is the Context of the PAK vs SL match?

This is a massive game for the two teams. The Lankans were beaten by Bangladesh in the Super 4 opener. Both teams had earlier progressed to the Super 4 from Group B. In the 2nd encounter of the Super 4, India tamed Pakistan by 6 wickets. Both India and Pakistan had earlier made the cut from Group A.

Pakistan have lost twice in this tournament from 4 games – both against India. Their wins have been against UAE and Oman. So the Lankan game is a test of character for Salman Agha’s men.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka, who were earlier unscathed in Group B, were stunned by an upbeat Bangladesh side. That defeat would have hurt them.

In terms of the H2H record, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have played 23 T20Is with the latter winning 10. Pakistan have won the other 13.  

Notably, the Pakistan side has played 10 T20Is here, winning 7 and losing three. The Lankans have featured in 8 matches here, winning five and losing 3 times.

The Asia Cup match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will start at 8 pm IST on September 23 in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan – Probable Playing XI

Sahibzada Farhan: Pakistan have a lot of hope from Farhan. He smashed a fifty in the previous game against India and crossed 4000 runs in T20s. 500-plus of his T20 runs have come in T20Is.

Fakhar Zaman: The southpaw is Pakistan’s main bet in batting. He owns 2209 runs from 106 T20Is (98 innings) at 23-plus. Fakhar has belted 13 fifties.

Saim Ayub: The opening batsman was sent out at number three against India and he broke a sequence of ducks, failing to open his account in the group stage of the Asia Cup earlier. He scored 21 off 17 versus India.

Salman Agha (c): The skipper will want to showcase his strengths in the middle order. He is yet to fire in this tournament.

Hassan Nawaz: He can take the game by his strengths. With an average of 25-plus and a neat strike rate of 167-plus, Hasan is key for the Men in Green.

Mohammad Nawaz: The spin all-rounder is a key customer in that middle order. Across 52 T20I innings, he has scored 682 runs at 17-plus. He also owns 71 wickets with the ball (75 matches).

Mohammad Haris (wk): Another key element of this Pakistan side, Haris can be used as a floater. He owns 511 runs from 32 matches.

Faheem Ashraf: At number 8, Pakistan get another all-rounder. Ashraf He has 500-plus runs from 48 innings with a strike rate of 134-plus. With the ball, he has picked 49 wickets from 65 matches.

Shaheen Afridi: The speedster will lead this Pakistan bowling attack. He has picked 111 wickets from 89 matches.

Haris Rauf: The fast bowler was brought back for the India game and he shone with 2/26 from 4 overs. He is expected to retain his place. He remains Pakistan’s top wicket-taker in T20Is.

Abrar Ahmed: He will have a crucial role to play as a lead spinner. In 19 games, he owns 27 wickets for Pakistan.

Player to watch out for (Fakhar Zaman): The aggressive Fakhar got 4 scores of 20-plus in the T20I tri-series besides a fifty. He did well against Oman as well and then delivered against UAE. 

Sri Lanka – Probable Playing XI

Pathum Nissanka: The classy all-format batter has been impressive of late and did well in the white-ball tour of Zimbabwe. He has also impressed in the Asia Cup 2025.

Kusal Mendis: The veteran batter was out for three runs versus Bangladesh and then suffered another failure versus Hong Kong. However, he scored 74* vs Afghanistan and 34 vs Bangladesh thereafter to pick form.

Kusal Perera: He is Sri Lanka’s top scorer in T20Is and has plenty of pedigree. He will hope to make things count.

Kamil Mishara: He won the MoM award against Bangladesh for his unbeaten 46. He followed it up with an 18-ball 19 versus Hong Kong. He has scored 4 and 5 thereafter to suffer a dip. 

Charith Asalanka (c): The skipper is a massive figure in the Lankan set-up and leads from the front. He will once again hope to stamp his authority. 

Kamindu Mendis: At number six, the player lends his voice. He can bowl part-time spin as well. In 31 matches, he has 475 runs for SL.

Dasun Shanaka: The senior figure is a key all-rounder of this side. He smashed a solid fifty versus Bangladesh in the Super 4, showing his batting credentials and then picked wickets as well.

Wanindu Hasaranga: Having returned from injury, Hasaranga has done well with the ball for his side. He remains a vital cog.

Maheesh Theekshana: The spinner is set to keep his place in the XI. He will hope to support Hasaranga and aim to choke Pakistan. With 63 wickets from 67 matches, Theekshana is a fine bet.

Dushmantha Chameera: He bowled well in the Zimbabwe T20Is. He clocked 8 wickets from three matches. He brought that form into the Asia Cup and has fared well.

Nuwan Thushara: He has picked 6 wickets in the Asia Cup which includes a 4-fer. He would want to step up against Pakistan. 

Player to watch out for (Pathum Nissanka): With consistent knocks, Nissanka will be crucial for the Lankans with his contributions upfront. He can set the stage for the others to come and contribute.

Pitch Report & Venue Conditions 

The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch in Abu Dhabi is generally a balanced surface that initially favours batsmen with good pace and bounce. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, bringing spinners into prominence. Run-scoring isn’t that easy so batters should abide by the situation in hand.

Match Prediction – Who Has the Upper Hand?

Pakistan will want to make things work in their favour. They have a decent bowling unit and the spin show is their trump card. SL will also believe they can outmuscle Salman Agha’s men.

FAQs About PAK vs SL Playing 11

Who are the key players in the PAK vs SL clash?

Pathum Nissanka is a key player for SL. He holds the responsibility with the bat and owns two fifties in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. For PAK, Fakhar Zaman is an experienced batter and needs to carry the side.