Overview:
This will be Sri Lanka and Pakistan’s maiden meeting in T20Is since 2022. Both sides will want to step up and showcase their potential. One can expect a cracking contest between the two sides aiming to revive themselves.
Pakistan face Sri Lanka in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 on September 23, 2025. In the Super 4 contest, both sides come into this game on the back of defeats. Sri Lanka lost their Super 4 opener to Bangladesh by 4 wickets in Dubai. Thereafter, Pakistan were tamed by India, who claimed a 6-wicket win in Dubai. However, this encounter is set to be held in Abu Dhabi.
Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan will want to eke out their first win, and this becomes a massive contest. Pakistan’s last clash is against Bangladesh, whereas Sri Lanka’s upcoming game will be against tournament favourites India.
Earlier, Sri Lanka reached the Super 4 after topping Group B, and Pakistan moved into this stage following a 2nd-place finish in Group A.
This will be Sri Lanka and Pakistan’s maiden meeting in T20Is since 2022. Both sides will want to step up and showcase their potential. One can expect a cracking contest between the two sides aiming to revive themselves.
The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Men’s T20 will be held at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup 2025
Salman Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.
Sri Lanka squad for the Asia Cup
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, 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.
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.
Pakistan probable XI for the match against Sri Lanka
Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka probable XI for the match against Pakistan
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara.
The Super Match No. 3 will start at 8:00 pm IST on September 23 in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi & Key Details of the Stadium
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, is located in the UAE. Established in 2004, it can host around 20,000 people. According to ESPNcricinfo, the stadium cost $22 million to build and is arguably one of the world’s finest cricket grounds.
Interestingly, there is no pavilion at this venue. In fact, there are large changing rooms under one of the stands. Teams watch the game from inside air-conditioned glass rooms.
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.
What is the Pitch like at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi?
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 and making batting more challenging. Powerplay overs will be crucial for both teams, apart from rotating the strike well in the middle overs. This has been a better-scoring venue in the 2025 Asia Cup.
Key Stats & Records at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
The highest total at this venue is recorded by Ireland, who scored 225/7 versus Afghanistan in 2013. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s best score here is 189/2 versus Namibia in 2021. Sri Lanka’s best score here is 189/3 against the West Indies in 2021.
Nigeria posted the lowest team total (66/9). Pakistan’s lowest score here was 119/10 in 2010 against South Africa. Sri Lanka’s lowest score here was 102/10 against Pakistan in 2017.
Overall, Paul Stirling has the most T20I runs here, scoring 406 runs at 33.83. Among active cricketers of Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka has 173 runs from 5 matches at 34.60. He has three fifties.
Among bowlers, Bilal Khan of Oman and Rashid Khan of Afghanistan have the most wickets here. They own 19 wickets. For SL, Maheesh Theekshana has 6 wickets here, with Wanindu Hasaranga taking 7. For Pakistan, Faheem Ashraf has picked up 6 wickets from 4 matches.
As per ESPNcricinfo, the average run rate for teams batting first here in T20Is is 7.20. This increases to 7.30 for teams batting 2nd.
PAK vs Sri Lanka: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
According to the weather forecast, the weather in Abu Dhabi will be humid and clear. No showers can be expected, and there will also be no major interruptions.
PAK vs Sri Lanka: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
In terms of bowling, this could be an even contest with both sides having decent resources up their sleeve. Batting is where things could get interesting. The Lankans are a step ahead in batting.
FAQs – Pitch Report for Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
What is the pitch report for Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi?
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch in Abu Dhabi hasn’t crumbled much and is consistent. This 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 and making batting more challenging.
What is Pakistan and Sri Lanka’s record at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi?
As per ESPNcricinfo, the Pakistan side has played 10 T20Is here, winning 7 and losing 3. The Lankans have played 8 matches here, winning 5 and losing 3 times.